February through May is when bare root roses are shipped. Roses are normally planted in spring after the last expected frost. And here, in Ohio, I normally plant them in May.
They arrive wrapped in plastic and basically look like sticks.
Once the package is opened, you will see the sticks have dangling roots that are usually covered in shredded bark mulch.
Take this time to look them over and trim any damaged roots or canes from the rose.
Prior to planting, soak roots in a bucket of water for up to 24 hours. This will help them replenish moisture lost during storage and transportation.
Then find a spot that gets 6 hours of sunlight and dig a large hole.
Roses like neutral or slightly acid soils and you can improve the soil by mixing in compost.
Make a small mound in the bottom of the hole. And loosen the rose’s roots and place the roots on top of the mound-spreading roots down the sides.
If your climate is cold like zone 5 or below keep in mind that the bud union should be planted 1-2” below ground level for protection.
Refill the hole about ¾ full and gently pat down the soil till firm and water in.
After it soaks in, fill the hole with more water and mound soil over the rose.
A bare root rose will quickly grow.
I mulch and then later in the season add epsom salts, around the outside and water in well.
Depending on the type of rose you purchased, a bare root may develop a few blooms and start climbing the first year.
As the years pass, you will see your inexpensive purchase of a bare root rose will grow into a rose bush that fills a nice section of a flower bed.
Happy planting, Lori
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