Bare Root Roses and Great Savings
Bare root roses generally cost much less than container roses or roses you can buy in late spring or summer from your local nursery.
Bare Root Essentials for SuccessThey are dormant plants that are sold with no soil around their roots. Because they tend to look slight, generally have no leaves, and come dressed in not much more than a plastic bag (no big container) some gardeners don't seriously consider planting these roses.Planting Bare Root Roses is EasyFor some of you, the thought of buying a rose that is in a bag sounds crazy?You maybe wondering, "How could they possible grow?" Or, more likely you're thinking, "I don't think I could get these roses to grow." Not to worry. You plant them the same way you plant those that come leaved out and from your nursery. How to Buy Healthy Rose PlantsAll Roses have grades. The best ones are marked Grade No. 1.While those below Grade 1 may cost less, considering the amount resources (yours and nature's) you put into your garden, I recommend that you only buy Grade No. 1. Start with the best, even if this means you buy less this season. 
You also want your plants to have at least 3 healthy, well hydrated canes. Look for swollen healthy buds. It is OK if some of the buds have burst, just make sure the tiny leaves look healthy (a fresh red or green color). Look at the graft union or knot right above the rose's roots and feel it. It should be firm ad solid. Softness in the graft union/knot can be a sign of disease. Avoid any rose plants that are soft. Buying from Your Local Nursery
At your local nursery, plants arrive via the mail and your local nursery (if it is good one) will promptly unpack these packages and place the plants in raised flower beds. The flower beds should be filled with lose, rich mulch and the roses roots are buried in the loose soil/mulch. You can simply pull them from their beds. Your nursery will put them in bags and you get to take them home and should, ideally, plant them right away. Buying On-LineBefore you buy online, check-out your supplier's warranty policy. You want to buy from a company that will take back the plants, no questions asked, provided you return them promptly after you get them and within the warranty period.Check your plants out as soon as they arrive. If they don't look healthy, call your online provider right away and return them. Some of the advantages of buying online is the 1) convenience, 2) a wide variety of roses to chose from and, depending on where you live, 3) you may not have to pay sales tax. If shipping costs are low or very reasonable, buying online could be the less costly way to go. Plant As Soon As PossibleIf you can't plant the day you get them, remove them from their packages and cover their roots in some aged (not hot) rich compost. Water them and keep them in the shade.
Ideally, they should be planted before they lose their plumb hydrated appearance. If they are very dry, soak their roots in clean water for a couple of hours before planting to ensure your plants are well hydrated. The Early Gardener Catches the RosePerhaps, if there is one thing that is "hard" about bare root roses, its simply that we need to get moving early in the planting season.It will be easy to find healthy plants and the exact type you want. The most popular varieties are snapped-up. Experienced rose gardeners and landscape designers know there is nothing to be afraid of with bare root roses. Once you try them, you'll be "in the know" too. Return Home from Bare Root Roses
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