Receiving a rose as a gift is always a lovely surprise. But if you're not quite ready to plant it just yet, you may be wondering how to look after it in the meantime. Whether it’s a bare root rose or a potted one, there are a few simple steps you can follow to keep your rose healthy and happy until you’re ready to give it a new home in your garden. Here's how to care for your rose until it’s time to plant.

Bare root roses arrive in a dormant state, so they don’t need too much attention while they’re waiting to be planted. If you’re not planting straight away, don’t worry, they’ll stay perfectly content for a few weeks.

Bare root roses are quite hardy and can stay in good condition for up to three weeks. Simply leave them in their packaging and store them in a cool, frost-free place like your garden shed or garage. If your rose arrives in late winter or early spring, you may even notice some new growth, which is a fantastic sign that your rose is thriving and ready to plant.

If it’s going to be longer than three weeks before you plant, give your rose a little extra care. The best way to do this is by “heeling in.” Take the bare root rose out of its packaging. If you’ve received more than one rose, don’t untie the bundle, just leave them tied together. Dig a small hole or trench big enough to cover the roots, place the bundle in the hole, and cover it with soil. Be sure to water it if the weather’s dry. This will keep the rose healthy and ready to plant when the time comes.

We recommend planting potted roses as soon as you can, as this will give them the best start. However, if you’re unable to plant immediately, don’t worry! Potted roses can happily stay in their pots for up to two months or more, as long as they’re watered properly.