How to plant a bare root standard rose
By following these simple steps, you will ensure your bare root standard rose gets off to the best possible start.
The Best Time 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.
Here’s What You’ll Need
Your Chosen Rose
- Discover Standard Tree Roses
Spade
Fork
Gardening Gloves
Watering Can
- We recommend Haws
Soil Improver or Well Rotted Manure
- We recommend Carr’s Special Organic Soil Improver
Additional
- David Austin Mycorrhizal Fungi
- Large bucket of water
- Wooden stake (supplied)
- 2 x Standard Tree Rose Tie (supplied)
- Hammer or mallet
Choosing the Perfect Spot
- 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 trees and hedges.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1Rehydrate your roseRehydrate your rose in a bucket of water for a minimum of 2 hours prior to planting.
Step 2Prepare the soilDig 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 3Dig the holeDig a hole big enough for the rose's roots, approximately 60cm wide by 45cm deep.
STEP 4Break the soil at the base of your holeBreak up the soil at the base of the hole with a fork, and mix a spadeful of Carr's Organic Soil Improver or well-rotted manure 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 5Remove the tie from the stake and roseJust before planting, remove the tree tie that is holding the rose and the wooden stake together.
STEP 6Position the rose in the holePosition the rose in the centre of the hole. The bottom of the stems should be 2" (5cm) below the top of the hole.
STEP 7Hammer the stake into the holeTo support your standard tree rose use your mallet or hammer to drive the wooden stake into the ground by 20cm, leaving the stake about 1m from ground level. Check that your stake is at the right height - the top of the stake should be at the same height as the top of the standard tree stem, where it splits into branches.
STEP 8Apply David Austin's Mycorrhizal fungiSprinkle David Austin's Mycorrhizal fungi on the roots of the standard rose.
STEP 9Backfill the soilPlace the rose into the hole and backfill the soil, firming as you go.
STEP 10Replace the tree tieTo secure the rose in the hole, attach 1 tie at the top and one half way down.
STEP 11Firm in and water wellGive your standard tree rose one last firm in around the base and water well.
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