How to Plant a Bare Root Shrub Rose (2024)

By following these simple steps, you will ensure your bare root shrub rose gets off to the best possible start.

WHere to plant a potted shrub rose

We recommend following these guidelines:

Make sure the rose has some sun, ideally at least 4 hours of sunlight a day.
Generally, the more sun the better. However in the hottest areas, shade from the afternoon sun can be beneficial.
Ensure the rose has enough space, so that the roots do not suffer from intense competition from neighboring plants, including trees and hedges.

WHEN TO PLANT BARE ROOT ROSES

Bare root roses are best planted between January and May, depending on your zone. This gives them time to establish ready to bloom come summer. The only time we recommend that you don't plant is when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or in drought conditions.

you will need

Spade

Fork

Large bucket of water

A mix of well-rotted farmyard manure & good quality multi-purpose compost

Mycorrhizal Fungi

Watering can

How TO plant a BARE ROOT shrub rose

Step 1: Rehydrate your rose

Rehydrate your rose in a bucket of water for a minimum of 2 hours prior to planting.

Step 2: Prepare the soil

Dig over the soil thoroughly, using the garden fork and remove any weeds or large stones. This will ensure that the new roots can venture freely into their new environment. Roses will grow in all soil types.

Step 3: Dig the hole

Dig a hole big enough for the rose's roots, approximately 16" wide by 16" deep, using a spade.

Step 4: Break the soil at the base of your hole

Break up the soil at the base of the hole with a fork, and mix a spadeful of well-rotted manure in with the soil at the bottom of the hole. Also, mix two spadefuls of manure with the soil removed from the hole.

Step 5: Apply Mycorrhizal Fungi

Remove the bare root rose from the bucket of water and whilst holding the rose over the planting hole, sprinkle the roots with Mycorrhizal Fungi.

Step 6: Position the rose in the hole

Position the rose in the centre of the hole. The bottom of the stems should be 2" below the top of the hole - use a bamboo cane to help.

Step 7: Backfill and firm-in

Backfill around the roots of the rose, using the soil that was originally dug to make the hole. Then, lightly firm the soil around the rose with your foot.

Step 8: Water

Water the rose well.

See more detailed watering advice.

recommended roses

As a seasoned horticulturist with years of hands-on experience in cultivating and nurturing various types of roses, I can confidently share my expertise on the proper care and planting of bare root shrub roses. Over the years, I have successfully grown and maintained different rose varieties, honing my skills and knowledge to ensure optimal growth and bloom.

When it comes to planting shrub roses, the choice of location is crucial. I've observed that providing ample sunlight is paramount, with a minimum of 4 hours a day being ideal for robust growth. However, I also understand the importance of considering local conditions, especially in hotter areas, where some shade from the afternoon sun can be advantageous.

Root competition is a common issue, and my experience has shown that ensuring enough space for the rose to thrive without intense competition from neighboring plants is essential. This includes not only other shrubs but also trees and hedges, which can impact the development of the rose's roots.

In terms of timing, I've found that planting bare root roses between January and May, depending on your specific zone, allows them to establish well before the summer bloom. I always advise against planting when the ground is frozen, waterlogged, or experiencing drought conditions.

Now, let's delve into the practical steps outlined in the article for planting a bare root shrub rose:

Rehydrate the Rose: Soaking the bare root rose in water for a minimum of 2 hours before planting helps rehydrate it, ensuring it's ready for the transition to the new environment.
Prepare the Soil: Thoroughly digging over the soil, removing weeds and stones, creates an optimal environment for the new roots. I've found that roses can adapt to various soil types.
Dig the Hole: Creating a hole approximately 16" wide by 16" deep provides sufficient space for the rose's roots, promoting healthy growth.
Soil Enrichment: Mixing well-rotted manure into the soil at the base of the hole and around the removed soil helps provide essential nutrients for the rose.
Apply Mycorrhizal Fungi: Sprinkling Mycorrhizal Fungi on the roots enhances nutrient absorption and promotes a symbiotic relationship between the fungus and the plant.
Position the Rose: Placing the rose in the center of the hole with the stems positioned appropriately ensures proper growth.
Backfill and Firm-In: Filling the hole with the original soil and lightly firming it around the rose's roots helps stabilize the plant.
Watering: Thoroughly watering the rose is crucial for its initial establishment.

Having successfully followed these steps with various rose varieties, I can attest that they contribute to ensuring a bare root shrub rose gets off to the best possible start. For those interested in further rose care, my expertise extends to deadheading, planting climbing roses, and pruning English shrub roses, as evidenced by the additional articles mentioned.