Rose bushes generally need to be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth and drought resistance. The typical watering frequency depends on the age of the rose, weather, soil type, and climate:
- Newly planted roses should be watered every 2 to 4 days during the first few weeks to keep the soil consistently moist, increasing to every other day in hot weather
- Established roses typically require watering about once a week, providing 1 to 2 inches of water per week during the growing season
. In hotter climates or sandy soils, watering may need to be more frequent, possibly twice a week
- During cooler months or if there has been substantial rainfall (15-20mm per week), watering can be reduced or skipped
- Watering should be done early in the morning at the base of the plant to minimize fungal diseases and avoid wetting the foliage
- Deep watering is preferred over shallow frequent watering to promote strong root systems
- For container-grown roses, watering is more frequent—often daily in hot weather and every 2-3 days in cooler weather
In summary, water rose bushes deeply about once a week during the growing season, adjusting frequency based on weather, soil, and plant maturity, with more frequent watering for new or container roses and less in cooler or rainy periods. Always water at the base early in the day to avoid disease