Planting Bare-Root Roses

Bare-root or packaged roses are best planted in spring after all danger of frost has passed. In the deep South, the cooler winter months are the ideal planting time. Container-grown roses can theoretically be planted any time during the growing season. Avoid planting during the dry, hot summer months.

Dig a hole 15 to 18 inches deep and equally wide. Mix an abundant amount of organic matter into the removed soil. Form a firm cone of this improved soil in the center of the hole.

planting bare-root roses
Dig a hole up to 18 inches deep
to plant bare-root roses.

Remove packaging from the rose and prune lightly, removing any broken canes and cutting the others back to 8 inches.The pruning cut should be 1/4 inch above an outward-pointing bud. Trim the roots to about 8 inches and spread them out. Set the plant on the cone. Make sure the bud union is at the proper depth for your climate.

growing bare-root roses
Lightly prune.

Fill the hole with the improved soil to two-thirds of its depth, working it in among the roots and firming carefully.

growing bare-root roses
Fill the hole with the improved soil,
working it in the roots.

Fill the depression surrounding the plant with water and let drain. Then fill the remainder of the hole with the improved soil.

growing bare-root roses
Fill the depression
surrounding the plant with water.

Mound soil up around the base of the plant until growth begins. (This may be a few weeks.) After growth begins, remove the mound of soil.

growing bare-root roses
Mound soil around the base of the plant.

Plant around rose bushes with low or medium-height fragrant herbs such as mint, sweet marjoram, oregano, thyme, bush basil, and German chamomile. These herbs provide an attractive cover for the barren bases of many roses and release an odor that can screen the plant from rose-eating pests. They will also provide a nice harvest for the kitchen. Forget about eating the herbs, however, if you spray the rose with chemicals unsuited for edible plants.

In the next section, we'll show you how to plant roses for depth.

Want more information about roses? Visit these links:

  • Rose Gardens: Learn all you need to know to plan, plant and care for your rose garden.
  • Tips For Growing Roses: Check out this article for invaluable rose-growing advice, inlcuding tips for disease and pest protection.
  • Roses: Explore the vast variety of roses available to you.
  • Garden Types: Explore a variety of wonderful garden types.
  • Gardening: We answer all of your general gardening questions in this section.