It’s always disappointing when you excitedly plant your bare root roses only to find they don’t seem to be growing or thriving. But don’t worry, with a little troubleshooting you can get your bare root roses back on track.
As a passionate rose gardener myself, I’ve dealt with many bare root roses that struggled after planting. Over the years, I’ve learned what causes bare root roses to fail and how to revive them.
In this article, I’ll share the most common reasons for bare root rose issues, along with my best tips for troubleshooting and fixing the problems. With the right care, your bare roots can grow into gorgeous, healthy rose bushes.
Top Reasons Bare Root Roses Don’t Grow
Here are the most frequent causes of bare root rose problems that I see
Improper Planting Depth
Bare root roses need to be planted at just the right depth for the graft union or bud union to thrive This is located several inches above the root system
If planted too deep, the graft union can rot. Too shallow, and the roots are exposed. Aim to have the graft union 1-2 inches below soil level.
Under or Over Watering
Getting the watering schedule right for newly planted bare roots is crucial but tricky. Too much moisture can cause rot, while too little stops growth.
Aim to keep soil moist but not soaked for the first few weeks. Then you can begin easing back on watering as the rose establishes.
Extreme Temperatures
Bare roots prefer consistent, mild temperatures after planting. Frost can damage shoots, while heat stresses the roots.
Newly planted bare roots need protection from any extreme cold and extreme heat. Move pots to shelter or cover with frost blankets as needed.
Transplant Shock
Even when carefully planted, bare roots can experience transplant shock due to root damage and stress. Growth may stall as the plant recovers.
Be patient and care for it gently as it adapts. Recovery can take weeks or even months.
Incorrect Timing
Bare root roses need to be planted during dormancy, before they leaf out. In most zones, this window is late winter to early spring.
Planting too late won’t allow time for root growth. Too early risks frost damage, drainage issues, and other problems.
Poor Soil Conditions
The ideal soil for roses is slightly acidic loam with plenty of organic matter. Poor soil drainage, low nutrients, or incorrect pH will inhibit growth.
Test soil and amend prior to planting. Incorporate compost and fertilizer per test recommendations to optimize conditions.
Disease or Pests
As with any plant, disease and pests can attack bare root roses, potentially severely weakening or killing them.
Watch for signs like black spot, powdery mildew, aphids. Treat with organic sprays or neem oil and improve air circulation.
Tips for Reviving Bare Root Roses
If your bare root rose is struggling, don’t lose hope! Here are my top troubleshooting tips:
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Inspect roots: Gently remove from soil and look for signs of rot or other damage. Trim any dead roots.
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Check depth: Make sure graft union is properly positioned 1-2 inches below soil. Replant at proper depth.
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Improve drainage: Add compost to heavy soil to improve drainage and aeration.
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Fertilize: Use organic fertilizer per soil test recs to provide needed nutrients.
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Water thoroughly: Deep water the root zone, then let dry out between waterings.
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Prune away dead growth: Remove any dead canes or stems to improve air circulation.
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Monitor for pests/disease: Treat immediately if any issues are found. Be vigilant.
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Shelter from weather extremes: Cover or move container grown roses to protect from excessive heat, cold, wind, or rain.
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Transplant to container: For struggling bare roots, transplanting to a pot allows more control over soil, drainage and care.
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Be patient: Wait at least 8 weeks before giving up hope. Bare roots often recover slowly.
With attentive troubleshooting and care, the majority of stressed bare root roses can be coaxed back to health. But occasionally one may be too far gone. If a bare root declines despite your best efforts, go ahead and replace it. The key is learning why it failed to avoid a repeat next time.
While bare root rose issues can be frustrating, they offer an opportunity to expand your skills and knowledge as a gardener. Improving your planting techniques, care regimen, and problem-solving abilities will lead to better results with all your roses, bare root or otherwise.
The satisfaction of reviving a struggling bare root rose and seeing it finally thrive makes all the effort worthwhile. Don’t let setbacks discourage you. With patience and persistence, you can become a bare root rose pro!
For even more troubleshooting tips, be sure to check out my blog posts on strategies for hydrangeas and lilacs that aren’t blooming. The concepts are quite similar and may provide additional advice to get your bare root roses flowering.
BAREROOT ROSES – 6 Mistakes People Make When Planting Bareroot Roses
FAQ
How long does it take to grow bare root roses?
Why is my newly planted rose not growing?
Are bare root Roses good quality?
To make it easier, they are labeled with grades 1, 1.5, or 2. Grade 1 roses are the best quality, with at least three strong, healthy canes and a mature root system. Grade 1 bare-root roses will be a bit more expensive, but worth the price for health, and still a good value. Grades 1.5 and 2 may have fewer or smaller canes and roots.
When should I plant bare roots Roses?
For own root roses plant to the base of the canes. Bare roots roses are planted January through May depending on your growing zone. Use the chart below to help you plan when to order and plant bare roots in your garden. If it is too warm or too cool to plant your rose it will not thrive.
What is a bare root rose?
Before we begin, let’s make sure that we’re all on the same page. Basically, bare root roses are Rosa plants that have their roots exposed. Unlike the plants you see at the nursery that have green foliage and maybe even some blossoms, bare roots are dormant and only have a few stumpy canes emerging from the roots, which aren’t covered in any soil.
Should you plant bareroot Roses with leaves on them?
Avoid bareroot roses with leaves on them because in my opinion they are too far ahead of themselves in pushing new growth. Frequently when you plant these roses the leaves die and rose often follows because there is no root system to support that top growth. If you come across this in your garden, don’t panic.