Roses under oak tree!

Morning everyone! Thanks for letting me join forum

I have a little question about the rather unusual position of my roses, they’re under an oak tree Inherited a 70’s garden last year and everything was overgrown... They’re sort of up about 5ft from where the oak is rooted, the soil isn’t too bad, they get sun at certain times of the day and they seem to be quite happy there!

However, they are against quite an ugly old fence and look really lonely during the winter months (after I cleared all the weeds etc around them last year) What evergreens or winter interest perennials can I plant around them? Thought maybe clematis armandii against the fence? Any ideas and suggestions very welcome! No idea what variety the roses are, but they’re peachy pink/orange and pink/red and smell gorgeous East facing position.

Thanks all! x

 

Welcome Jo. If the roses are healthy and blooming well then they are probably happy where they are. As they are under a tree it would be an idea to feed them a couple of times a year as the tree will be sapping nutrients from the ground. With their height being around 5ft, would you know whether they are shrub roses or climbers? Pictures if you have any would be a great help.

Roses need space and air as they are susceptible to disease, so it's not a good idea to plant other shrubs around them. Low growing, such as ground hugging plants are possible as they will remain clear of the branches.

 

Thank you Sheal!

I meant they’re bedded higher than the tree, sort of terraced, probably about 4 ft of Norfolk topsoil, so guessing that’s how they stay fairly healthy

ok will look at maybe some nice ground cover ideas instead

 

Yes, the tree roots will grow down or across so your roses are in a good position being higher.