How to plant a bare root rose in 10 steps

Planting a bare-root rose is a rewarding endeavour, and following these 10 steps can help ensure your success:

1. **Soak the Roots**:

As soon as your package of roses arrives, place them in a bucket of water for at least 3 hours to rehydrate them.

2. **Trim the Roots**:

Trim any damaged or excessively long roots to encourage healthy growth. For our transplants, trim 2-3 millimetres of the thicker roots.

3. **Choose the Right Location**:
Select a spot with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and well-drained soil.

4. **Prepare the soil**:

Dig a hole about 18 inches wide and deep, mixing in compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.

5. **Create a mound**:

In the centre of the hole, form a small mound of soil to support the roots.

6. **Position the rose**:

Place the rose on the mound, spreading the roots evenly around it. Make sure the graft union (the swollen area where the rose variety is grafted onto the rootstock) is at ground level in mild climates or 1-2 inches below in colder regions.

7. **Fill the hole**:

Fill the hole with the prepared soil, lightly tamping it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.

8. **Mulch**:

Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

9. **Water thoroughly**:

Water the rose deeply to settle the soil around the roots.

10. **Monitor growth**:

Water regularly, especially during periods of drought, and watch for new growth to ensure the rose is establishing itself well.

By following these steps, you will give your bare root rose a strong start in its new home.