10 BEST ROSES FOR SMALL SPACES

Head of Gardens at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and author of The Kew Gardener’s Guide to Growing Roses, Tony Hall shares his advice

Now is the best time to buy and plant new roses. From window boxes to balcony pots, no space is too small if you pick the right variety. Miniature roses, such as ‘Stars ‘n’ Stripes’, will grow in a window box or even a hanging basket, while for a shady spot a rose such as ‘The Poet’s Wife’ will cope well, is perfect for a container and will provide a lovely fragrance.

Often referred to as the Queen of Flowers, roses are highly attractive and sometimes beautifully scented. They make great cut flowers and many are good for wildlife, too, particularly the single-flowered varieties.

While potted roses can be bought and planted all year round, in autumn you can buy and plant bare-root roses,