Welcome to the first in a series of monthly Deep Dives into a variety of different gardening topics. |
My Thoughts - Bare Root Roses
Roses where a plant I disliked when I was younger, I thought of them as fussy and something I associated with old people. Fast forward to the present day, now that I have my own gardening space I have 7 different Roses and currently looking to purchase 2 more.
October 2015 was an life changing time for me, I became a father for the first time. Olivia Mary Rosa Stewart was born 6 weeks early. This tidy little dot had me wrapped around her finger from her first breath. I wanted to mark the occasion so I went in hunt of a plant to represent my daughter.
I found a Rose and to be more precise I found David Austin’s - Olivia Rose Austin Shrub Rose - and so the start of my fascination of roses began.
All the roses I have brought have been bare root roses. I find these to be a bit of a secret weapon. These dormant plants, shipped without soil are an economical and environmentally friendly choice for any gardener. Planted through the quieter months of the gardening season it gives us a reason to brave the somewhat more unfriendly weather conditions and be among the plants that are still going.
Everything You Need to Know - Bare Root Roses
Bare root roses are a gardener’s dream for introducing beautiful, long-lasting blooms to the garden. This cost-effective, eco-friendly way of buying and planting roses offers flexibility and excellent results if handled properly. Here’s everything you need to know about bare root roses, from what they are to how to plant and care for them.
What Are Bare Root Roses?
Bare root roses are dormant rose plants sold without soil around their roots. They are harvested during their dormant phase (usually late autumn to early spring), making them lightweight, easy to transport, and more affordable than potted roses.
Unlike container-grown roses, bare root roses arrive looking like little more than sticks with roots attached, but don’t be deceived—these “bare” roses can establish quickly and flourish with the right care.
Benefits of Bare Root Roses
Cost-Effectiveness Bare root roses are typically less expensive than their potted counterparts, allowing gardeners to invest in premium varieties without breaking the bank.
Larger Variety Nurseries and online stores often offer a broader range of cultivars, from classic hybrid teas to fragrant David Austin varieties.
Better Establishment When planted correctly, bare root roses establish quicker as they don’t experience the root disturbance associated with transplanting potted roses.
Eco-Friendly Option With no plastic pots or soil packaging, they have a smaller environmental footprint.
When to Buy and Plant Bare Root Roses
Bare root roses are available from late autumn to early spring. The ideal time for planting them is late winter to early spring when the ground is workable, and frost is minimal.
How to Plant Bare Root Roses
Preparation • Upon arrival, inspect the roses for any signs of damage or mould. • Soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–12 hours to re-hydrate them before planting.
Choose the Right Site • Pick a location with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. • Ensure the soil is well-drained but retains some moisture. Roses thrive in loamy, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0–6.5.
Planting Steps • Dig a Hole: Create a hole about 18 inches wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending them. • Add Organic Matter: Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to enrich it. • Position the Rose: Place the rose in the hole with the graft union (the swollen part where the rose is grafted to its root-stock) about 1–2 inches below the soil surface. • Back-fill and Water: Gently back-fill the hole with soil, firming it down as you go. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Mulch and Protect • Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. • If frost is expected, cover the base of the plant with additional mulch for protection.
Caring for Bare Root Roses
Watering • Keep the soil moist during the first growing season to help roots establish. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot.
Feeding • Start feeding with a balanced rose fertiliser after new growth appears. Feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
Pruning • Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or weak stems to encourage strong, healthy growth.
Pest and Disease Control • Keep an eye out for aphids, black-spot, and powdery mildew. Encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybirds, and consider organic sprays if infestations occur.
Choosing the Right Varieties
With so many types of roses available as bare root plants, it’s essential to select the right variety for your garden. Popular choices include: • Climbing Roses: Ideal for walls and trellises (e.g., New Dawn, Zephirine Drouhin). • Shrub Roses: Great for borders or informal hedges (e.g., Gertrude Jekyll, Winchester Cathedral). • Hybrid Teas: Perfect for classic rose gardens (e.g., Peace, Double Delight). • Floribundas: Known for clusters of vibrant flowers (e.g., Iceberg, Julia Child).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Planting Too Late Don’t wait until the buds break dormancy, as this can stress the plant.
Poor Site Selection Avoid planting in areas with poor drainage or heavy shade.
Neglecting Root Preparation Skipping the soaking step can lead to slower establishment and reduced vigour.
Conclusion
Bare root roses offer an excellent opportunity to bring stunning, healthy roses to your garden. With proper planting and care, they can reward you with years of beauty and fragrance. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, bare root roses are a reliable and rewarding choice for any garden.
If you’re ready to start your rose journey, now is the perfect time to plan, select, and prepare for these versatile beauties!
My Favourites - (Found in my Garden)
Teasing Georgia - Bred By David Austin The rosette blooms are a rich shade of yellow, the outer petals falling back and fading to palest yellow, providing a most pleasing two-tone effect. There is a lovely strong Tea Rose fragrance.
Olivia Rose Austin - Bred By David Austin Pretty buds open to beautiful, cupped rosettes of an even, mid pink colouring. They have a light to medium fruity fragrance. It commences flowering exceptionally early in the season and flowers in flushes until well into the autumn.
Gertrude Jekyll - Bred By David Austin A short climber, it is always one of the first English Roses to start flowering, its perfect scrolled buds open to large, rosette-shaped flowers of bright glowing pink. The strong, perfectly balanced Old Rose scent is often described as being the quintessential Old Rose fragrance.
Thanks for being apart of the journey - I'm glad you're here - Lets Embrace Gardening Together!
Gary Stewart