This Is 2023's Trendiest Flower, and it May Already Be Growing in your Garden
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Roses are a classic, but have quickly become the trendiest flower this year
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Spring has sprung, and that means it's time to get growing. If you're deciding which flowers to plant in your garden this season, we have an option you won't want to pass up. This year during The Home Depot's Spring Preview event, they shared one particular flower that is blooming in popularity this year, and that is roses.
If this selection feels a bit out of the blue as a "trend," we understand—roses are a classic, they have always been a fan-favorite choice among gardeners. But because of their gorgeous appeal and easy maintenance, more growers than ever are choosing to plant roses in their gardens this year. The Home Depot is even honoring the rise in rose popularity by adding several new options for gardeners to try and buy.
Whether you're looking to cut them for bouquets or watch them climb along a trellis, we're sharing how to grow the best roses this season with a little help from an expert at The Home Depot, Dan Stuppiello.
Dan Stuppiello is the Division Merchandise Manager of Live Goods at The Home Depot, boasting over 16 years of experience with plants and shrubs.
Why Roses Are Trending This Year
Roses are ready to be a hugely popular flower option to grow this spring and summer—and Stuppiello tells us that it isn't surprising.
"When it comes to expressions of love and beauty, it’s hard to go wrong with rose plants," Stuppiello says. "Timeless and elegant, rose bushes and flower bushes anchor and accent your landscape with character."
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
How to Shop for Roses
Before you run to your local nursery and begin shopping for roses, it's important to know and understand the type of rose you want to grow. Factors to consider are color, cutting ability, and climbing/vining tendencies.
From climbing rose bushes to knockouts and floribundas, there's a variety of roses you can choose from, according to Stuppiello:
Climbing roses can rise anywhere from 8 to 20 feet on arbors, fences, trellises, and larger mailboxes. A pro tip for these is to use rose ties to stabilize new growth as they climb.
Spring Hill Nurseries Cecile Brunner Climbing Rose
Hybrid tea roses grow tall with minimal foliage, with single blooms on each long stem. These are the variety of roses often found in floral arrangements and can be kept alive in vases for several days after they’re cut.
Spring Hill Nurseries Anna's Promise Downton Abby Hybrid Tea Rose
Knockout roses are among the most popular variety of rose bushes, as they are hardy and disease resistant.
Knock Out Red Double Knock Out Rose Bush
Floribunda roses remain compact as they grow, reaching a max height of 2 to 6 feet. They have the same range of colors and bloom structure as hybrid teas, but with multiple blooms on each branch instead of just one.
Spring Hill Nurseries Julia Child Floribunda Rose
Planting and Growing Roses
Before you excitedly begin planting roses, there are a few things to consider. You'll need to determine how much yard space you can realistically dedicate to large climbing rose bushes, as these varieties will need quite a bit of space.
Another factor is ease and maintenance. If you tend to spend lots of time nurturing your garden, roses are the perfect flower for you.
You’ll also want to consider the plant’s size when fully mature, Stuppiello tells us. "New gardeners get excited and pack in their flower beds only to see the roses get crowded as they grow," he explains. "The label on the plant will list the height and width of the mature plant, along with recommended spacing."
If instructions are not available, the rule of thumb is to grow roses in a space that is twice the depth and twice the width of the root structure when planted. Rose roots don’t like to be cramped, so remember that same rule when planting in containers.
The Best Tips for Growing Roses
Roses grow best when planted in the early spring, right as the weather begins to warm, though Stuppiello stresses that they can be planted anytime in the growing season. He also shared a few simple tips and tricks for caring for your roses:
Strong Roses Take Time
All roses take about two years in the garden before really thriving.
Apply Mulch
Roses like a layer of mulch or pine straw 2 to 3 inches thick spread over their root structure.
Sunlight is Key
Roses need plenty of sun. The more sun they have, the more flowers they produce and the less chance of fungus damage. Be sure to plant them where they’ll receive a minimum of six hours of sunlight a day.
Do Not Overwater
Roses do not like wet feet. Do not plant them in areas that consistently get wet or that drain slowly. Water when planting, and then once a week.
Scout for Diseases
When it comes to protecting your roses from fungus, trust a ready-to-use rose and flower insect killer. Be sure what you're using is safe for blooms, but tough on insects.
Read Next:15 Types of Roses for Your Garden
