Can roses grow in heavy clay soil?

Question

I keep hearing that roses can grow in heavy clay soil from doing some research on-line, but I'm skeptical. Here is what I have:

Soil - Clay
Moisture - Moist
Ph - 6.7 - 7.0
Zone - 8
Drainage - Poor to Fair

Plant success in current soil - Daylilies, Peonies, and Asters
Plant failures - Texas Sage

Is it possible to grow roses in clay? I am not too sold on ammending my soil because I have established plants in my garden now and I don't want to upset their balance by dig a giant hole to ammend soil.

Sun - Full Sun about 8 hours a day

Roses interested in - Knock Out, Livin' Easy, Rugosa Robusta, and any other uber hardy rose.

Clay Type - Not too sure, but it is a browish red clay, it cracks when it is hot and is very slimy when wet and you can sink in it if you step on it after a rainy day.

Mulch - Texas mulch about 3" high all around my garden.

Answer 1

Yes, Roses can grow well in heavy clay type soil. You can improve the moisture capability by adding ordinary sand into this area. Purpose of adding sand into clay soil is that it prevent frequent bricking of the soil and it prevents too much nitrogen escaping from those gaps. You might have to mix the soil atleast once a week thoroughly for better results.

The other idea is to put green leaves of some tree(which may not attract insect while decomposing like Azadirachta indica) into this area - this may provide you slow decomposing fertilizer and prevent bricking by bonding.

I have succesfuly grown roses in pure clay soil under extensive heat by adding sand, decomposing leaves. Actually, my dog died and we buried her near my lawn - she was very special - at that time I had only clay to cover the dig - later I planned to plant Gardenia, Rose, Jasmine - Rose & Jasmine grew up without any problem except Gardenia

So you dont have dig any part of your lawn - just add sand and you will have Roses !!!!!!!!

Please check the following links for clay soil care and plants for it.

http://gardening.about.com/od/gardendesign/a/ClayPlants.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_16885_water-clay-soils.html

Answer 2

The clay itself is OK, but the drainage might be a problem . Try a couple & find out . Also try this . Dig down ~ 1/3 as deep as you need for the whole root ball . Then mound soil /compost/manure ( whatever you are using, but some manure is very good for 'em) around it the rest of the way . See what works out better . Don't dig a hole in the clay and fill it with a different type of soil , esp. if the site is level. You get what's known as the "Bathtub Effect" . Water CAN move more readily through the amended soil, ...so it does. You can actually end up concentrating water in the hole .

ps . (this applies to roses in any situation ) If any of the roses should happen to die , remember rule of 3 . ( 3yrs or 3ft. or 3 cu. ft) Rose roots give off some chemical(s) that will kill any subsequent roses. Nobody knows yet, quite how it works, but it does . I've seen a lot of dead roses , & once I heard that, at least half were explained by it. If a rose dies , you need to wait 3 yrs, replace the soil for 3 ft in every direction, or plant the new one at least 3 ft away . Got this info from a knowledgeable source who got it from Adrian Bloom (Blooms of Bressingham) & a couple other growers, so trust it completely . Mention this because it's fairly recent , & not in wide circulation .

Answer 3

Soil For Roses

Answer 4

Why not build raised beds or planter boxes to elevate your roses 8 to 12 inches above the clay layer? That way, you can improve the soil and the drainage at the same time. It will minimize weed growth and greatly improve the appearance of your rose garden.

Use some 2x8, 2x10 or 2x12 redwood or cedar boards to frame your rose bed. Dig the clay soil about 6 to 12 inches deep, and add some compost or other amendments to improve the foundation. Then fill your rose box with high quality topsoil and plant your roses. Water well and fertilize monthly during the growing season with fish emulsion per the directions.

Answer 5

All we have is clay here, and roses do great. We dig the hole out much deeper and wider than the roots. (much wider like 2 feet in diameter at least). Fill around rose with compost or potting soil. It will get going and dig into the clay just fine.

Answer 6

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It is best to add organic matter to the soil and mulch well, but here are some plants that grow in clay soils: bugleweed, daylilies, asters, peonies, astilbe, veronica, monkshood, delphinium, anemone, yuccas, salvias, daisies, moss rose, turk's cap, lantana, and goldenrod. Many of the herbs will grow with a little soil amendment. Good luck!

Answer 7

It depends on the type of Rose & of course is it red clay? There are many wild Rose's that can grow in odd place's & need little care, however I believe I would buy some top soil for starters if it was me. Have a nice day. Mimi

Answer 8

just dig the hole as big or a little bit bigger then the root ball and ammend it! they will certainly die in clay soil! i've tried it. so far i've planted and dug back up my new roses about 6 times this year and they're just now starting to do good!

Answer 9

i dont think they can i would dig a huge hole and add better dirt like topsoil or you could just build a raised bed and plant roses in it then you can make the soil perfect for your roses

Answer 10

yes they can just remember they like good drainage and you need to put a few rocks in the hole you are digging for them .put the rocks at the bottom and then fill with water and then plant and then finish with the soil . good luck .