Buying Quality Roses: Grades, Types, and What to Look For

Not all roses are equal. Before buying, consider garden size, local climate, and preferred varieties. Then understand grades and forms.

Grafted Rose Grades (Nursery Standards)

• Grade 1: 3+ canes, 3–4" diameter, 2 years old. Best survival, disease resistance, bloom quality. Worth the cost.
• Grade 1½: 2+ canes. Good middle ground.
• Grade 2: Small canes, low quality, often fail within a year. Avoid.

Other Forms

• Bare Root: Dormant, wax-coated. Look for green, plump, heavy canes. Store cool with peat moss (max 2 weeks).
• Potted Container: Bare root pre-planted by nursery. Transplant gently—roots may be sparse.
• Own-Root / Budded: Grafted bud on rootstock. Strong roots but risks: graft failure, suckers, rose mosaic virus (kills plant + spreads).
• Softwood Cuttings (Old Garden Roses): Slower to mature, but become tough, durable, beautiful.

Expert Consensus

Grade 1 grafted roses offer the best balance of vigor, longevity, and performance. Buy from reputable sources, match to your zone, and plant with care.