HIGH OR LOW PLANTING - Part 4

Articles In This Section:

· TIME TO PLANT

· ORDERING

· UNPACKING ROSE PLANTS

· SPACING

· HIGH OR LOW PLANTING - Part 1

· HIGH OR LOW PLANTING - Part 2

· HIGH OR LOW PLANTING - Part 3

· HIGH OR LOW PLANTING - Part 4

· SOIL REPLACEMENT

· POSITION

The planting of standards should be done similarly to bushes, except that the stake should be driven in before digging commences, and the mound, instead of being in the centre of the hole, is formed against the stake. Standard stocks- R. canina in most cases so far-have roots on only three sides The side without roots is placed against the stake.

The stakes for standards should be durable and provide support and protection to the stock from sunburn. For each purpose a good heavy stake is desirable.. Red gum is inferior to harrah, for it hends and twist badly. Stakes should be one and a half or two inches square and three feet long. Placing the stakes in position is easier while the bed is still level.. Having chosen the exact spot for the stake, drive it into the ground so that one surface faces south-south-east. Against this surface the standard should be planted. Then it is shaded by the stake at the hottest time of the day, when the sun is in the north-north-west. Standard stocks can be badly damaged by sunburn, particularly if the weather is not only hot but dry, and the sap is flowing too slowly, due to inadequate watering.

The hole should be dug on the appropriate side of the stake and the mound formed so that the base of the stock of the plant will be three or four inches below soil level. Drive the stake farther into the ground until its top is about one inch lower than the budding. If the stake is higher than the budding it is not only unsightly but is apt to damage the rose.

Loosely tie the standard to the top of the stake immediately after planting. The looseness will allow the plant to sink a little with the soil. In a few days untie and retie. The material used for ties should never be very durable. The trunk of the standard increases fairly quickly in diameter and long-lasting ties become too tight. They then cut into the bark on the side of the stock farthest from the stake, with consequent interference with plant-feeding. It is best to choose leather or thin rope, which will rot before they have a chance to cause damage. Use only one tie. If a second is used at a lower level and the upper tie breaks in a strong wind, the stem of the standard is apt to break at the lower tie.