It’s all about Roses!
Shop our large selection of stunning, home-grown roses in store & online at bents.co.uk. From petite patio to beautiful bush roses, there really is a rose for every occasion you can think of.
From Alfred and Margaret Bent growing and selling roses in the front garden of their terraced house to where we are today, Bents has flourished, and the humble rose is still at the heart of our business. To celebrate where we started 85 years ago, we are holding an in store Rose festival where we will be celebrating all things Roses.
Rose care from our experts
Planting
Dig to about a spades depth and mix in organic material – we recommend Westland Rose Planting and Potting Mix. If planting in the Autumn and Winter, use a mug full of Bonemeal mixed in too. Remove the rose from the pot and plant so that the top of the root ball (and the union) are at or slightly below soil level. Firm well with your foot. Water thoroughly. Roses don’t like being planted where roses have grown before – it is known as Replant Sickness. If you have no choice but to plant where roses have been, change some of the soil for fresh Topsoil and use Root grow in the planting hole – this product contains beneficial mycorrhizal fungi which enable the plant to develop a robust root system.
Aftercare
Feed in early spring with a dedicated rose food (Toprose or Westland Rose food) and again at Midsummer – mix in with the soil and water in well. Water your rose until it is well established – often the first Spring after planting is most crucial. Water thoroughly as roses are deep rooted and then leave them – little and often is not so effective.
Pruning
Repeat flowering bush and shrub Roses are best pruned in the early Spring (February/March) – remove dead, diseased, damaged, or crossing growth and then prune the remainder back by a half to two thirds. They can also be pruned lightly in the Autumn if desired. If possible, prune to an outward facing bud.