David Austin Roses’ guide to growing beautiful blooms from bare root roses

Bare root roses have long been a favourite among gardeners for bringing bountiful blooms and exquisite colour to any outdoor space – and for good reason. Not only do bare root roses typically benefit from more vigorous root systems than their container-grown counterparts, but they are also an affordable, low-maintenance, and eco-conscious way to welcome the beauty of roses into the garden. Caring for them also offers an ideal way to spend time outdoors and embrace slow living in the midst of today’s fast-paced world, embracing the joy of nurturing roses from the ground up.  

With the right care and attention, bare root roses can thrive and reward gardeners with stunning blooms and robust shrubs or climbers for many years to come. 

Here, Liam Beddall, Senior Rose Consultant at David Austin Roses, provides some top tips on how to get the most from bare root roses:  

1. Selecting the right bare root roses 

Choosing the right bare root rose for you is the first step. With countless options from climbing roses and hybrid teas, to floribundas and shrub roses, there are plenty of varieties to suit every taste. Don’t just think about colour and bloom - ensure you consider factors like your sunlight exposure and available space. Our Smaller Space Collection (RRP £60.00) contains three beautiful roses that are ideal for compact gardens, with beautiful vibrant flowers that will transform your space into an inviting retreat, whereas climbing varieties like the Generous Gardener (RRP £23.00) are better suited to large areas where they can grow up a wall, doorway or large arch.  

2. Soaking the roots 

Before planting, soak the roots of your bare root rose for at least two hours, or overnight if possible. This step rehydrates the roots, allowing them to absorb moisture and establish themselves in the soil once planted. If you can't plant them immediately, store the roses in their original packaging in a cool, dry place for up to three weeks, ensuring they are protected from frost. 

3. Preparing for planting 

Before planting, it’s essential to prepare the area properly. Bare root roses prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Make sure your planting site gets at least four hours of sunlight each day. Good air circulation is crucial to prevent disease, so avoid areas with poor airflow or strong winds. 

4. Planting the bare root roses 

In the ground 

Start by digging a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the root system. Mix compost, well-rotted manure or soil improver to improve fertility. Position the rose in the centre of the hole, spread the roots evenly, and sprinkle mycorrhizal fungi over them to encourage root growth. Ensure the graft union (the swollen area where the rose is grafted onto the rootstock) is buried two to three inches below the soil surface. Fill in the hole with soil, tamp it down gently, and water thoroughly to settle the soil. 

In pots or containers 

If you're planting your rose in a pot, choose one at least 18 inches in diameter and depth. Use a mix of compost and soil, which provides a nutrient-rich environment for your rose. Ensure the pot has drainage holes, add a layer of broken ceramic pots or gravel at the bottom to improve drainage, and plant the rose as you would in the ground, making sure the graft union is two to three inches below the soil surface. 

5. Mulching and watering 

After planting, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the rose to help retain moisture, prevent weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep the soil consistently moist, but be sure not to overwater, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. 

6. Pruning and maintenance 

Bare root roses don’t require any pruning at first, while younger plants that have flowered for one or two seasons require a light prune, and roses that have bloomed for more than two or three summers can be reduced in size by half. 

Once the roses start to grow, remove any dead or diseased wood and shape the plant as needed. Be sure to keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly with appropriate remedies. 

7. Fertilisation and care 

Roses are heavy feeders. To encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms, use a rose-specific fertiliser, such as the Controlled Release Rose Food. Apply fertiliser in the spring and throughout the growing season as directed, being careful not to over-fertilise. 

8. Winter care 

As the year progresses and colder months approach, protect your bare root roses by covering the base with mulch or burlap. This will insulate the roots from frost damage and help your roses survive through winter. 

With proper care and attention, bare root roses can flourish, providing beauty and charm to any garden. Start with a healthy foundation, and soon you’ll enjoy the rich colours and fragrant blossoms that make roses a gardener's favourite. 

For more information or to pick the perfect bloom for your garden, visit the David Austin Roses rose finder.   

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Editors notes

For over 60 years, David Austin Roses has been growing roses on its family farm in Shropshire, lovingly nurturing them by hand until they are ready to be passed onto customers, to be enjoyed in their own gardens.