How to Plant Bare-Root Shrub Roses: A Step-by-Step Guide from David Austin Roses

Planting bare-root roses can seem intimidating to many gardeners, but it’s a simple and rewarding process when done correctly. One common question we get is, "When is the best time to plant roses?" The answer is, as long as the soil isn’t frozen, waterlogged, or overly dry, roses can be planted at any time of the year. However, planting during the dormant season (typically late autumn to early spring) is ideal for bare-root roses, as this gives the plants plenty of time to establish strong roots before they start to bloom.

David Austin Roses offers expert guidance on how to plant and care for your bare-root roses. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you get started:

Step 1: Soak the Bare-Root Roses

Before planting, it’s important to give your bare-root roses a good soak. Place the bare-root roses in a bucket of water for about 30 minutes. This ensures that the roots are well-hydrated before planting, promoting better root development once they are in the ground. Soaking helps prevent dehydration, which can lead to poor establishment and weak growth.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

The next step is preparing the planting area. Use a fork or shovel to clear away any weeds, debris, or rocks from the planting site. This step is crucial because it ensures the roots of your garden rose plants will have room to grow freely in the soil, without being obstructed by any barriers. Loose, well-drained soil is key to strong root development.

Step 3: Dig the Planting Hole

Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the rose’s roots comfortably. A typical planting hole should be about 40 cm (16 inches) wide and 60 cm (24 inches) deep. The size of the hole will give the rose’s roots enough space to spread out and establish a strong foundation. If you are planting multiple roses, be sure to space them about 45 cm (18 inches) apart to give them room to grow.

Step 4: Loosen the Bottom of the Hole

Using your fork or shovel, loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole. This allows the rose’s roots to grow deeper into the soil and helps with drainage. Loosening the soil ensures that the roots don’t become compacted, which could hinder their growth.

Step 5: Add Well-Rotted Manure or Compost

Next, enrich the soil by adding some well-rotted manure or compost. This provides essential nutrients to your rose bush during its growth. Mix the manure or compost with the surrounding soil using a small fork or trowel. Good nutrition is vital for healthy growth, and organic matter helps retain moisture in the soil, which is crucial for your rose’s establishment.

Step 6: Add David Austin Mycorrhizal Fungi

David Austin Roses recommends adding mycorrhizal fungi to the planting hole. Mycorrhizal fungi help the rose roots absorb water and nutrients more effectively, promoting healthier, stronger growth. Simply sprinkle the recommended amount of fungi onto the roots of your rose before planting. We suggest applying the fungi directly above the roots in the hole, as the excess will naturally fall to the bottom of the hole.

Step 7: Position the Rose in the Hole

Now it’s time to place your rose into the planting hole. Gently spread out the roots and position the plant in the center of the hole. To ensure that the rose is planted at the correct depth, place a bamboo cane or stick above the root ball, in line with the soil surface. The graft union (the swollen area where the rootstock and the rose variety meet) should be just below the level of the cane, at around 2.5 cm (1 inch) beneath the soil surface.

Step 8: Backfill the Hole with Soil

Once the rose is positioned correctly, backfill the hole with the soil that was previously dug out. Carefully fill in the space around the roots, making sure there are no large air pockets. Gently firm the soil around the plant to ensure the roots make good contact with the soil. This will provide stability and prevent the plant from shifting after planting.

Step 9: Firm the Soil

After backfilling, gently step on the soil with your feet to firm it down. This ensures that the rose is securely anchored and that the soil is compacted enough to prevent the rose bush from shifting. However, be careful not to compact the soil too much, as this can affect drainage and root growth.

Step 10: Water Thoroughly

Finally, water the newly planted rose deeply. Fill the planting hole with water slowly, allowing the soil to absorb it. This helps settle the soil around the roots and ensures they are well-hydrated. Keep the soil moist in the first few weeks after planting to encourage strong root establishment.

Conclusion

Planting bare-root roses may seem like a lot of work, but following these simple steps will ensure that your garden roses thrive. By soaking the roots, preparing the soil properly, and providing the right nutrients, you’re giving your rose bush the best possible start in life. With a little care and attention, your bare-root roses will soon bloom into beautiful, healthy plants that will bring joy to your garden year after year. Happy planting!