How to plant a bare root shrub rose

By following these simple steps, you will ensure your bare root shrub rose gets off to the best possible start.

When to plant

Bare root roses are best planted between October and April, during bare root season. This gives them time to establish ready to bloom come summer. The only time we recommend that you don't plant is when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or in drought conditions.

You will need

Spade

Fork

Large bucket of water

Watering can

Well rotted manure

Where to plant

Roses are incredibly versatile plants and can be planted in an array of different positions.

Make sure the rose has some sun, ideally at least 4 hours of sunlight a day.
Generally, the more sun the better. However in the hottest areas, shade from the afternoon sun can be beneficial.
Ensure the rose has enough space, so that the roots do not suffer from intense competition from neighbouring plants, including treesand hedges.

Step by step guide

Step 1
Rehydrate your rose

Rehydrate your rose in a bucket of water for a minimum of 2 hours prior to planting.
Step 2
Prepare the soil

Dig over the soil thoroughly, using the garden fork and remove any weeds or large stones. This will ensure that the new roots can venture freely into their new environment. Roses will grow in all soil types.
Step 3
Dig the hole

Dig a hole big enough for the rose's roots, approximately 16" wide by 16" deep (40x40cm), using a spade.
STEP 4
Break the soil at the base of your hole

Break up the soil at the base of the hole with a fork, and mix a spadeful of well-rotted manure or Carr's Organic Soil Improver in with the soil at the bottom of the hole. Also, mix two spadefuls of soil improver with the soil removed from the hole.
step 5
Apply David Austin's Mycorrhizal Fungi

Remove the bare root rose from the bucket of water and whilst holding the rose over the planting hole, sprinkle the roots with Mycorrhizal Fungi.
STEP 6
Position the rose in the hole

Position the rose in the centre of the hole. The bottom of the stems should be 2" (5cm) below the top of the hole - use a bamboo cane to help.
STEP 7
Backfill, firm-in and water well

Backfill around the roots of the rose, using the soil that was dug to make the hole. Then, lightly firm the soil around the rose with your foot. Water well.

Related guides