Bare root roses are one of the best-kept secrets in the gardening world, and autumn through to early spring is their prime time. They might not look like much when they arrive, just a bundle of sturdy roots and a few woody stems, but don’t be fooled. These are living, breathing plants in their winter rest, quietly storing energy for the burst of life to come.
Grown in the field for around 18 months before being lifted while dormant, bare root roses are supplied without pots or soil, ready to plant straight into your garden. This simple, fuss-free way of buying roses means you get exceptional quality at a more affordable price, and the choice of varieties is often wider than in spring or summer.
We traditionally supply bare root roses from November to April. They are cheaper than potted roses and more environmentally friendly too with no plastic pot.
Best of all, planting bare roots in the cooler months gives them time to settle in, establish strong roots and be ready to put on a dazzling show of foliage and blooms when summer arrives. With a little care now, you could be enjoying the beauty, fragrance and charm of your very own rose display in just a few months.
From Grower To Garden, The Life Of Your Bare Root Rose
Planting a bare root rose is one of the most rewarding gardening experiences you can have. You’re starting with what looks like a dormant stick and a tangle of roots, but you’re setting in motion a transformation that will lead to a summer display you’ll be proud of. Here’s how the journey unfolds.
Bare root roses are lifted from the fields in late autumn, just as they slip into their natural dormancy. Without soil or pots, they’re light, easy to handle and, importantly, less expensive than their potted counterparts. Don’t worry about their bare appearance, as inside, the plant is brimming with stored energy, ready to burst into growth when the conditions are right.
Planting For Success
When your rose arrives, soak the roots in a bucket of water for a couple of hours to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and dig a hole large enough to spread the roots out comfortably. Adding well-rotted compost or rose-specific planting mix will give them a great start. Firm the soil gently around the base, and water well.
Winter Establishment
Through winter, your rose won’t show much above the ground, but beneath the soil it’s quietly working, pushing out new feeder roots that will fuel next year’s growth. Winter planting means less stress from heat or drought, giving your rose the best possible conditions to settle in.
Spring Awakening
As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, new shoots will appear, soon followed by healthy green leaves. Keep an eye out for weeds, water in dry spells, and give your rose a spring feed to encourage strong growth.
The Summer Show
By early summer, you’ll be rewarded with the first flush of blooms. Depending on the variety, you might enjoy repeat flowering right through until autumn. From a humble bare root to a glorious garden centrepiece, the transformation is nothing short of remarkable.
So, Why Should You Plant Bare Roots?
They’re cost-effective, easy to handle, and available in a wider choice of varieties. Plus, planting at the right time of year means your rose gets a head start on establishing before the demands of summer. For gardeners who want top quality and great value, bare root roses are hard to beat.