When is the best time to plant Knockout Roses in North Georgia?

Question

I live in N. Georgia (USA) and I want to grow a rose bush. Knockouts are sold around here all the time and are fairly cheap, and am wondering when is the best time to put one in the ground?

I started one this past spring and lost it to a combination of over watering, black spot mold, not enough sun, and then drought (hey, its been a fun year).

I'm going to pick a sunnier spot this time so the mold shouldn't be as much of an issue and will take care and do a better job watering too.

Should I start one now (later October/early November we should be getting a frost any day now) or wait until Spring?

Answer 1

Personally I think Autumn (Fall) is the best time of year to plant things like perennials, shrubs, trees...

Disclaimer: That said, late Autumn (Fall) planting can be a little risky depending on exactly what it is you're planting...

Planting - Rose Culture for Georgia Gardeners via University of Georgia

The planting season for roses in Georgia is November through March. Late spring planting of bare-root plants is risky because the new growth forced by warm temperatures will drain an unestablished root system of stored food. Container-grown plants are a better choice for late planting.

I say good for it now (end of October) or sometime within the next 2 to 3 of weeks (by mid November).

• Choose a full-sun location.

  • Morning sun is important.

  • A little bit of late afternoon shade isn't a problem.

• Good air circulation around the plant is important.

• Roses like a fertile, well drained soil.

  • Though they will tolerate a wide range of soils, except those that stay wet.

• Prepare the chosen location by putting down a 4inch (100mm) thick layer of organic matter (compost, leaf mold, well rotted farmyard manure, etc), then dig that into the soil -- you will want to dig down at least 12inches (300mm).

• When planting I like to add (mix in) a little bone meal into the back fill material.

Below are some resources I believe you will find helpful/useful:

• Rose Culture for Georgia Gardeners via University of Georgia

  • Planting

• Roses in Georgia: Selecting and Growing Techniques via University of Georgia

• Our Rose Garden via University of Illinois Extension

  • Planting

  • Winter Protection

• Roses: Selecting and Planting via University of Missouri Extension

  • Planting

• Roses: Care After Planting via University of Missouri Extension

  • Winter protection

I highly recommend you read the above documents/articles, especially read up on "planting" and "Winter protection".

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Good luck!