Bare root roses are just what the name suggests: roses sold with exposed roots.
These plants are harvested and stored in their dormant form, which means the rose is not expending its energy growing. If you’ve ever seen a bare root rose and wondered if it’s dead, don’t worry! It’s just conserving energy until it’s planted and the exposed roots are given the nutrients needed to produce new, green growth.
There is no need to be intimidated when planting this type of rose form. It is just as simple as planting a more mature rose bush with a large root ball.
The main difference is that bare root roses have typically been harvested after only 1 or 2 years in the ground, which means they will not be as large and leafy as a rose purchased in a 2- or 3-gallon nursery container.
But while the size of the rose bush is smaller at first, you can see flowers produced as quickly as 2–3 months after planting.
Watch our rose expert demonstrate how to plant a bare root rose step by step!
7 Steps For Planting A Bare Root Rose:
When you receive your rose, soak the roots in a bucket of water for at least 8 hours. Be sure to change the water daily if you are not able to plant the rose immediately.
Inspect the canes and the roots, trimming off anything damaged.
Select a planting location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Dig your hole a few inches deeper and wider than the roots. You want enough space so that the roots are not bunched up when you plant them.
Check the hole depth to ensure that the knot or bud union will be buried 2–3” below the soil surface.
Place the roots in the hole and add soil back in.
Give the rose a good soaking drink immediately after planting. Water deeply every day or two until the rose is established.