Planting a Bare-Root Rose: Proper Care for Stronger Plants

Proper bare-root care leads to healthier roses. Buy bare roots (dormant plants shipped without soil) and plant in late winter (warm climates) or early spring (cold climates). Potted plants already growing can be planted anytime from spring through early fall.

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Tips for Planting Bare-Root Roses

If bare roots arrive before you're ready, protect them until planting. Roots stay moist, they're fine for a day or two. Open plastic wrapping, refresh roots in a bucket of water if planting within 12 hours. Otherwise, sprinkle with water and leave wrapped in plastic for a day or two.

For longer delays, heel them in: stand upright in a bucket or lay at 45° in a shallow, shaded trench. If ground is frozen, pot them in a large container. Cover roots and top third of plant with soil, compost, or peat moss. Water as needed to keep roots moist. Plant as early as possible to avoid damaging new roots and top growth.

How to Plant Bare-Root Roses

Give roses the right environment: at least 6 hours sun, permanent site away from competing trees/shrubs. Don't plant where another rose died.

1. Before planting, soak roots in water for at least 2 hours (max 12). Prune broken, injured, or overly long roots.

2. Dig a hole 12–18 inches deep and 2 feet wide, keeping backfill close. Add two shovelfuls of composted manure or compost to the hole, mix into bottom soil. Set plant in hole, spread roots evenly. Position so bud union (swelling at base of grafted plant) is 1 inch above soil in warm climates, 1 inch below in cold climates. Use shovel handle as guide. Own-root roses (grown from cuttings, no bud union) plant ~1 inch deeper than pot depth.

3. Backfill two-thirds full, add water, let drain to settle soil. Fill hole completely; water again.

4. Prune new roses back by one-third to concentrate energy on root growth; remove dead/broken wood for strong canes. For container-grown roses, minimize pruning at planting. Wait several weeks until leaves develop and canes grow; then feed.