What mistakes should I avoid when planting my bare root rose?Updated a month ago

Planting bare root roses can be a rewarding experience, but to ensure a healthy and thriving plant, it’s important to avoid some common pitfalls. Here’s a simple guide to help you steer clear of mistakes and set your roses up for success!

Improper Storage Before Planting
If you’re not planting your rose immediately, store it properly to avoid mold, decay, or drying out. Bare root roses can lose their stored energy quickly if left in poor conditions. For tips on storage, check out our blog post: What To Do If You Can't Plant Your Bare Root Rose Right Away.

Planting at the Wrong Time
Timing is everything! Plant your rose during the recommended growing window for your zone. Planting outside this timeframe can make it harder for the rose to get established. You can find our recommended shipping and planting dates here: Recommended Planting Dates.

Choosing the Wrong Spot
Roses love sunlight—make sure your planting spot gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid planting near gravel, pavement, or stones, which can reflect heat and stress your rose.

Poor Soil Preparation
Healthy soil is key to a thriving rose. Test your soil to make sure it’s suitable for planting. Remove bark, rocks, and debris from the base, as colored bark and treated mulch can block moisture or introduce harmful chemicals. Instead, use compost or loose wood mulch to keep the base healthy. Need a soil test kit? Check out our favorite one here: Soil Test Kit.

Incorrect Planting Depth
Planting depth depends on the type of rose. For grafted roses, plant the bud union 2-3 inches below the ground in cold regions and 1-2 inches above the ground in warmer climates. For own root roses, plant to the base of the canes.

Neglecting Hydration
Roses need plenty of water, especially when first planted. Dry roses may struggle to establish. Soak the roots before planting, water daily until buds push, and keep the canes moist. Note that container-planted roses dry out faster than those in the ground.

Ignoring Dieback
If you notice browning or blackening on the canes, this is a sign of dieback. Trim the brown areas down to green, healthy growth immediately to prevent it from spreading. Think of it as your rose’s way of focusing its energy on new growth. Dieback can result from poor planting, frost damage, or lack of water, so give your rose some TLC if you see this happening.

Forgetting Winter or Heat Protection
In cold regions, protect your roses from hard freezes (below 28°F) by covering them with a bucket, rubbermaid tub, or frost cloth. In hot weather, especially if you’re planting late in the season, provide shade or heat protection to help the roots establish without stress.

Choosing the Wrong Variety
Not all roses thrive in every climate. Select a variety suited to your region—some roses prefer cooler temperatures, while others do better in warm weather. Research your local conditions to choose a rose that will flourish in your garden.

Planting in Herbicide-Treated Soil
Residual herbicides in your planting area can harm your rose’s health. Make sure the soil is free of these chemicals to give your plant the best chance to thrive.