What is a bare root rose?Updated a month ago
A bare root rose is a dormant rose plant sold without soil or a container around its roots. At first glance, a bare root rose might resemble a lifeless stick, devoid of leaves or blooms, but it's merely resting during its winter slumber. Bare root roses are available seasonally during winter and early spring (depending on your growing zone) and must be planted before warmer weather arrives, allowing them to naturally emerge from dormancy in their new home. Most commercially available bare root roses in the U.S. come from California, Arizona, and Texas, and are harvested in the fall of their first or second year. After harvesting, the soil is shaken from the roots, and the roses are graded, watered, and stored in a moist, cold environment to simulate dormancy.
Planting bare root roses comes with lots of great perks, making them a popular pick for gardeners and flower farmers alike. They're usually more budget-friendly than potted roses, which is great if you're planting a lot or adding to your collection. Plus, you get access to a wider range of varieties, including some rare and unique options, so you can really tailor your garden to your taste. Since they're planted during dormancy, these roses focus on building strong roots early on, which means healthier, more vigorous growth down the line. Without the soil and pots, they're lighter and easier to handle or ship, making the whole planting process a breeze. And because they're sold dormant, you can plant them at just the right time for the best start and flourishing growth.