How to Plant a Bare Root Rose, by Wagner's Rose Nursery on YouTube. 11 min 13 s.
- Video length
- 11 min 13 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Unpack the rose and trim any damaged roots with clean, sharp pruning shears. Stand it in a bucket of water for 1 to 2 hours before planting.
Choose a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sun and well-drained soil. Clear weeds and grass from an area wider than the rose's roots.
Dig a hole about 40 cm wide and 40 cm deep. Loosen the soil at the bottom and sides so the roots can push out.
Make a mound of soil in the centre of the hole. Spread the roots over it and check the bud union sits at the right depth for your climate, usually at soil level.
Backfill around the roots in layers, firming gently with your hands to remove air pockets. Do not press hard enough to compact the soil.
Water deeply until the soil settles, then top up any sunken soil. Spread a 5 cm layer of mulch around the rose, keeping it clear of the stems.
Prune the stems back to about 15 to 20 cm from the bud union. Make each cut just above an outward-facing bud.
Tips and common mistakes
Soak the roots before planting and never let them dry out while you prepare the hole.
Plant in late winter or early spring while the rose is dormant and the soil is workable.
Wear thick gloves when handling the rose; thorns can scratch even dormant stems.
Keep mulch a few centimetres away from the stems to reduce rot.
Questions
How long does a bare root rose take to grow?
It usually starts making new roots and shoots within a few weeks of planting. Water it regularly and avoid disturbing it.
Can I plant a bare root rose in a pot?
Yes, use a large pot at least 40 cm wide with drainage holes and a soil-based compost. Keep it watered.
Do I need to soak the roots?
Yes, soak them for 1 to 2 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Trim any broken roots first.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
