What is a bare root rose? #
Bare root roses are young dormant rose plants that have short pruned stems and exposed roots without soil. They are lifted from the ground during the winter after 18 months of growth and soon after packaged for delivery. Arriving unpotted without foliage or flowers, they are ready for planting straight away. Once planted, they will be able to make fast shoot growth in the spring.
What is the difference between bare root roses and potted roses? #
Bare root roses are younger dormant plants. They are sold with exposed roots devoid of soil and without foliage, to be planted immediately upon arrival. They are best planted in November to establish their root system in preparation for the growing period in Spring. Potted roses however are already established, allowing for year-round planting into either the ground or containers. Arriving potted and planted in peat-free compost, they can stay in their container until the end of the season.
What are the benefits of bare root roses? #
Buying bare root roses can be beneficial for a number of reasons. Since bare root roses do not need soil or a pot, this means there is less packaging thus making it easier, cheaper and more sustainable to send. Buying bare root roses can also benefit the growth of the plant since they can concentrate on establishing a healthy root system first, leading to faster growing foliage in the spring than newly planted potted roses.
However, as bare root roses need planting soon after arrival, they are usually more suited to the avid gardener than as gifts. They need slightly more attention from the recipient than a potted rose, and as such we have made the decision to only sell potted roses this season. This means all the hard work is done for you, and you can rest safe in the knowledge that our specialist Rose Care Team have taken care of the hard parts for you!
How long does it take for bare root roses to grow? #
If planted and cared for over the winter, you can expect to see your bare root plant growing foliage in the spring when the weather becomes warmer.
Particularly in the first summer, bare root roses can often grow quicker than newly planted potted roses. Between November and March, rose plants will be in a natural dormant phase and will not be creating foliage. During this time, the bare root plants will concentrate on establishing a healthy root system below the soil, allowing the plant to focus its energy on producing new foliage in the spring. Whereas new potted roses planted in the spring will need to focus on growing both the root system and the foliage, consequently slowing down their growing time.
How long does it take for bare root roses to flower? #
As long as your rose has received the care it requires over the winter months, you should start to see your bare root rose burst into flower during the summer. Some varieties have a longer flowering period and can continue to create beautiful blooms into the early autumn. The flowering period of your bare root rose will also depend on seasonal, environmental and weather conditions.
When are bare root roses available to order? #
Bare root roses are usually available from November – March.They are in their dormant phase so have no foliage or flowers, and have short, pruned stems. Delivered without soil, the roots are trimmed and ready for planting this winter.
How do I plant my bare root rose? #
- Remove the bare root rose from all of the packaging. Store the rose in a cool, dark place away from strong wind and frost.
- It is best to plant your rose on the day of delivery, however it will be fine for up to 48 hours if stored in a cool, dark place. If you are not ready to plant your bare root rose, you can store it for up to 2 weeks. It is vital that it is stored in a dark and cool place, such as a shed or garage, away from wind and frost and kept moist at all times. You can achieve this by wetting the roots and covering them with wet compost or newspaper.
- Lightly prune the stems and roots to help promote new growth.
- Soak the roots in a bucket of water for at least 1 – 2 hours before planting.
- Dig a hole and prepare the soil. This needs to be big enough for the roots, approx 16″ (40cm) wide by 16″ (40cm) deep. Break up the soil at the base of the hole with a fork.
- Sprinkle mycorrhizal fungi evenly onto the base of the planting hole.
- Place the bare root rose in the centre with the base of the stems about 5cm below the soil.
- Fill in the hole with a good quality loam based compost and lightly press the soil around the plant.
- Water regularly. Water your rose well and then keep doing this regularly so it doesn’t dry out.
- Continue watering and wait until spring when you can expect to see new growth and foliage. Then, when the warm summer months come around, you will be able to enjoy all the beautiful blooms your rose produces!
When is the best time to plant bare root roses? #
November is generally regarded as the best time to plant roses, however the bare root season typically stretches between Oct – March, so any time in this window is good to plant. You’ll want to avoid planting in frozen or waterlogged soil, so late autumn and early spring generally make the groundwork easier. The rose will still be dormant for this period, thus making it easier to handle, and giving it time to establish a healthy root system before the growing season begins.
Roses start to come out of their dormant phase around March, so this is when bare root season ends, and roses will no longer be delivered with their roots exposed. Potted roses are available year round, and can also be planted at any point, due to them having soil in which to establish their root system.
How long can bare root roses be stored before planting? #
Bare root roses can be stored for up to 2 weeks before planting. However, they must be kept in a cool, dark place away from strong wind and frost. The roots must also be kept moist and never be left to dry out. You can achieve this by wetting the roots and covering them with wet compost or newspaper. Alternatively, you can temporarily ‘heel them in’ by loosely covering the bare root plant with moist soil. You can do this by placing the plant at a 45 degree angle in a trench or bucket located in a dark, shady area. Then, loosely cover it with soil until you are ready to plant it in its new position.
Should you prune bare root roses? #
When you receive your bare root rose, the stems and roots will have been pruned for the bare root season already. However, we advise that you lightly prune them again before planting to promote new growth. We also advise that you prune away any damaged or weak roots and stems to ensure your plant has a happy and great start to growing.
Roses should also have their stems lightly pruned again in February/March, before the growing season starts and while the plant is still dormant. This will take off any tips that may have been damaged by frosts over the winter, and will help encourage new, healthy growth in the coming months when the rose begins to grow again.
FAQs & Troubleshooting Advice: #
What to do if I can’t plant my bare root rose straight away? #
It is recommended that you plant your bare root rose as soon as possible. However, if you cannot plant it straight away (such as due to the frozen ground or severe weather conditions), it is important to keep your bare root rose in a cool, dark place. It is also vital that you keep your bare root rose moist and free from frost. An ideal storage location would be in a dark area of a garden shed or garage for up to 2 weeks. Alternatively, you can temporarily ‘heel them in’ by loosely covering the bare root plant with soil. You can do this by placing the plant at a 45 degree angle in a trench or bucket located in a dark, shady area. Then, loosely cover it with moist soil until you are ready to plant it in its new position.
Why are there no leaves on my bare root rose? #
Bare root roses are in a dormant state and will not have any leaves during the winter months. Roses are deciduous plants and will naturally lose their leaves in the autumn and make new fresh foliage growth in the spring. You should start to see new foliage growing on your rose by April/May.
How do I know if my bare root rose is alive? #
Since bare root roses are dormant and pruned down, they don’t look very lively over the winter months. Do not worry as this is how they are supposed to look and they will not produce any new foliage until the warmer spring months.
However, there are some signs you should look out for that may indicate your rose is unwell or damaged. Firstly, check to see if there is any mould, rot, mildew or odour. It is also important to ensure that the roots have not dried out – ideally the roots and stems should feel firm and moist. Please prune away any unhealthy roots that look damaged, light, limp or mushy.
If you are still concerned about whether your rose is alive, you can try pruning the stems. Green growth inside the stem is a good sign that your rose is alive and growing. The growing progress of your rose will vary between rose variety and depend on seasonal, environmental and weather conditions. Sometimes, your bare root rose will just need a bit more care and time, so please don’t give up as roses are naturally hardy plants.
How do I get rid of mould on my bare root roses? #
If you find mould on your bare root rose, simply wash off the mould with water. If it is on a smaller area, you can also prune off that section.
My bare root rose has red and white shoots. What do I do? #
If your bare root rose has red and white shoots on the roots, this means your bare root rose is starting to grow and should be planted right away. Don’t prune them off as they are healthy signs that your rose’s roots are ready to grow.
