Planting Bare-Root Roses in Florida Winter: Protecting New Plants from Freezing Temperatures

Plant Now—They're Dormant

Bare-root roses arrive dormant. Planting now (even with a 24°F night) is ideal. The soil below the surface stays above freezing, and roots will grow all winter, giving a head start on spring.

Freeze Protection

Mound soil, compost, or mulch 8 inches up the canes after planting. This insulates the bud union and lower canes. Roses can regenerate from just 2 inches of living cane.

If You Can't Plant Immediately

"Heel them in": dig a slanted trench, lay roses at an angle with tops exposed, cover roots with soil, leave top 8 inches of canes bare. Keep roots damp (not frozen). They'll wait safely until spring.

Fertilizer Rule

No fertilizer until after first bloom. Early feeding pushes top growth before roots can support it. Let the plant invest in its root system first.