Bare root rose planting instructions

Bare root roses are an easy and inexpensive option for early season planting. These dormant plants are often sold in plastic bags filled with moist sawdust to keep the plants hydrated until planting.

Follow these bare root rose instructions to ensure a vibrant and healthy rose:

1. Soak the roots in a bucket of water for 8-12 hours before planting.
2. Trim canes so they are approximately 8″ long. Remove any damaged canes.
3. Dig a hole approximately 18″ wide and 18″ deep.
4. Add compost or soil conditioner and mix with the soil dug from the hole.
5. Form a mound of the soil mixture in the center of the planting hole.
6. Position the rose on top of the soil mound, spreading the roots down the sides. Position the graft union at or just above the ground level. In cold winter climates, position the graft union 1 to 2″ below the ground level.
7. Backfill the hole with soil mixture eliminating any air pockets by packing down the soil.
8. Water thoroughly, adding additional soil as necessary as the soil settles.

Mound the canes with an additional 4 to 6″ of soil to prevent withering of the canes before the roots become established. Once new growth begins to develop, remove this soil slowly over a week.