How to Plant a Bare Root Rose

Bare root roses are exactly that: a rose bush that is only stem and root. It will seem almost impossible that it will grow,
but with the right conditions and care, you'll soon have a thriving bush.

Preparing your rose bush for planting will help the plant better adjust to its new location. Remove the rose bush from the packaging and dust off all dirt and saw dust. Next, soak the rose bush in a large bucket filled with cold water for 2-to-24 hours. The water should cover the roots of the plant. When you're ready to transplant the rose bush, trim off broken roots or damaged canes.

Dig a hole that's twice as wide as the rose bush roots and deep enough to cover the rose to one inch above the roots. In the middle of the hole, form a cone with the dirt. Traditionally, garden experts suggest amending the soil with compost, but research has found that it's better to actually avoid adding anything but the existing dirt back into the hole.

Position the rose in the hole and spread its roots over the cone of dirt at the bottom.
Check the position of the graft union (also called the bud union), which is the knobby section between the roots and the stem where the top has been grafted onto the roots. Refill the hole halfway with dirt but avoid pressing it too firmly in place. You want to keep dirt loose so that air can circulate around the roots. Water thoroughly.

In most climates, plant the bud union 1 to 2 inches above soil level. In cold winter regions, plant it at soil level or up to 2 inches below the soil.

Lay a broom or spade handle across the hole to compare the bud union level to that of the surrounding soil. Fill the hole with remaining dirt.

To care for your rose bush, keep the soil moist by watering every 3 to 4 days. Add mulch to your rose bed to hold in moisture, but be sure to keep a 6-inch, mulch-free circle around the stem of the plant. Check your bush throughout the summer months to keep it from drying out.