"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

"Pam - gardengal" wrote in message
news:Wx1bd.236271$D%.36687@attbi_s51...

"Natty_Dread" wrote in message
...
I have several roses in containers, two climbers and a Queen
Elizabeth,
which I want to put into the ground, but I'm wondering if it's too
late
in
the season here to plant them. The spots I've picked out are in full
sun
most of the day throughout the winter, if that matters in this case.
Any
advice for me? Thanks in advance!

Rhonda
Alexandria, VA
Zone 7

As long as the plants you are considering are fully hardy for your zone,
you
can plant at any time up until the soil freezes.

pam - gardengal



Hmmm.....don't you think the plants might like 2-4 weeks to grow more
roots
before the ground freezes?

This is not always a precise concern. Perhaps even less of concern in zones
7 and 8 than in colder areas. Soils seldom freeze soldily down more than a
few inches until mid to late winter and a number of prolonged cold spells.
Since the top soil level is typically above where most roots reside, they
still continue to develop and some trees and broadleaf evegreens will
continue root development even in frozen soils. And we humans tend to get
frightened off from gardening as soon as the weather turns nasty anyway,
allowing enough leeway to accomodate most plantings.

FWIW, in my climate it is never too late for planting :-)

pam - gardengal