Getting to the bareroot of roses

“Not to create stress, but there are only seven shopping days remaining until Christmas.”

— Anonymous

Bareroot roses make their debut this month and are available through February. Because these plants require less care and space, your favorite nursery will offer their largest rose selection of the year. In addition, you will save money on bareroot roses and they are easier to plant!

Buy bareroot plants from a reputable nursery. Plants are rated according to standards established by the American Assn. of Nurserymen, with each grade designated by a number — 1, 1 1/2 , and 2. No. 1 grade are the best, generally the only grade you will find at a nursery. No. 1 1/2 grade are inferior in quality and No. 2 grade are strictly a gamble.

Before you buy, you’ll need to consider more than flower color. Your nursery person can introduce you to new roses, older favorites (which cost less because their patents have expired), fragrant roses, roses which will tolerate some shade, roses that will grow with your perennials, and, most importantly, roses that will grow well in Laguna.

Although nurseries provide bareroot plants “close” to being properly pruned for planting, it is advisable to cut the canes back to about six to eight inches above the bud union. Remove any new or small, twiggy growth before planting. This helps the rose develop its root system. All heavily damaged or broken roots should be removed, and it is important that your rose is well hydrated prior to planting.

Dig a hole sufficiently large to accommodate the roots without crowding, about 12- to 18-inches wide and deep. Work into the soil one part organic material — planter’s mix or good quality compost, to one part soil you removed from the hole. Build a mound of prepared soil in the hole to support roots and hold the plant at the proper height. The cone should be just high enough so the bud union is at ground level.

Hold the rose steady and fill the hole half full of soil mixture. Tamp down lightly, then fill the hole with water. This will settle the soil around the roots of the plant and remove any air pockets. After the water has drained away, fill the hole completely with soil mixture, leaving just a slight saucer-shaped depression to form a basin to hold water. Add water again to ensure the soil is completely saturated.

Water your rose daily until growth appears, then use a normal watering schedule. Your rose will leaf out faster if you mist the canes often with water. Roses require water above and below the soil to fully develop.

STEVE KAWARATANI wishes everyone a great holiday. He can be contacted at (949) 497-8168 or plantman2@mac.com.