Autumn is the time to get the big coats out of cupboard, decorate the house with pumpkins and orange colours, and finally crack open that hot chocolate gift set from last Christmas. Just as our habits change with the seasons in our homes, so too do they in the garden. This time of the year, typically from around November, sees the beginning of bare root season!
Here at World of Roses, we offer our beautifully grown roses either in a pot or as a bare root plant, which has been hard pruned and is often supplied without any foliage or soil, having been grown for 18 months or so in the field.
Once the roses enter an autumn to winter dormancy, they are lifted from the ground and sent to you. While this may seem like an obscure way to receive a rose, considering the outstanding beauty we all associate with them, this is a completely normal and healthy way to buy, plant, and grow roses. Regardless of how it looks on arrival, it will still be a healthy plant and will flower just as impressively as ever as we enter the growing seasons.
Why Buy Bare Root?
Bare root roses are typically available for a cheaper price than their potted relatives. Plus, you may see better growth once planted, as bare roots tend to have a wider root spread when compared to those supplied in containers.
Best Time to Plant a Bare Root Rose
Just as autumn is the time to buy your bare root roses, this is also the best season to plant them too.
Aim to get them in the ground or a decorative patio container just as the autumn leaves are starting to fall. Should you miss this window, another good opportunity to plant is that sweet spot as winter is ending and spring is starting to break out. Just remember, it is important to avoid planting a rose, bare root or otherwise, when ground conditions are either frozen or waterlogged.
Plus, another advantage of a bare root is it doesn’t have to be planted right away. So, if you’ve missed a good planting time or just don’t feel ready to put it in place in your garden, do not fret!
Store the bare root in a cool and dark place, moistening by spraying with water once a day. We always suggest to plant as soon as possible, but your bare root will survive and thrive regardless.
Planting and Caring for a Bare Root Rose
Now it’s planting time, and bare root planting couldn’t be much simpler!
Remove all the packaging from the plant on arrival, then soak the roots by plunging them in water for an hour prior to planting, only removing as and when you’re ready to plant.
Be sure to choose the right spot of your garden for planting. Roses enjoy a sunny location in well-drained soil conditions. Dig a planting hole with a depth of roughly 20cm, so the bare root can be planted at a similar depth to how it was in the field. You may notice a planting line on the bare root, showing how deep it was previously planted – this is also the ideal depth for you to plant it. The planting hole should be approximately twice the width of the roots.
Fork over the bottom of the hole to loosen the soil at the base and help the rose roots to stretch out and grow once in place.
Add a good quality fertiliser before lowering the plant into the hole. Hold onto the rose, then backfill with the soil removed, ensuring it falls around the roots and avoids any air gaps from forming.
A similar process can be followed when planting in containers or decorative pots for the patio, but remember to include a layer of rocks, stones, or gravel in the bottom to boost drainage.
Once in place, give the plant another good watering then continue to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Ready to Get Growing?
We have a wide range of bare root roses in our catalogue, with many soon ready to be distributed. From climbing roses to patio perfect varieties, check out the beauties for your garden now.