Zephirine Drouhin Antique Climbing Rose

Bareroot roses are an inexpensive and easy option for early-season planting. In fact, late winter is the best time to plant. Bareroot roses are two-year, fully established plants that meet the highest industry standards. They arrive dormant, which makes them ideal for planting. The roots get to acclimate to native soil, as opposed to the packaged soil. And of course, since they aren’t in soil when you get them, there’s no mess to contend with.

Bareroot roses may look dead, with their brown roots and dormant stem, but plants that arrive this way actually have the advantage of being able to focus their energies on strong root development rather than having to support an extensive growth of leaves during planting, which is very stressful.

You can plant your bareroot roses earlier in the growing season as well, since there aren’t any leaves to get nipped back by frost. They can typically be planted as early as six weeks before your area’s last frost date in the spring and no later than two weeks after that average date. Since they don’t have to provide water to leaves or flowers, they usually establish faster than those that arrive in containers.

Container roses should typically be planted in late spring. They’re easy to plant (all you need is a trowel), and they provide instant gratification, as they aren’t dormant and will have buds within a few short weeks, if they don’t when they arrive. They’re also perfect for transplanting into decorative containers and make an attractive gift.

Container roses are usually nicely leafed out, and may even have flowers on them, which is a great way for you to know when you purchase them what they’re going to look and smell like. The downside of this is that the plants have to focus some of their energy on sustaining the blooms, rather than being able to focus it all on root development.

As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to both bareroot or container roses, but whichever you decide is the best for your garden, we feel certain you’ll become a lifelong rose lover, if you aren’t already!

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Anyone can grow roses - all that's needed is a spot with 6 hours of sun a day. Roses are even well suited to container growing, so you don't have the excuse of no garden space! When your roses arrive, open the box immediately and soak roots in lukewarm water for 12 to 24 hours. If you can't plant them right away, you may leave them in their boxes for up to a week in a cool, dark place. Sprinkle roots with water every few days. (Please note: You can also grow roses in containers that are at least as big as a bucket.) Dig a hole about 18" deep and 24" wide. Make sure it's large enough to give the roots plenty of room to develop after planting. Loosen the soil at the bottom and sides. Build a mound in the center of the hole and set rose on top. For vigorous growth, abundant blooms and lush foliage, try adding J&P's Root Boost to the soil. It promotes more efficient transport of water and nutrients throughout your new rose plant. Fill the hole with two thirds of the remaining soil. Add water, let it soak in, then finish filling the hole. Tamp down lightly to remove air pockets and water well. Spread mulch around the plant to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Water 3-4 times a week until leaves begin to grow, weekly thereafter. Shop Roses Find your Climate/Planting Zone Simply enter your zip code to find your area's climate zone, and then review our Summer or Winter Care of Roses for detailed information for growing roses in your region. Click here for the zone map Seasonal advice and suggestions for maintaining your roses. Summer Care of Roses Winter Care of Roses Climbing Roses Versatile climbers function as charming cover up and take garden color to new heights. Click here to learn more. Grower's Corner A series of gardening articles from Mike Cady, Horticulturist, J&P. Click here for the latest article.