The Differences Between Bare Root and Container Roses and Their Benefits

How to Decide Which Form of Rose to Plant: Bare Root or Container?

Have you browsed through your favorite gardening catalog or website looking for the newest roses to plant in your garden and wondered whether it would be best to choose bare root roses or those in nursery pots? Or does it matter? If you’re like most rose gardeners, this question has come up at one point or another. And we want to help you find the answer as to what type of rose is the best for you and your garden.

Bare Root Roses

Bare root roses are available in two forms bare root grafted, and bare root own root. Both of these forms arrive with no pot or soil and as a dormant plant, (no leaves, or flower buds). Bare-root roses are planted in the late winter or early spring according to your climate zone (see our zone map). Bare root own root roses are the same variety of rose above and below the ground. Grafted roses have a rose variety grafted (attached) to a different variety of rootstock. One choice is not better than the other it is just that some varieties grow better on their own roots, and some grow better on grafted stock. We ship bare root roses, whether grafted or own root from January to the first week in May.

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Bare Root Rose Benefits

1. Wide variety: Nurseries often offer a wider selection of rose varieties in bare root form, allowing you to choose from a broader range of options.
2. Easier transportation: Bare root roses are lighter and easier to transport since they do not come with soil or a container.
3. Earlier planting: Bare root roses are typically available during the dormant season, which allows you to plant them early in the spring before the growing season begins.
4. Better root establishment: When planted correctly, bare root roses tend to establish their root systems more quickly and integrate better with the surrounding soil.

The Jackson & Perkins website displays the rose's form in the product details. Here is an example of a bare root rose.

Container Roses

Container roses should typically be planted in late spring and fall. 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.

Because container roses are actively growing in the pot when they are delivered, they will arrive with leaves, buds, and sometimes even flowers. We ship container roses from April 1 to the first week in June, and September 1, to the first week in November

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Benefits of Container Roses

1. Convenience: Container roses are ready to be planted as soon as you bring them home. They come in a pot with soil, which reduces the hassle of preparing the soil or potting mix.
2. Flexibility: Container roses can be planted throughout the growing season except for the hot months of summer. This gives you more flexibility in terms of when you can start your rose garden.
3. Reduced transplant shock: Container roses experience less transplant shock because their root systems are already established within the potting mix. This can result in a higher survival rate and faster growth.
4. Easy inspection: With container roses, you can easily examine the plant's health and condition by looking at the foliage, flowers, and overall appearance before making a purchase.
5. Instant impact: Container roses often have more growth and may already be blooming, providing immediate visual impact in your garden.

The website displays the rose's form in the product details. Here is an example of a container rose. In this example the rose comes in a 2-quart container.

Ultimately, the choice between bare root and container roses depends on your preferences, the availability of specific rose varieties , and the timing of your planting.

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