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What Does a Bare Root Rose Mean?

If your nursery doesn't have a type of rose that you want to plant, consider ordering the rose bush online. Roses that are shipped will most often be dormant, bare root roses.
  1. Packaging

    • The stem and roots of bare root roses are often wrapped in heavy paper or plastic.

    Appearance

    • Bare root roses have no soil around the roots. There will be approximately three to five short, thin branches poking from the top of the plastic. A bare root rose plant does not have leaves or flowers.

    Seasonal

    • Bare root roses are only available for purchase during the cool months, late fall through early spring.

    Planting

    • Soak the roots in water for at least 24 hours to rehydrate them before planting. If you will not be planting soon, cover the roots with moist soil. Plant when the last hard frost has passed.

    Benefits

    • Bare root rose plants often cost less than roses purchased in full bloom and they have less chance of transplant shock.