How Often Do I Water Bare-root Roses?

Roses are often sold as bare-root plants.

Bare-root roses are available in the spring in stores and through the mail. Bare-root roses are dormant and can be planted as soon as the ground is workable.

After-Purchase Care

Unwrap the bare-root roses from their packaging and soak the roots for an hour to rehydrate them. You can store the plants for a few days by rewrapping the roots in the moist packing material and putting them in a cool, dark area.

Trenching

If you need to delay planting for more than several days, it's best to trench the plants. Dig a shallow trench, then lay the rose bushes on their sides in the trench, with the canes above ground. Cover the roots with soil and water often enough to keep the soil moist but not wet.

Pre-Planting Care

Before planting bare-root roses, soak the roots in a bucket of water for two to 24 hours. If you find any mold on the roots, add a rose fungicide such as Daconil to the water in the bucket.

After-Planting Care

Roses require at least an inch of water each week. Water long enough that the soil is moistened to a depth of 12 inches to encourage deep root development.

References

• University of California, Davis: Selecting and Planting Bare Root Roses
• University of Illinois Extension: Our Rose Garden: Planting
• University of Rhode Island GreenShare Fact Sheets: Planting Roses