I have a VERY small yard and only a limited amount of direct sun. I'm in the Pacific Northwest so sun is a premium. This year I was thinking about growing some roses in a whiskey barrel. Maybe even in a large plastic pot. Im not even sure this will work but I have found some evidence through Google searching that people do it.

I am partial to white and yellow roses and thought maybe miniature roses would do well. If you have any suggestions I'm all ears!

Garden Mob is a great source of info! Thanks for the link IHeartGardening. But they don't seem to mention container gardening.

Well if it works this year, I will post some pictures and results.

hi phempton...

I have grown several of the common rose bushes in large containers. It's a good idea if your sunny location is hit or miss because you can drag the rose around to the sunny spot. But they need a pretty big container and may be pretty heavy. I hope you're fit! Just don't forget to water it every day during warm weather. Roses hate to dry out and will definitely suffer.

Martha

I live in Arkansas and have  had good luck wit roses in containers. Be sure the pot size fits the rose size and give adequate water during hot, dry months. A pot will also allow for good drainage during the soggy months. The rose I have in a pot is called "Seven Sisters" here in the South and can grow quite large if allowed. I do keep mine pruned to a manageable size and root prune it every Spring. I feed Miracle-gro throughout the Spring and Summer. Good Luck!

Root pruning is something I've never done. Do you just let the soil dry out a bit, pull the rose out of the pot and trim away the less/more vigorous roots?

I have this large patio pot (20-30 gallon) that I think I will start with a rose bush very early next Spring) . I'll have to check on Seven Sisters.

Patrick

I'm not sure but root pruning may be used in bonsai. I have a large courtyard and like to "Fill" it in the summer months with potted plants. I try to keep plants in the same size for for a couple of years before I "bump" them up to the next size. I can do this by root pruning. I allow the plant to dry somewhat so when I take the plant out of the pot, the soil and root system remains intact. I then take a large knife and trim away one to two inches of roots and soil all around the sides and from the bottom. I may even take off more than two inches from the bottom, depending on how vigorous a grower the plant is. I do this to all my courtyard plants very early in the spring. I fill the void with a potting soil mixture and feed/water well. Be sure to use a knife appropriate for the size of the root ball and one that has been sterilized. Diseases can be spread by unsanitary tools.

Good luck and have fun!

Jeanne