How to plant a bare root standard rose
By following these simple steps, you will ensure your bare root standard rose gets off to the best possible start.
Our videos are filmed in the UK, and so some of the season timings mentioned will apply to the UK and some of the products featured won't be available in Australia. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions, or contact your local stockist.
WHEN TO PLANT BARE ROOT ROSES
Bare root roses are best planted between May and September during the bare root season (depending on region and supplier). This gives them time to establish ready to bloom come summer. The only time we recommend that you don't plant is when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or in drought conditions.
WHERE TO PLANT A BARE ROOT STANDARD ROSE
We recommend following these guidelines:Make sure the rose has some sun, ideally at least 4 hours of sunlight a day.Generally, the more sun the better. However, in the hottest areas, shade from the afternoon sun can be beneficial.Ensure the rose has enough space, so that the roots do not suffer from intense competition from neighbouring plants, including trees and hedges.
YOU WILL NEED
How to plant a bare root standard rose
Follow our step-by-step guide on how to plant a bare root standard rose.
Step 1: Rehydrate your rose
Rehydrate your bare root rose in a bucket of water for a minimum of 2 hours prior to planting.
Step 2: Prepare the soil
Dig over the soil thoroughly, using the garden fork and remove any weeds or large stones. This will ensure that the new roots can venture freely into their new environment. Roses will grow in all soil types.
Step 3: Dig the hole
Dig a hole big enough for the rose's roots, approximately 60cm wide by 40cm deep.
Step 4: Break the soil at the base of your hole
Break up the soil at the base of the hole with a fork, and mix a spadeful of well-rotted manure or soil improver in with the soil at the bottom of the hole. Also, mix two spadefuls of soil improver with the soil removed from the hole.
Step 5: Remove the tie from the stake and rose
Just before planting, remove the tree tie that is holding the rose and the wooden stake together.
Step 6: Position your rose in the hole
Position the rose in the centre of the hole. The bottom of the stems should be 2" (5cm) below the top of the hole - use a bamboo cane to help measure.
Step 7: Hammer the stake into the hole
To support your standard tree rose use your mallet or hammer to drive the wooden stake into the ground by 20cm, leaving the stake about 1m from ground level. Check that your stake is at the right height - the top of the stake should be at the same height as the top of the standard tree stem, where it splits into branches.
Step 8: Backfill the soil
Place the rose into the hole and backfill the soil, firming as you go.
Step 9: Replace the tree tie
To secure the rose in the hole, replace the tree tie and ensure it is tight to the stake and rose stem.
Step 10: Firm in and water well
Give your standard tree rose one last firm in around the base and water well.