What is a bare root rose?

A bare root rose is one that we have grown in a field for 18 months and are supplied without any soil, hard pruned and often have no foliage. We lift the roses out of the fields in Autumn as the plant is entering its natural dormant season. This year lifting the bare root roses was much later than normal due to the unduly warm temperatures we had in Autumn.

These roses are perfectly normal and will grow into a wonderful plant during the Spring/Summer. It is part of the care process of a rose to trim is right back once dormant, so it can retain its form and bushiness for the next year.

When a bare root rose is delivered, the only care needed before you plant it is to keep it moist and in a cool place.

When to plant

When a bare root rose is delivered, the only care needed before you plant it is to keep it moist and in a cool place. Bare root roses can be planted between October and April but avoid planting in waterlogged or frozen ground.

What should I do when I receive my bare root rose?

Immediately remove the bare root rose from all packaging and rehydrate the roots by soaking them in water for an hour. Time your soaking so that you can leave the roots in water until the minute you’re ready to plant your rose.

What to do if I am not able to plant my rose straight away?

Immediately remove the bare root rose from all packaging and store somewhere dark, cold (No more than +5C) and damp. The rose will need to kept moist at all times. i.e spray with water daily until you’re ready to plant. We do not recommend this and is best to plant the rose as soon as possible.

What compost would you recommend to use when planting a rose?

Use a mix of John Innes no.3, all purpose compost and good quality planting mixture. 

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