Watching a rose grow from bare roots into a flowering masterpiece is one of the most rewarding experiences a gardener can have. While potted roses are popular for their visual appeal and portability, bare-root roses are the most affordable and eco-friendly choice. We’ll dive into all there is to know about these lovely plants, including benefits, buying tips, handling, varieties, and more.

What Are Bare-Root Roses?

Bare-root roses are exactly as they sound: rose plants with no container, no foliage, and no soil. They’re wrapped with minimal packaging, making them friendly both to the environment and your wallet. They’re shipped and sold during dormancy (from late winter to early spring), and arrive ready to be planted in the ground. 

Benefits of Bare-Root Roses

While potted roses are popular for their portability and visual appeal, there are also many reasons to choose bare-root roses:

• Lower price: Without the soil and packaging of potted roses, bare root roses are often much more cost-effective.

• Easy shipping & transport: With lightweight, compact packaging, bare-root roses can be bundled together and shipped efficiently – resulting in lower cost for both the grower/nursery and you. 

• Wider variety: With easier logistics and less space requirements, nurseries often can hold more bare-root roses than potted. 

• Eco-friendly: Bare-root roses use less plastic and generate less waste – contributing to a lower overall carbon footprint in the floral industry. 

• Stronger roots: Because they’re planted in dormancy, bare root roses are able to direct more energy toward their root system and establish faster.
  
  

When & Where to Buy 

It’s best to order your bare-root roses in late fall or early winter, ensuring a timely delivery for the spring growing season. April & Ashley allows you to schedule your delivery date in advance, so you can set it and forget it! 

Only buy from sustainable rose growers who ship farm-direct. This guarantees freshness and minimizes your carbon footprint by cutting out the middlemen. Avoid buying roses from supermarkets, convenience stores or online third-party sellers. 

Grading Standards

April & Ashley selects only the highest quality bare-root rose bushes to be sold to our customers. Every rose is graded on its root health and cane structure. Grade 1 roses are those with the largest and most vigorous canes. Here’s a quick breakdown of our grading system:

Grade 1: At least 3 canes measuring 3/8" in diameter, branching within 2 inches of the bud union.
Grade 1.5: At least 2 canes measuring 3/8" in diameter, branching within 2 inches of the bud union.
Grade 2: At least 1 cane measuring 3/8" in diameter & another smaller cane, branching within 2 inches of the bud union.

If a rose bush doesn’t meet these standards, it won’t be sold to our customers. 

Storing & Caring for Bare-Root Roses Before Planting

Before planting your bare-root rose, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 12-24 hours. This will help it recover from its long journey to your doorstep.

If you’re not ready to plant upon arrival, you can store your rose for up to 1 week. Just make sure your storage location is cool and dry. Wrap the roots in wet paper or burlap to make sure they don’t dry out. 

Common Types & Varieties Available as Bare Root

A major advantage of planting bare-root roses is the wide range of varieties available to choose from. These include:

• Hybrid teas, floribundas, & grandifloras

• Climbing roses

• Old garden roses & heirlooms

• Specialty roses

Most of these roses are also available in pots, but rarer and older varieties are often sold exclusively bare-root. Nurseries prioritize space for bare-root roses due to their compact size and ease of shipping.

Myths & Misconceptions

Now that you’re familiar with the benefits of planting bare-root roses, let’s debunk some common myths and set the record straight:

• Bare-root roses are hard to grow: Don’t get discouraged – bare-root roses are just as simple to grow as potted ones when handled properly. 

• Bare-root roses are dead when they arrive: Don’t be alarmed – your rose is dormant, not dead. Once planted and given the love and care they need, it’ll reveal its magnificent blooms. 

• Potted roses are always better: When planted correctly, bare-root roses can establish quicker and bloom more vigorously than potted ones. 

Ready to Plant a Bare-Root Rose?

Bare-root roses are an excellent choice for gardeners seeking variety, value, and healthy plants. They may not make you swoon at sight. But with the proper love and care, they’ll soon transform into vibrant bushes with abundant blooms. Carefully store and hydrate before planting, and order ahead to secure popular varieties. Visit April & Ashley to find the perfect bare-root rose bush for your garden – delivered straight from our farm to your doorstep.