Hello, Rose Buds! It’s time for bare root shipments to arrive!
A good practice is to wait until your last frost date before planting bare roots so that the rose canes aren’t subjected to frost, which could cause dieback.
Using the Farmers’ Almanac online, I searched by my zip code and found that my last frost date is in April. Am I waiting until April to plant bare roots? No. I have been gardening in my current location for 14 years, and if I can get a shovel in the ground (no frozen soil), I take the risk and start planting in early March. If there is any dieback, I simply snip it off during my spring pruning.
To prevent your roses from drying out in shipment, they should arrive completely covered in a bag, including both the roots and canes. You should see moisture beading inside the bag. If the roots or canes appear dry, notify the vendor. Keep a close watch on the plant to ensure it survives within the warranty period.
🌹 What to Look for When Your Bare Roots Arrive
Inspect the Canes:
- Check that the advertised grade matches (Grade 1, 1.5, or 2).
- Ensure the canes are strong and bright green (not dry or soft).
- If leaves are flushing out, they should appear green and healthy.
Inspect the Crown:
- The crown should be solid and firm with no soft spots.
Inspect the Roots:
- Roots should be moist, not dry.
- They should be free from Crown Gall or Root Knot Nematodes.
- Roots should be fanned out rather than girdled or knotted.
🌹 Note on Grade 1 Bare Root Roses
- Not all vendors categorize their bare root roses using Grade 1 standards. Check individual listings for size expectations.
- Before placing an order, make sure you understand the size being promised. (Note: David Austin doesn’t guarantee Grade 1 roses.)
- Roses come in different shapes and sizes—some varieties are naturally more vigorous than others.
- Own-root bare root roses are often smaller than their grafted counterparts but quickly catch up once planted in the garden.
After inspecting your roses, place the roots in a bucket of water for 24 hours to rehydrate them. I use plastic baby pools to submerge both the roots and canes.
Once they have soaked, you can begin planting your bare root roses.
Sending wishes for early blooms, Rose Buds!
~Kimberley
The Rose Geek on YouTube
Kimberley Dean, a Consulting Rosarian and Master Gardener from Southern Maryland, shares over 30 years of experience through her YouTube channel, The Rose Geek. She offers practical advice on organic rose care, focusing on proven solutions to challenges like black spot and sawfly damage.
