Planting Bare Root Roses in Pots: A Complete Guide

Planting bare root roses in pots is a fabulous way to grow beautiful roses even if you have limited garden space. With the right pot soil mix and care bare root roses can thrive in containers and provide gorgeous blooms throughout the season. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully planting bare root roses in pots.

Why Grow Bare Root Roses in Pots?

Bare root roses offer several advantages that make them ideal for potted culture

• Wider selection – Bare root roses allow you access to a much broader selection of rose varieties that may not be available at your local nursery. You can find rare and unusual roses by mail order.

• Lower cost – Bare root roses are lighter and cheaper to ship than potted roses. This makes them very cost effective.

• Ease of transport – The lightweight bare root plants are easy to carry and move around. This is perfect if you need to move pots to protect roses in winter.

• Reduce transplant shock – Planting bare roots in pots right away reduces trauma on the roots. The roses establish better than being repotted later.

• Flexible placement – Pots provide flexibility in placement, allowing you to move roses into more optimal conditions. This is great if you have shifting sun patterns.

• Extend growing season – Potted bare root roses can be brought indoors if needed to extend the growing season in cold climates.

• Ideal for small spaces – With the right pot and care, roses can thrive on balconies, patios, and in urban courtyards in limited space.

Choosing the Right Pot for Bare Root Roses

Picking the right container is critical for growing healthy bare root roses. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Size – For most shrub roses, select at least an 18-24 inch diameter pot. Bigger is better to allow roses to grow. Standard roses need at least 18 inches depth for stability.

• Drainage – Make sure your pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot. Elevate pots to improve drainage if needed.

• Material – Use durable pots like terracotta, ceramic or plastic. Avoid thin metal containers that conduct heat. Dark colors absorb heat.

• Shape – Match the pot shape to the rose’s form. Round pots work well for bushy shrub roses. Use tall narrow pots for climbing roses.

• Weight – Larger pots for roses can get very heavy. Consider weight if you need to move pots for winter protection. Use pots with handles.

• Companion plants – Select pots that can accommodate shallow rooted companion plants like herbs or annual flowers along with your roses.

When to Plant Bare Root Roses in Pots

Bare root roses should be planted in pots during dormancy:

• Spring – The ideal time is early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid planting if ground is still frozen.

• Fall – You can also plant in fall from October to December, before the ground freezes. Give plants extra care and protection.

• Winter – Bare root roses can be potted in winter if protected from freezing temperatures and soil kept moist.

Planting in spring or fall allows the root systems to get established before the rigors of summer or winter. Time planting so bare roots don’t dry out.

Getting Bare Root Roses Ready for Planting

Follow these tips to prep bare root plants before potting:

• Inspect roots – Check for damage and prune off any broken or dead roots. Healthy roots should be plump and white.

• Soak – Soak bare root roses in water for 2-6 hours before planting. This rehydrates roots.

• Prune canes – Trim off any damaged canes and prune to fit the size of your container.

• Fertilize – Dip roots in diluted transplant fertilizer solution to stimulate root growth.

• Protect roots – Keep bare roots moist. Wrap them in wet newspaper or damp towels if they cannot be planted right away.

• Add mycorrhizae – Sprinkle mycorrhizal fungi on roots before planting to boost root health.

How to Prepare the Potting Mix

Use a premium potting mix for containers with:

• 1 part potting mix
• 1 part compost or manure
• 1 part perlite or pumice

This blend improves drainage while providing nutrients. You can also add:

• Slow release granular fertilizer
• Bone meal
• Worm castings
• Mycorrhizae

For acidic soils, mix in some wood ash or lime to raise pH. Roses prefer a slightly acidic pH around 6.0-6.5.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Planting

Follow these steps for planting bare root roses in pots:

• Fill pot 1/3 full with prepared soil mix. Pack down lightly.
• Position bare root rose in center of pot so the root flare sits 1-2 inches below the rim.
• Spread roots out evenly in pot and add more mix around roots to stabilize.
• Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom.
• Finish filling pot with mix. Pack down firmly but don’t compress too tightly.
• Water again until it drains out the bottom.
• Add 2-3′′ layer of mulch like wood chips around plant, leaving space near stems.
• Place pot in sheltered location out of direct sun for 1-2 weeks to allow roses to establish.
• Gradually introduce to sun over 2 weeks. Most roses need at least 6 hours of sun per day.
• Water whenever top few inches of soil become dry. Check soil moisture daily.
• Apply follow-up fertilizer per package directions. Slow release granules work well.

Caring for Roses Growing in Pots

Keep your potted bare root roses thriving with proper care:

• Water thoroughly and frequently, at least once per day in warm weather. Roses in pots dry out faster than in-ground plants.
• Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Use slow release or organic fertilizers.
• Monitor for pests like aphids and diseases. Treat any problems immediately. Be vigilant about prevention.
• Prune lightly and often. Remove spent blooms, shape, and prune back unwanted growth.
• Monitor soil pH periodically. Add amendments like lime or sulfur to maintain optimal pH for roses.
• Repot into a larger container as the rose outgrows its pot. Try to do this in early spring.
• Mulch pots well to conserve moisture and insulate roots from temperature extremes.
• Move potted roses to sheltered locations or indoors in extreme cold or heat. Monitor soil moisture if overwintering indoors.
• Remove any fallen leaves and petals to prevent disease. Keep the pot and area around the rose clean.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Here are some common issues and solutions for container roses:

Problem: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth
Solution: Usually a sign of underfeeding. Fertilize more regularly with a balanced fertilizer.

Problem: Powdery white substance on leaves
Solution: Powdery mildew fungus. Improve air circulation and spray neem oil or sulfur fungicide.

Problem: Distorted buds and new growth
Solution: Aphids or other sucking insects. Spray insecticidal soap and prune out infested areas.

Problem: Leaves showing tiny white or black spots
Solution: Fungal disease. Apply appropriate fungicide and improve air circulation.

Problem: Wilting between waterings
Solution: Roots have outgrown pot. Repot in a larger container with fresh potting mix.

By selecting the right rose varieties, containers, and care, you can successfully grow roses on your patio or balcony even without an in-ground garden. With abundant fragrant blooms and lush foliage, potted bare root roses bring beauty right up close where they can be enjoyed. Follow this guide for the knowledge you need to plant bare root roses in pots and keep them thriving season after season.