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What's wrong with my bare root rose?Updated a month ago

If you’re experiencing an issue with your newly planted bare root, we’re here to help! Check out these common storing, planting and care mistakes to find out what may have gone wrong and to help you plan for next season.

Improper Storage
To learn more about properly storing your rose prior to planting, visit our blog post, What To Do If You Can't Plant Your Bare Root Rose Right Away. The longer the rose is held, the more likely it will develop mold or decay on the canes and roots as well as use its stored energy to stay alive, thereby decreasing the overall plant health and viability.

Recommended Planting Window
Please find our recommended shipping and planting dates by growing zone here. If planted outside of the recommended window, your roses may have a difficult time getting established in their new home.

Planting Location
Roses love the sun. Make sure that your planting site has 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Soil
We always recommend getting a soil test to ensure that your native soil is ideal for planting roses. Find our favorite test kit here - Soil Test Kit. Remove bark, rocks, and debris from the base of your rose. The majority of unsuccessful bare root roses we see from customers are piled high with colored bark. Not only can this prevent much-needed moisture from getting into the soil to reach your young roots, even worse, it may be treated with chemicals that can harm your rose. We recommend covering the base of your canes with a layer of compost or compost + loose wood mulch (not bark) instead. It is also important to note that gravel, stones, and pavement absorb and reflect heat, which can cause your rose to get too warm.

Planting Practices
If you have a grafted rose, in cold weather regions we recommend planting the bud union 2-3 inches below the ground. In warmer weather regions we recommend you plant the bud union 1-2 inches above the ground. For own root roses, plant to the base of the canes.

Hydration
Hydration is essential for the viability of your rose. If your rose looks dry, it may be because it was stored in the box in a warm location, the bag was left open, or the roots were not properly soaked and hydrated before planting. Keep in mind that roses planted in containers dry out more quickly, and need more watering than their counterparts planted in native soil. Until buds begin to push, we recommend daily overhead watering to ensure that the canes are kept nice and moist.

Dieback
Browning canes is a sign of dieback, and will continue to travel down toward the cane if not trimmed. Roses use their energy to continuously produce new stems and blooms, and may kill off a portion of the plant that isn’t benefitting the entire plant. Think of it as selective amputation so the rest of the plant can thrive. While minor dieback is a normal occurrence as your bare root gets established, it can also be a sign of stress. Common causes of dieback include lack of water, frost damage, soil quality or poor planting techniques. We recommend trimming the brown ends down to healthy green canes immediately to prevent the dieback from spreading. Trim the canes down until you see green growth in the center. If there is still green in the middle then the rose isn't dead and just needs time and some TLC to rejuvenate.

Winter Protection
Roses require protection if you experience a hard freeze when temperatures drop below 28°F for an extended period of time. Cover the plants with a 5-gallon bucket, large rubbermaid tub, or a frost cloth.

Heat Protection
When planting late in the season, especially outside the normal planting window, it's crucial to consider heat protection. Roses need cooler temperatures to establish their roots effectively. If planted during warmer weather, their roots may struggle to take hold, which can hinder growth and development.

Variety Selection
Not all roses thrive in every location. It's essential to choose the right variety for your specific climate. For example, some roses prefer cooler temperatures, while others flourish in warmer conditions. Understanding your local climate will help you select roses that are best suited for your garden.

Residual Damage from Herbicides
Be cautious of residual herbicides in your planting location, as they can adversely affect your roses' health. Ensure that the soil is free from these chemicals, as they may interfere with your plants’ ability to thrive.


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