Help & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ordering & Delivery

What do Eastcroft Roses look like when gift wrapped? 

All Eastcroft Roses are delivered in premium, present-style wrapping designed for a luxury unboxing experience. Whether you choose a potted or bare root rose, your plant is carefully wrapped and includes clear variety labelling and an optional personalised gift message. 

How long does shipping take? 

All of our roses are dispatched using Next Delivery Service. There are no weekend deliveries. In extreme hot weather we will not dispatch on Fridays. Orders are dispatched within 24 hours, excluding weekends and bank holidays. We are only a phone call away if you have a deadline or would like to delay delivery to a later date. 

Where does Eastcroft Roses deliver?

We currently ship across Mainland UK. At this time, we do not ship to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, or to Offshore Islands. Delivery to Isle of Wight and Scottish Highlands (excluding Islands) incurs supplementary payment. For full postcode details please visit our Delivery Information Page.

Rose Care & Maintenance

What are rose suckers and how do I remove them? 

Rose suckers are vigorous shoots that grow from the rootstock rather than the grafted variety. They are usually lighter in colour with different leaf shapes. To remove them, do not cut them; instead, trace the shoot back to the root (below the soil) and pull it away firmly. This prevents regrowth and ensures the energy goes to your rose. See our article on suckers here. 

What is the best time to prune roses? 

We recommend pruning your roses in spring after the winters months, when they are coming into growth. For large roses, climbing and rambling roses, it can be worthwhile to do a part pruning in the autumn, and a final pruning in the spring. See here for more on pruning roses.

What is the best way to water roses?

Always water roses at the base (the root) and avoid getting the foliage wet. For the first two years after planting, ensure the water reaches the deep root system. Keeping water off the leaves is the most effective way to prevent fungal diseases like Blackspot. See here for more on watering roses. 

Why do my rose leaves have Blackspot? 

Blackspot is a common fungal disease worse in wet summers and humid conditions. A lot depends on the variety. More modern varieties usually have better resistance. If you know you have problems with Blackspot it is a matter of prevention, rather than cure by using a rose fungicide. There are many products available both organic and non-organic to suit every need. To treat it, if you get it, remove and discard affected leaves (do not compost them) and apply a rose fungicide. 

What compost is best for roses? 

For the best result, use John Innes No.3 or a dedicated rose compost. We strongly advise against using multi-purpose compost, as roses require more structure than this offers. 

General Rose Queries 

Which roses have the strongest fragrance? 

Fragrance is subjective. Many people think Hybrid-Teas's are the most fragrant roses E.g. Mum in a Million, Pacific Blue and Chandos Beauty), but there are plenty of Climbing Roses, e.g. Scent from Heaven and Floribunda e.g. Blue for You, Eyes for You, Minerva and even some Miniatures/Ground Cover e.g. Scented Carpet that also have good fragrance. 

Which roses are thornless or pet-friendly? 

There are not many thornless roses, but there are a few. Zéphirine Drouhin is the primary thornless rose in our collection. There are also several varieties that have few thorns, for gardens with children or pets, we recommend Madame Alfred Carriére, Burgandy Ice and Lilac Bouquet.

Do all roses produce hips? 

All roses will produce hips (seed pods), which is why we deadhead. Rambling roses typically produce clusters of small hips. Rosa Rugosa for example, has large, tomato-shaped hips which adds to its charm.

To encourage more flowers on any rose you should deadhead because the plant will put its energy into producing the hips rather than more flowers.  

What type of pot is best for roses? 

Because roses have deep roots, you should use a deep, portrait-oriented pot rather than a shallow one. Ensure the pot has ample drainage holes and consider "pot feet" to elevate it, allowing water to drain freely and preventing root rot. See our Growing Roses in Containers page here. 

What does the "Appellation" of a rose mean? 

The appellation is the unique breeder's code or registered name for a specific rose variety. While a rose may have a commercial "marketing name" (like Mum in a Million), the appellation is its official identity used by growers worldwide. The same variety can be sold in difference countries under different names but the appellation is always the same. 

Returns & Exchanges

What should I do if my rose arrives damaged? 

We maintain strict quality standards, but if your rose is damaged in transit, please contact us immediately at 07710 028 737 or email sales@eastcroftroses.co.uk as soon as possible with photographs. We will prioritise a replacement or resolution for you.