How to Plant Bagged Roses

Winter is the perfect time for planting bare root roses, since garden centres and produce stores (Brookies included!) all over will be carrying bagged roses for sale – so some people say it's "bare root season." If you're planting roses so they start forming buds in late spring, here's a handy guide.

Ready for a burst of colour in the growing season? Here's how to plant bagged roses (and how to care for a potted rose) for the best results.

Growing Conditions for Bagged Roses

To start, choose a sunny spot in your garden, one that gets at least six hours a day. Rose bushes should be kept away from other plants – even your lawn grass! Don't plant roses under large trees either, as this will discourage healthy foliage.

Roses can tolerate most soil types, but prefer medium to heavy loams with a pH of 6.5–7.

Water your plants at least once a week, to a depth of about 45cm. Do not underwater or lightly sprinkle your plants, since this hinders root growth.

When Will You Plant Roses?

If you're planting your roses right away, take them out of their bag and place them in a bucket of water. Make sure all the bare roots are soaked, so they don't dry out.

For those planting the next day, give your bagged roses a quick water, then close the bag back up to protect the roots. This will help keep roots moist before planting.

But if you're going to wait 2+ days to plant bagged roses, remove them from the plastic wrap and temporarily place them in a pot of loose, moist soil.