The distance between roses (Rosa spp.) when they're planted is a significant factor for their long-term health. Proper spacing prevents problems with disease and allows room for the rose to attain its optimal growth and form. There's a rose variety to suit every U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone. How far apart roses should be planted depends on the size the roses you're planting will be at maturity.
You should generally space plants based on their spread and height at maturity. Crowded plants can become misshapen and plant health is compromised when they can't access water and nutrients in the soil. Roses are particularly noted for needing space to meet their requirements and to avoid competition for sunlight, water and nutrients. Maintenance tasks are also easier when there's adequate room to move around the plant.
Roses should be planted in a site with full sun. If that's not possible, choose a site that gets at least six hours of sun, preferably with morning sun so morning dew will quickly dry from the foliage. Roses are susceptible to fungal diseases and one of the keys to disease control is making sure the foliage isn't constantly wet. Air should be able to circulate freely around the plant, so keep the area around the roses clear of tree and shrub roots and creeping vegetation or weeds.
Roses vary greatly in size. As a rule of thumb, a rose bush should d be spaced at a distance that's two-thirds its maximum height at maturity. Generally, space miniature rose varieties a minimum of 10 inches apart, floribundas and hybrid tea roses are planted two feet apart, and grandifloras and English rose varieties should be spaced at three feet apart. Climbing roses need six feet minimum space between plants, but 10 feet allows a more open growth habit and makes maintenance easier.
Additional Rose Spacing Considerations
Make sure the roses still have plenty of sun and good air circulation if you deviate from the recommended spacing. Staggering the plants, for example in a formation resembling the letter W, helps the rose bushes grow into a privacy screen, while keeping the optimal spacing. Leave at least 20 inches between the rose and the edge of the bed. Choose disease-resistant varieties and quality stock to reduce the potential for diseases.
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