Advantages
·
Decorative Baskets add
to the beauty of a rose.
·
You are able to use
your landscape space more efficiently since Baskets can be spaced a little
closer than plants in the ground. Just make sure the plants still get adequate
air circulation and growing room.
·
Baskets are portable.
Move them to the patio for your garden party. Group them for added impact and
fragrance. Control the micro-climate by moving them for protection from extreme
weather that we have in Florida every 3 to 5 years.
·
Baskets can be turned
occasionally to maximize light exposure on all sides of the plant.
·
You can better control the
soil quality.
·
Baskets are more
accessible, you can work with reduced need for bending and stooping. Which
after this last week of a sore back, 2 visits to the chiropractor & one for a sports massage less bending and stooping sounds good to me. Baskets are less accessible to many pests.
·
You can eliminate
competition from other plants.
·
Basketed plants are
easier to water, spray and fertilize.
·
Gardeners can see how
the plants look before committing them to the landscape. Big point as I’m not sure where my roses are
going to end up.
·
Baskets can be
isolated for treatment of pests or disease.
·
Baskets are great for
areas with poor soil or poor drainage.
Disadvantages
·
Baskets require more
water than most containers.
·
There are limited
types of roses suited for Basket adaptability.
·
Baskets require more
frequent feeding and watering.
·
Plants in Baskets are
more susceptible to overheating and freezing.
·
Baskets plants may
require re-potting as they grow.
·
They must be moved
indoors or winterized, if you live where it gets cold.
·
Baskets may experience
soil compaction.
·
Baskets that are large
can also be heavy.
·
If you decide to plant
the rose in the ground later, it may be a large plant to move.
Caring for Basket Roses
Soil - Use a quality potting soil mix.
Light - Provide light as dictated by the variety. Roses generally need full sun.
Water - Water as needed to keep the roots moist for maximum flowering. Avoid getting water on the leaves.
Food - Use diluted plant food. Since water drains out more quickly, so will the fertilizer.
Temperature - Take extra care to prevent freezing.
Grooming - Deadhead spent blossoms and watch for disease and pests
Pruning - Remove old canes and close or crossing canes
Repot - Increase Basket size as needed when growth dictates.