Well, I have no help...I'm so confused about what's best for my potted roses. LOL But, I'd love to hear what others say. I do know that inorganic fertilizer works way better than organic.

I use Dr. Earth Rose mix or the All Purpose Mix not sure if it made a difference with my roses I have not used anything else to compare. I also use Dr. Earth rose fertilizers too.

https://drearth.com/product/total-advantage-rose-flower-planting-mix/

It went pretty well in my pot getto to use Black Gold potting mix. The Miraclegrow Organic almost killed all the plants, it had an incredibly strong toxic smell.

I like Miracle Gro Moisture Control (different from Miraclegro Organic mentioned above , which I agree is bad).

Below are Rosie the Riveter and Heirloom, enjoying their MiracleGro Moisture Control.

Wow BenT!!

benT, what size pots do you use?

BenT you win.. I will buy an Heirloom. Yours look so healthy and lovely, I keep passing this rose up on J&P. Every time I see yours I think wow I should get this rose and I dont. You have me sold I need it.

I don't keep roses long-term in pots, but for other plants I used to use something called MetroMix when it was carried at the BigBox stores. It's a professional product that was just wonderful for everything. I haven't found a replacement. We get a lot of rain and the Miracle-Grow is too water retentive here, unfortunately. I'm sure someone sells the MM products: there were various mixes for different uses.

Helen posted on another thread that she uses Miracle Gro - either the regular or the moisture control, but NOT the organic (it has different ingredients). Helen’s container roses are also amazing, so between Helen & Ben, I’m also trying it this year. But, like vaporvac said, the regular Miracle Gro has a lot of peat, so if you get a lot of rain it might retain water. (I bought it at Home Depot.)

P.S. If you search, there are a ton of threads about this, which makes It difficult as there are so many different opinions. But, here’s the recent thread I was referring to:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5870429/potting-soil-mix#n=35

Thank you everyone!

BenT - do you mulch your pots as well?

Just ordered Heirloom from J&P, free shipping on select roses and Heirloom was one of the free shipping.

Oh BenT!!! Your Blue For You is incredibly beautiful!!! Unbelievable!!!! Oh my heavens!!!! Swoon!!! And your Soul Sister has so many incredible blooms!

Ben you are KILLING me. I am going to get Blue for You....maybe Rhapsody in Blue as well. And I did get Heirloom seeing that picture of yours.

You folks getting Blue For You will love it. Not only colorful as an Easter basket full of pink and blue eggs, but it has a wonderful scent of baked spiced apples ! (The fragrance comment was originally Kim’s (roseseek), but I totally agree).

Cyndita,

I remember that thread, Helen and I use the same Miracle Gro Moisture Control.

Haku,

Yes, I put a light mulch on my pots, here in the hot South it’s all about retaining moisture.

RinB is also hardy to Z5 and grows in a difficult partly shaded spot at Freedom Gardens. It was a handsome vigorous rose.... I don't know why I don't have it.

Bent that photo of blue for you makes me so happy that I ordered it this year, I can only hope mine looks that beautiful some day.

Jaime, as far as potting soil goes i use the miracle grow moisture control for my annuals in pots but, as stated up top i found it seams to absorb lots of water when it rains.

I do however grow a number of clematis in large containers year round and for those i like to use fox farms ocean floor potting soil or Happy frog. I also use these two for my new rose bands, they are a bit pricey for soil but considering how long some of these plants can live and the money we spend to get them i think it's worth it IMP.