How to: grow bare-rooted roses

Bare-rooted roses are an easy and affordable way to fill your garden with vibrant blooms - what could be better?

Thinking about planting a rose or two? While potted roses can be planted year-round, bare-rooted roses are a budget-friendly, easy-to-establish alternative in winter. Plus, they grow into stronger, healthier plants, with less plastic and labor involved. Now's the perfect time to order them!



Sold without soil or pots and transported in bulk while dormant, bare-rooted roses cost less than their potted counterparts. They are typically lifted from the ground in March or April, with excess roots and unwanted growth pruned off. 



This method has been used for over 150 years and remains a cost-effective choice for gardeners. Depending on the variety, bare-rooted roses range from $20–$35, compared to $25–$50 for potted roses. You can find bare-rooted roses at your local garden center during winter or order them from mail-order companies, which often offer a wider variety. Ordering early ensures you won't miss out on your preferred selections, and mail order provides an affordable way to have them delivered right to your door.







"Roses have been cultivated for over 5,000 years and are a symbol of resilience, love and beauty."

 

How to grow and care for bare-rooted roses

Roses thrive in full sun, so choose a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They prefer well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, so add compost or a soil conditioner to improve soil structure. Regular watering is essential but avoid waterlogging; aim to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. Fertilise roses in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to promote healthy growth and blooming, and continue feeding through the growing season with a rose-specific fertiliser. Mulch around the base with aged cow manure or an organic mulch like sugarcane mulch or pea straw to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regularly inspect for pests and diseases, and remove any affected leaves or buds to keep your roses healthy and vibrant.

Where to buy bare-rooted roses

TRELOAR ROSES Bolwarra, VIC

1300 044 852

treloarroses.com.au



WAGNERSROSE NURSERY

Kalangadoo, SA

(08) 8739 3321

wagnersrosenursery.com.au



ROSS ROSES

Willunga, SA

(08) 8556 2555

rossroses.com.au

 

How to plant bare-rooted roses

1. 2-3 weeks prior to delivery select a sunny a spot, dig over soil, removing weeds and small rocks. Add a bucket of aged compost and cow manure to the surface.





2. Unwrap your bare-rooted rose on arrival and sit the roots in a bucket of water for 24 hours to rehydrate and remove mud slurry.



3. When planting, dig a hole at least 30cm deep and wide to accommodate the rootball. Use some of the removed soil to make a small pyramid-shaped mound at the base of the hole. Scatter a handful of organic pelletised fertiliser over the top and lightly cover with soil.



4. Remove rose, trim any damaged roots or thin, weak growth. Cut the main stems back to a bud that faces outward—this helps the plant grow strong and bushy.



5. Spread roots over the mound and backfill with soil. Make sure the graft (the swollen join on the stem) sits above ground level. Some rose experts plant deeper, but I prefer to keep the graft above ground to prevent unwanted shoots (suckers) from the rootstock, which can weaken or overtake the rose as it matures.





6. Water in thoroughly. Don’t stamp on soil to remove air pockets, watering will do that.





TOP TIP

To plant in containers, select a squat pot (wider than it is tall) and fill it with good-quality rose potting mix.