Standard roses (or tree roses) are budded onto a stem (or trunk) and are a wonderful way to create height in a rose border. For best effect, it is important to make sure the surrounding roses are lower growing than the stem length of the standard. Standard roses also make superb focal points for mixed borders in small gardens, adding height where needed without dominating the overall design or casting too much shade.

They have many flowers per stem and tend to repeat-flower continuously from summer to late autumn. Give them an open sunny position and any deep well-drained soil including clay. They need plenty of nutrients so add Bonemeal and garden compost or well-rotted manure when planting. Rootgrow (mycorrhizal beneficial fungi) sprinkled on the roots will aid root development. Use a rose fertiliser such as Toprose during the growing season.

Prune roses in early March, removing any dead, weak, diseased or crossing stems. Aim to keep the centre open. Cut back the strongest remaining shoots down to within 25-30cm (10in-1ft) of the top of the trunk. Deadhead regularly. Suckers can develop from both the roots and the trunk and should be removed.

A standard rose must always be securely staked because the weight of the rose, especially when in flower, which could cause the trunk to bend and snap. Use a wooden stake long enough to reach into the head of the rose and secure with a small tree tie with a spacer between the stem and the stake to prevent rubbing.

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