How to Plant Drift Roses

Drift roses are a popular variety of groundcover roses known for their low, spreading habit and colorful flowers. These hardy plants are easy to care for and make a great addition to any garden. If you’re looking to add some drift roses to your landscape, here’s how to do it:

Drift Roses Overview

Drift roses are a cultivar of groundcover roses developed by the company Proven Winners. They are known for their low, spreading habit and their ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Drift roses are often used as a ground cover or to fill in gaps in garden beds. They are hardy plants that are resistant to diseases and pests, and they are easy to care for. Drift roses are available in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, red, and white. They bloom from spring through fall and can reach a height of about 18 inches.

In addition to their attractive flowers and low maintenance requirements, drift roses are also drought tolerant and can tolerate partial shade. They are well suited to a variety of garden styles, from formal to informal, and can be used in borders, mass plantings, and containers. With their colorful blooms and versatility, drift roses are a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a pop of color to their landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, drift roses are a great addition to any garden.

Ideal Soil Type for Drift Roses

Drift roses prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. They will grow in most soil types, but they thrive in soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting your drift roses, it’s a good idea to test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. This will help you determine if you need to add any amendments to the soil to create optimal growing conditions for your plants.

To test your soil, you can use a soil testing kit or send a soil sample to a local extension office or gardening center for testing. If your soil is too alkaline or acidic, you can adjust the pH by adding lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it. You can also add compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil’s nutrient content and structure.

It’s important to prepare the soil properly before planting your drift roses to ensure that they have the best chance of thriving in their new home.

Choosing a Planting Location for Drift Roses

When choosing a location for your drift roses, consider the following factors:

1. Sunlight: Drift roses need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Choose a location that gets plenty of sun.
2. Soil type: As mentioned earlier, drift roses prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Avoid planting them in heavy clay or soil that stays consistently wet.
3. Space: Drift roses have a spreading habit and can reach a width of up to 3 feet, so make sure you give them enough space to grow.
4. Proximity to other plants: Drift roses are prone to black spots, a fungal disease that can spread to other plants. To prevent the spread of this disease, make sure to plant your drift roses at least 3 feet away from other plants.

Once you’ve chosen the ideal location for your drift roses, make sure to clear any weeds or debris from the area and loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. This will help your drift roses get off to a strong start.

Planting Depth & Spacing for Drift Roses

When planting drift roses, it’s important to plant them at the correct depth and spacing to ensure that they have enough room to grow and thrive.

Planting depth: Drift roses should be planted at the same depth as they were in their nursery pots. To determine the correct planting depth, measure the distance from the top of the root ball to the bottom of the pot. Make sure to plant your drift roses at the same depth in the ground.

Spacing: Drift roses should be planted about 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and to prevent overcrowding. If you’re planting a large area with drift roses, you can space them farther apart, up to 3 feet.

Once you’ve prepared the soil and determined the correct planting depth and spacing, it’s time to plant your drift roses. Dig a hole that is about twice the size of the root ball and gently loosen the roots before placing the plant in the hole. Fill in the hole with soil and gently tamp it down to remove any air pockets. Water the plants thoroughly after planting to help them settle in.

Planting Drift Roses in Containers and Pots

Drift roses can also be planted in containers and pots, making them a great choice for gardeners with limited space or those who want to add some color to their patio or balcony. When planting drift roses in containers, make sure to choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and has drainage holes to prevent excess water from standing in the soil.

To plant drift roses in a container, fill the pot with well-draining potting soil and follow the same planting instructions as for planting in the ground. Make sure to water your container-grown drift roses regularly, as pots tend to dry out more quickly than garden beds. You may also need to fertilize your drift roses more frequently in containers, as the limited soil space means that nutrients can be depleted more quickly.

With proper care, drift roses can thrive in containers and pots, adding a burst of color to your outdoor space.

Types of Drift Roses

There are several different types of drift roses available, each with its own unique characteristics and flower colors. Some popular varieties include:

• Pink Drift: This variety has bright pink flowers and a compact, mounding habit. It reaches a height of about 18 inches and is well suited to small gardens or containers.
• Red Drift: With deep red flowers and a spreading habit, Red Drift is a popular choice for groundcover or filling in gaps in garden beds.
• White Drift: With its pure white flowers and low, spreading habit, White Drift is a versatile addition to any garden.
• Coral Drift: This variety has vibrant coral-pink flowers and a compact, mounding habit. It’s a great choice for small gardens or containers.

In addition to these varieties, there are also several other colors of drift roses available, including shades of yellow, orange, and peach. No matter which variety you choose, drift roses are sure to add a pop of color and interest to your garden.

Varieties of Drift Series Roses

The Drift series includes a range of groundcover roses with a low, spreading habit and colorful flowers. Some popular varieties in the Drift series include:

• Pink Drift Rose: This variety has bright pink flowers and a compact, mounding habit. It reaches a height of about 18 inches and is well suited to small gardens or containers.
• Red Drift Rose: With deep red flowers and a spreading habit, Red Drift is a popular choice for groundcover or filling in gaps in garden beds.
• White Drift Rose: With its pure white flowers and low, spreading habit, White Drift is a versatile addition to any garden.
• Coral Drift Rose: This variety has vibrant coral-pink flowers and a compact, mounding habit. It’s a great choice for small gardens or containers.
• Peach Drift Rose: This variety has soft peach-colored flowers and a compact, mounding habit. It’s a great choice for small gardens or containers.
• Yellow Drift Rose: This variety has bright yellow flowers and a spreading habit. It’s a great choice for adding a pop of color to garden beds or as a ground cover.

In addition to these varieties, there are also several other colors of Drift roses available, including shades of orange and pink. No matter which variety you choose, Drift roses are sure to add a pop of color and interest to your garden.

Fertilizer for Planting Drift Roses

Drift roses are not heavy feeders and generally don’t require a lot of fertilizer. However, adding a bit of fertilizer at planting time can help give your plants a boost and encourage healthy growth.

When fertilizing your drift roses, it’s best to use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). A fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 will work well for drift roses. You can also use a fertilizer specifically formulated for roses, which will contain trace elements that are essential for healthy rose growth.

When planting your drift roses, mix a small amount of fertilizer into the soil at the bottom of the planting hole. Follow the label directions for the appropriate amount of fertilizer to use, as over-fertilizing can harm your plants. After planting, water your drift roses well to help the fertilizer reach the roots.

It’s important to fertilize your drift roses consistently throughout the growing season to keep them healthy and encourage strong growth. However, it’s best to avoid fertilizing them during the hottest months of the year, as this can stress the plants and cause them to drop their flowers.

Watering Drift Roses

Drift roses are drought tolerant and can tolerate dry spells, but they will perform best if they receive consistent moisture. Water your drift roses deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. It’s important to water your drift roses at the base of the plant to avoid getting the foliage wet, as this can increase the risk of fungal diseases.

One way to tell if your drift roses need watering is to check the soil moisture. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil near the base of the plant. If the soil feels dry at this depth, it’s time to water your drift roses. You can also use a moisture meter to check the soil moisture.

In general, it’s best to water your drift roses early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid evaporative losses during the hottest part of the day. Be sure to water your drift roses thoroughly, as deeply watering the plants once a week is generally more effective than watering them lightly every day.

If you’re planting your drift roses in containers, you’ll need to water them more frequently, as pots tend to dry out more quickly than garden beds. Keep an eye on the soil moisture and water your container-grown drift roses as needed to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Mulching Drift Roses

Mulching your drift roses can help keep the soil moist, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. To mulch your drift roses, spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plants, leaving about an inch of space between the mulch and the base of the plant to prevent rot.

There are many different types of mulch that can be used in the garden, including wood chips, straw, and bark mulch. It’s important to choose a mulch that is appropriate for your climate and soil type. For example, wood chips and bark mulch can be acidic and may not be suitable for alkaline soils.

In general, it’s best to avoid using fresh wood chips or grass clippings as mulch, as these materials can rob the soil of nitrogen as they break down. It’s also a good idea to avoid piling mulch up against the stems of your drift roses, as this can lead to rot.

By mulching your drift roses, you can help keep the soil moist and cool, which will help your plants thrive. Just be sure to monitor the mulch and add more as needed throughout the growing season to maintain a consistent layer.

First Growing Season with Drift Roses

In their first growing season, drift roses will need a little extra care to help them establish themselves in their new location. Here are some tips for caring for your drift roses during their first growing season:

1. Water regularly: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged by watering your drift roses deeply once or twice a week.
2. Mulch: Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of your drift roses to help keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.
3. Fertilize: Feed your drift roses with a balanced fertilizer once a month to help them grow strong and healthy.
4. Prune: Prune your drift roses in late winter or early spring to remove any damaged or diseased branches and to encourage healthy growth.
5. Protect from pests: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, thrips, and Japanese beetles, and treat them as needed to prevent infestations.

By following these tips, you can help your drift roses thrive in their first growing season and set them up for success in the years to come.

Ongoing Care for Drift Roses

Drift roses are generally low maintenance and easy to care for, but there are a few things you can do to keep them looking their best:

1. Water regularly: Water your drift roses deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
2. Mulch: Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of your drift roses to help keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.
3. Fertilize: Feed your drift roses with a balanced fertilizer once a month to help them grow strong and healthy.
4. Prune: Prune your drift roses in late winter or early spring to remove any damaged or diseased branches and to encourage healthy growth.
5. Protect from pests: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, thrips, and Japanese beetles, and treat them as needed to prevent infestations.

By following these simple care tips, you can keep your drift roses healthy and flowering throughout the growing season.

Common Issues with Drift Roses

Like all plants, drift roses can sometimes experience issues. Here are some common problems you may encounter with drift roses and how to address them:

1. Black spot: A black spot is a common fungal disease that causes circular, black spots to form on the foliage of roses. To prevent black spots, water your roses at the base of the plant to avoid getting the foliage wet, and prune off any infected leaves. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
2. Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can infest roses and other plants. To get rid of aphids, you can spray your roses with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
3. Thrips: Thrips are tiny, slender insects that can cause damage to roses by feeding on the flowers and leaves. To control thrips, you can use an insecticide specifically formulated to kill thrips.
4. Japanese beetles: Japanese beetles are a common pest of roses and can cause significant damage to foliage and flowers. To get rid of Japanese beetles, you can handpick them off the plants and dispose of them or use a chemical insecticide specifically formulated to kill Japanese beetles.

By being vigilant and addressing issues as they arise, you can keep your drift roses healthy and thriving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting drift roses is a great way to add color and interest to your garden. These low-maintenance plants are easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. To plant drift roses, choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

Plant your drift roses at the same depth as they were in their nursery pots, about 18 inches apart, to allow for proper air circulation. Mulch your drift roses to help keep the soil moist and suppress weeds, and water and fertilize them regularly to encourage healthy growth. With proper care, your drift roses will thrive and add a pop of color to your landscape.