roses
By Googie
cheshire, United Kingdom
what are bare rooted roses and can you plant these any time of the year?
- 15 Jan, 2009
Answers
Spritz is quite right. They should only be planted in the spring. If you find any later in the year, don't buy them as they probably won't survive. When you soak them, immerse the entire plant in the water, stems and all. Make sure there are no air pockets around the roots when you plant. Sometimes it means making a mound at the bottom of the planting hole an spreading the roots around it. Back fill the hole with good compost and some well rotted manure. Fill the hole to within 2" of ground level and then fill with water. This will settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets you missed. Once it has drained, fill in the rest of the hole and gently tamp down the soil.
Make sure you situate the top of the bud union where the stems arise from, about 2" below the ground level. This will give you extra winter protection. Keep well watered but not soggy, until the bush is established.
When I plant roses I usually add some slow release fertilizer to the soil too. Another good trick is to place a banana peel into the hole. Roses love bananas as they provide lots of minerals that the roses use.
15 Jan, 2009
Previous question
« my euphorbia millis have black spots and turn yellowish and then fall off
They are roses out of their pots, with their roots exposed. Now is a very good time to plant them - as long as your soil isn't frozen. Soak them in a bucket of water for several hours before you plant them. I don't think they are available at other times of the year - you'd have to buy pot-grown roses which can be planted at any time.
15 Jan, 2009