1.Mix in at least one bucket of well-rotted organic matter per square metre, ideally farmyard manure, in the area where roses are to be planted.
2.For a single rose plant, dig a hole roughly twice the width of the plant's roots and the depth of a spade's blade.
3.Apply general fertiliser, at 100g per sq m (3oz per sq yd) over the surface of the planting area and fork it in.
4.Carefully tease out the roots of container plants because, if this is not done, the roots may be very slow to extend outwards, leaving the young plant more susceptible to drought in summer.
5.Place the rose in the centre of the hole and, using a small cane to identify the top of the planting hole, ensure the graft union (i.e. where the cultivar joins the rootstock and the point from which the branches originate) is at soil level (not below as this is reported to increase the risk of rose dieback).
6.Back-fill gently with the excavated soil and organic matter mixture.
7.Spacing depends on type and habit. Check catalogue or label details.