How to Plant a Bare-Root Rose Bush in 8 Easy Steps

How to Plant a Bare-Root Rose Bush in 8 Easy Steps

How to Plant a Bare-Root Rose Bush in 8 Easy Steps

You may not fall in love with a bare-root rose at first sight. But once it transforms into a beautiful, blooming bush, you’ll be so glad you took a chance on it. Not only is planting a bare-root rose bush an incredibly rewarding experience, but with its compact packaging, it’s also a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to beautify your garden.

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll end up with a bare-root rose bush that’s sure to wow your neighbors.

What You’ll Need:

  • A spade
  • A fork
  • A bucket of water
  • A watering can
  • Soil amendment
  • Mulch

Step 1: Unbox Your Bare-Root Rose and Soak the Roots

Every April & Ashley bare-root rose comes covered in a biodegradable bag. Remove the bag and soak the roots in a bucket of water for at least 2 hours. Make sure the entire root is submerged underwater. Your rose has been through a lot before its arrival and will need a deep drink. Soaking it will rehydrate the roots and prepare it to be planted in your garden.

If life gets in the way of your gardening pursuits and you’re unable to plant the rose immediately, it can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a week. Just make sure the roots remain wet. We recommend wrapping them in wet paper or burlap.

Step 2: Identify the Best Site

While your rose is quenching its thirst, scope out your garden for a sun-soaked spot that will give it the energy it needs to thrive. At least 6 hours of sunlight is recommended per day for the most prolific blooms.

Of course, not all of us are fortunate enough to have access to that much sun. A little shade will be just fine – as long as the sun is hitting the rose during the morning and early afternoon hours.

Roses don’t like having wet feet, so find a planting site with good drainage. This is especially important if you’re planting your rose in autumn, before the winter temperatures kick in. A good way to test the drainage of your soil is to dig a hole about 18 inches deep and fill it with water. Walk away for a few hours, and if the water isn’t gone by the time you return, you may want to choose another site.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil and Start Digging

Use your fork to remove any weeds or stones that could disturb the soil structure and stunt the growth of your rose.

Once you’ve gotten rid of any obstacles that could get in the way of your rose flourishing to its fullest potential, it’s time to start digging. The hole should be twice the size of the roots – leaving them plenty of legroom.

Step 4: Amend the Soil

For the healthiest root development possible, you’ll want a mix of 50% native soil and 50% potting soil containing organic matter. Use 3 spadefuls of your potting soil – 2 at the bottom of the hole and 1 on each side – to mix in with your native soil. The amended soil helps to improve the soil’s nutrient content – promoting the health of the roses and allowing them to establish themselves more quickly.

Later, after watering your rose, you’ll see the soil start to shrink. Be generous and overfill the hole to ensure it maintains an adequate amount.

Step 5: Position your Bare-Root Rose

It’s time to move your rose into its new home. Position the rose in the center of the hole, and plant the area where the roots meet the stems 2 inches below the ground. For grafted roses, this will be the bud union.

In cold climates, we recommend burying the bud union. This will protect your rose from frost and give it a foundation that even the strongest winds will struggle to blow over. In warmer climates, the bud union should be planted at the soil line.

Step 6: Backfill the Hole & Press the Soil

Before backfilling the hole, consider sprinkling your rose’s roots with mycorrhizal fungi. This will aid in nutrient absorption and create a root system that’s more resistant to disease.

After backfilling the hole, lightly press down on the soil with your foot or hands until the rose is secured in place. Be gentle to avoid damaging the root system.

Step 7: Water Generously

Thoroughly water your newly-planted bare-root rose to saturate the soil evenly around its roots. This will also eliminate any air pockets to ensure your rose gets the oxygen it needs.

Step 8: Add Mulch

With your spade, spread a 1 to 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the rose. This will provide a layer of protection and keep the soil moist. The mulch will gradually break down, delivering key nutrients to your rose.

When to Plant a Bare-Root Rose Bush

Generally, the best time to plant your bare-root rose bush is in the dormant season – from late autumn to early spring. As long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged and the temperatures are above freezing, you’re good to go. If it’s too hot or too cold when you plant your rose, it will have a tough time adjusting to the climate when it awakens.

Planting a bare-root rose is much easier than it may seem. Equip your rose with adequate sunlight, space, water, and a healthy soil mixture to set it up for a season of bountiful blooms.

Feeling inspired? Visit our rose bush page to order your very own bare-root rose and begin your planting journey.

Happy gardening!

-April & Ashley