THE EARLY PLANTING OF ROSES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 19, 8 May 1912, Page 37

THE EARLY PLANTING OF ROSES.

A correspondent of “The Garden” writes: — Probably few points in rose culture are more unanimously agreed upon than the benefits of early planting. Let it In* done as soon as the plants can be lifted, even if not quite so ripe as they would be a little later on. The object is to get the roots in while the ground is still fairly warm and conducive to the formation of fresh roots. We all know how very quickly these are formed when a plant is lifted and the roots laid in soil for a few days, and this hint from Nature might well be followed more than it generally is. By getting the plants in early roots are made, and these help the bushes to pass through the winter, because sufficient moisture can be supplied to counteract the drying from frost and wind. T have lifted and planted in September: but that was in the case of plants growing upon the Manetti stock, which is much earlier in ripening than the Briar, upon which the majority of roses are now worked. There need be little fear of shrivelling, even if the plants are still carrying several leaves. Let these be removed. and most of the strain in regard to sap absorption is also taken away.

This early lifting and planting has a great tendency towards more mature ripening, and a check in this direction commends itself to me more than that from a sharp frost while the plants are still in growth. At least, such has been my experience. Once we lifted •<» ne plants extra early for importation: they were in full leaf, and would have shriv piled very much. In this case, having a tew days to spare, the plants were buried in soil for a time. When taken out it was surprising how well tin* leaves tell olf. and how sound and plump the wood remained. It is worth trying again, and then planting early. At all events, the rose-beds m-ay 1m» got ready, for there are very few weeks before we must bo busy in transplanting. I’nless I could plant my roses early. I would much pre fer waiting until spring, for I am nn believer in winter planting. The above recommendation is one that we can heartily endorse, as we would at any time rather plant roses in .Mandi or during April (months which correspond with the Englishman’s September and October) than at any time during the vear.—“The Amateur Gardener.”