Caring for a bare root rose is crucial to ensure its successful establishment and long-term health. Inexperienced gardeners are sometimes surprised when they receive a twig-like plant that is a bare root rose, but these develop into beautiful roses if you care for them correctly.
Here are some essential steps to follow when tending to a bare root rose:
- Soaking: Before planting, soak the bare roots in a bucket of water for several hours or overnight. This helps rehydrate the roots and prepare them for planting.
- Choosing the right location: Select a suitable location for your rose that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging or excessive shade. If planting in a pot, ensure the pot is large enough to allow the root systems to grow.
- Digging the hole: Dig a hole wide and deep enough to comfortably accommodate the rose’s roots. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to encourage root penetration. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
- Planting: Place the bare root rose in the hole, ensuring the bud union (the swollen area where the rose was grafted onto the rootstock) is at or slightly above ground level. Spread the roots out carefully, and backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots.
- Watering: Give the newly planted rose a thorough watering to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots. Continue to water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Aim to provide about an inch of water per week, adjusting based on weather conditions.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the rose, leaving a few inches of space around the stem to prevent rotting. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use materials like wood chips, straw, or compost.
- Pruning: Prune back the canes of the bare root rose to about one-third of their original height. Trim any damaged or crossing branches. This helps balance the plant’s root-to-shoot ratio and encourages new growth.
- Fertilising: Wait a few weeks after planting before applying fertiliser. Use a slow-release rose fertiliser or organic alternatives, following the package instructions. Apply fertiliser around the drip line of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the stems.
- Monitoring and Maintenance: Regularly monitor the bare root rose for signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Treat any issues promptly using appropriate methods or seek advice from us via our social channels. Provide support, such as stakes or trellises, if needed.
- Patience and Care: Be patient as the bare root rose establishes itself. Keep up with regular watering, maintain weed control, and provide ongoing care as needed. Monitor the plant’s growth and adjust care practices accordingly.
By following these steps, you can give your bare root rose the best chance to thrive and develop into a healthy and beautiful flowering plant. Remember to continue caring for the rose in subsequent seasons, following general rose care practices, to ensure its long-term success in your garden.
