Why should I plant bare root roses?
Few things capture the essence of an English country garden like roses. Whether climbing over trellises and obelisks, adding fragrance to a border, or forming a standalone statement, roses are a timeless choice.
Planting bare root roses is not only economical but also an opportunity to establish healthy, thriving plants in your garden. In this blog we discuss everything you need to know about their benefits, varieties, planting times, and steps to get started.
In this blog
We’re a garden design studio in the North West of England crafting modern country gardens that seamlessly blend classic elegance with contemporary flair in Cheshire, North Wales, and the Wirral. In this blog we cover why you should plant bare root roses in your garden and the benefits to you, the homeowner:
- The benefits of bare root roses
- Types of roses and their role in your garden
- The best time to plant bare root roses
- How to plant bare root roses
- Where to buy bare root roses in the UK
The Benefits of Bare Root Roses
Bare root roses are dormant plants sold without soil around their roots. When they arrive (if you order them by post) their roots will be wrapped but they will be, well bare!
I love using bare-root roses for the following reasons:
- Cost-Effective: Bare root roses are often more affordable than potted roses, allowing you to invest in a larger selection. Many nurseries offer deals on multiple bare root roses too.
- Wide Selection: Many specialist rose nurseries offer rare or unique varieties in bare root form.
- Strong Root Establishment: Planting bare root roses during dormancy allows them to establish robust root systems before they start blooming.
- Ease of Transport: Without heavy pots and soil, bare root roses are easier to post and handle when planting.
Types of Roses and Their Role in Your Garden
Each type of rose brings unique charm and function, whether you’re designing a romantic rose garden or enhancing an existing space. It’s important to remember that each type has a different characteristic, which I will explain here:
Climbing Roses:
Climbing roses are perfect for adding vertical interest in any garden. Climbers can drape over arches, fences, or walls. Varieties like ‘New Dawn’ or ‘Iceberg’ provide stunning blooms and architectural elegance. But my favourite is Claire Austen which has a strong, myrrh fragrance.
Shrub Roses:
Ideal for borders and informal planting schemes, shrub roses like ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ combine fragrance and structure with repeat flowering. There are a variety of sizes and heights in the scrub rose category which makes them quite a versatile rose. Many of the varieties have been bred for mixed borders, pots and semi shade areas too.
Hybrid Tea Roses:
Known for their large, elegant blooms, hybrid tea roses like ‘Peace’ are excellent for cut flowers and formal garden designs. They have been grown for their pointed ‘bud flowers’ and each stem usually holds a single flower. Hybrid Teas do not blend well with other plants in the mixed border as they have a short, upright habit of growth so tend to be better in formal rose gardens.
Ground Cover Roses:
Also called Procumbent roses, these low-growing and spreading, ground cover roses help cover bare soil with colour and fragrance. They tend to be wider than they are tall and have smaller flowers and free-flowering. They tend to repeat flower very well too.
Standard Roses:
Standard roses, with their elegant, tree-like shape, make a stunning centrepiece for pathways or patio containers. These roses achieve their dramatic appearance by grafting two or more shrubs onto a single stem. English Roses, known for their lush, natural growth and exquisite fragrance, are particularly well-suited for cultivating as standards. They are perfect for highlighting key areas of a garden, lining pathways, framing entrances, or adding charm to an empty wall. They will need to be staked securely when planted.
The Best Time to Plant Bare Root Roses
The optimal time to plant bare root roses is during their dormant season, which typically runs from late autumn to early spring (November to March) in the UK. Aim to plant on a frost-free day when the ground is not waterlogged or frozen.
How to Plant Bare Root Roses
Follow these steps to ensure your roses get off to a great start:
- Preparation: Soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4-24 hours before planting to rehydrate them.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Roses thrive in areas with at least six hours of sunlight daily.
- Digging the Hole: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots without crowding, typically around 40cm wide and 40cm deep.
- Adding Compost: Mix organic compost or well-rotted manure into the soil at the bottom of the hole for added nutrients.
- Planting: Position the rose so the graft union (the knobbly part above the roots) is just below soil level. Spread the roots out evenly.
- Backfilling: Fill in the hole with soil, gently firming it down to remove air pockets.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Where to Buy Bare Root Roses in the UK
Bare root roses are a rewarding addition to any English country garden. By selecting the right type for your space and planting them during dormancy, you’ll enjoy years of beautiful blooms and delightful fragrances. With proper care and the right suppliers, your garden will soon flourish with the timeless elegance of roses.
For high-quality bare root roses I tend to use the following suppliers:
- David Austin Roses: Renowned for their English roses, offering a wide range of beautifully scented varieties. www.davidaustinroses.co.uk
- Peter Beales Roses: Specialists in classic and heritage roses. www.classicroses.co.uk
- Harkness Roses: Known for disease-resistant and award-winning varieties. www.roses.co.uk
- Trevor White Roses: Offering a carefully curated selection of bare root roses. www.trevorwhiteroses.com
For more tips on how to prune your roses, read this blog here: How do I prune my shrub, climbing roses and rambler roses and when should I do it?
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