What are rose grades?Updated 3 months ago

The grade of the rose is the size of the rose when it is harvested from the growing field. The grades reflect different features of the rose including: the number of canes a rose must have, the size of the canes, and where the measurements to size them are taken.

Grafted and own root roses are classified in different categories for the purpose of grading standards by the American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI). Grafted roses are graded in the category "Roses" (Section 6) and own root roses are graded in the category "Deciduous Shrubs" (Section 3). Grafted roses are 2 year old plants and own root roses are 1-1 1/2 year old plants. Grade 1 roses are the top grade most expensive; prices decrease by grade accordingly. Choosing a grade and rootstock type really depends on your personal preference and budget.

Grafted Grade 1 have three canes branched no higher than 3 inches above the bud graft and measure at least 5/16 inch in diameter.

Grafted Grade 1.5 roses are one step down. A grade 1.5 grafted rose has at least two strong canes and measures at least 5/16 inch in diameter.

Grafted Grade 2 roses are the smallest grade. They have one 5/16-inch cane and at least one at 1/4 inch diameter.

Own Root Roses Grade 1 from our collection have at least three canes and no requirement for cane diameter measurement or height. They are graded in the deciduous shrubs category and may have canes that are smaller in diameter as well as be smaller in overall plant size (height & spread) than their grafted rose siblings of the same grade, but will quickly grow into full size thriving rose plants often eclipsing grafted plants in overall plant size. 

Read our blog linked below to learn more about the sizing of both grafted and own root roses using the industry standard ASNI grading system used by nurseries in the United States.

Learn more about grade selection in our blog post!