Instructions for planting antique roses
I did a search on GW but didn't find anything here stating specific instructions, so I apologize if this has already been answered before.
I'm looking for information on exactly HOW to start planting roses in the ground. (I have a few of my bands from last year in pots, eager to get into the ground this spring.)
I wouldn't automatically trust the advice of my local nursery, because they only sell the modern and "tree" roses... I am not sure their instructions would be right for antique roses.
I have the typical Bay Area dense clay soil, and the top 12-14" of most of my soil has already been amended over the years at some point with Bumper Crop (or similar wood-based soil amendment). Below 12-14" it's a solid mass of clay.
How deep and how wide do I dig & amend for antique roses, so that they grow to thrive? Should I line the hole with gopher cages? How wide around them should I mulch, and with what (manure, wood chips, etc)? And how much fertilizer do OGRs like through the year?
I've planted fruit trees, which say amend wider but not deeper, and plant a little high so that they can sink in. Just wondering if there's a general rule for OGRs?
Thanks for what must seem like a completely beginner question. I have a veggie garden and fruit trees, but have never planted a single rose in my entire life! Can't wait to start, though.