The best compost for roses: peat-free, nutrient-rich mixes and manures

To get the most from your roses, you’ll need to make sure they have the best possible growing conditions, with the right soil texture and pH level, as well as beneficial nutrients. 

There are several compost and manure mixes out there specifically designed to support roses, and many are versatile enough to nurture other shrubs, trees and fruit and veg too. They work well in pots and containers, but you can also use them when planting out roses in beds or using them as a mulch on top of the soil around the base of plants as they grow.

Scroll down to find the best compost for roses, whether they're young or mature, or in pots or beds. 

These brands offer the best compost for roses

Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium Rose, Tree & Shrub Compost

• For roses at all stages
• Also use for trees and shrubs
• Use in pots or beds
• Feeds for three months

Miracle-Gro is a trusted brand we often turn to for compost; it’s widely available and comes with lots of information about the mixes. 

Rocket Gro Peat-Free Rose Compost

• For roses at all stages
• Also use for planting out all shrubs, annuals and perennials
• Use in pots or beds
• Feeds for three months
• 100% British, organic, vegan and chemical-free

Rocket Gro has become a popular choice in recent years, in part thanks to its transparent, eco-conscious approach. This organic compost is made in Somerset and bagged up using 100% green energy produced on-site. It’s also free from chemicals, animal products and, of course, peat. 

Plus, it’s a versatile blend, packed full of microbes, nutrients and minerals to help roses and other plants flourish, whether they’re in pots or beds. 

Westland No.3 John Innes Mature Plant Compost 

• For established roses 
• Also use for veg and flowers
• Best for pots and troughs
• Feeds for five weeks

Many gardeners and horticulturalists consider John Innes No.3 the best compost for roses, so it's a trusted choice. This mix is designed for re-potting or planting out mature plants, and works best for pots and containers. 

Levington Rose, Tree & Shrub Compost

• Best for young roses
• Also use for young shrubs, trees, root cuttings and seedlings
• Use in pots or beds

Another great option for young roses, this compost blend is designed to be used for pricking out seedlings, potting up root cuttings and moving out young plants into beds. 

It contains 14 minerals to support plant growth, as well as grit and loam; a blend of sand, silt and clay to improve the soil texture.

Harmony Gardens Rose Tree & Shrub Compost

• Best for young roses
• Also use for young trees and shrubs
• Use in pots or beds
• Carbon neutral

If you’re willing to spend a little more to get the best compost for roses, try this mix from Harmony Gardens. Not only is it suitable for pots and beds, but it can also help nurture shrubs and trees too. 

Another big plus point is the brand’s eco-friendly approach; this blend is made from locally and responsibly sourced recycled materials and by-products. It’s also carbon neutral.

Westland Rose Planting & Potting Mix

• For roses at all stages
• Use in pots or beds
• Feeds for up to six months

This dedicated rose compost mix from Westland includes zinc complex to support plant resilience and sulphur to protect against blackspot. 

It's arguably the best compost for roses if you're looking for a long-lasting mix, as the brand claims this blend will continue feeding plants for up to six months.

Verve Peat-free Rose, Tree & Shrub Compost

Buy from B&Q (£8.00)

• For roses at all stages
• Also use for shrubs and trees
• Best for pots and troughs
• Feeds for up to four months

Another compost mix best suited to pots and containers, this one works particularly well for patio roses. It’s made from FSC-certified wood fibre, bark, coir and green compost, blended with topsoil to support both young and mature plants. 

SupaGrow Farmyard Manure

• Best for young roses
• Also use for fruit and veg
• Use in pots or beds

Don’t overlook manure when growing roses. SupaGrow’s Farmyard blend should help boost the soil’s fertility and water retention, and help break up compacted ground.

You can use this manure on any fruit and veg you’re growing too. 

Bulrush Professional Farmyard Manure

• For plants at all stages
• Also use for flowers, fruit and veg, trees and shrubs
• Use in pots or beds

Here’s another versatile option, ideal for use with flowers, shrubs and trees, as well as fruit and veg.

This mix should help boost the soil’s nutrients and moisture retention, whilst helping to stop weeds popping up in your pots and beds. 

Looking for a new rose to grow? You can browse the world's leading rosarian Michael Marriott’s top rose choices for inspiration.