A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Rose Bushes

Are you looking to add some beautiful roses to your garden? Well, there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it. I know it might seem like a simple trip to the store and picking out the prettiest one, but there’s more to it than that if you want happy, healthy shrubs in your garden.

Instead of letting the rose choose you, why not approach the process with a bit more intention? In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying rose bushes to ensure you make the best picks for your garden.

How to Make the Best Picks When You Purchase Roses

Table of Contents

Let’s dive into the process and explore some essential tips for selecting the perfect rose bushes for your garden:

Selecting Where to Buy: Local rose societies are a great place to start, as they offer unique hybrids that thrive in your area. Nurseries, online vendors, and local rose gardens are also worth checking out.
Define What You Want: Consider your garden’s needs, like hiding an eyesore, adding fragrance, or creating cut flowers. Choose the right type, size, and variety based on your preferences and gardening conditions.
Tips for Buying Bare Root Plants: Look for flexible roots and healthy canes when purchasing bare root plants. Ensure that the roots and canes are in good condition before bringing them home.
Tips for Buying Potted Plants: Check for rootbound plants, examine the canes for health, and choose a plant with a shape you like. Avoid purchasing potted roses in the winter as they may not be as healthy.
Choosing Own Root vs. Grafted: Own-root plants tend to live longer and are less prone to issues compared to grafted plants. However, grafted plants have a more vigorous root system. Consider your preferences and needs when choosing between the two.

By following these tips, you can make informed decisions when purchasing roses for your garden.

Selecting Where to Buy

Local rose societies, nurseries, online vendors, and rose gardens are all great options when it comes to buying roses. Consider attending annual auctions or festivals held by rose societies to find unique hybrids and get expert advice from passionate hobbyists and rose lovers.

Local rose societies often offer plants that thrive in your particular USDA Hardiness Zone and climate, making the selection process easier. Additionally, check with the gift shop at your local rose garden for quality bare root and potted roses.

If you prefer to save some money, visit local wholesale nurseries that grow roses and inquire about purchasing plants directly. These sources can provide you with a variety of options and expert advice tailored to your local area.

Define What You Want

Before buying roses, it’s essential to define what you want based on your garden’s needs and your preferences. Consider factors such as location, purpose, growth habit, hardiness zone, pest and disease resistance, sun exposure, and maintenance requirements.

Location: Determine the purpose of planting roses in your garden, whether you want to hide an eyesore, add fragrance, or have cut flowers.
Size and Growth Habit: Choose a rose variety that fits your available space and grows to a size that suits your needs.
Hardiness Zone: Select a rose variety that is suited to your hardiness zone to ensure its long-term success in your garden.
Pest and Disease Resistance: If you struggle with pests and diseases, opt for rose varieties that are known to be resistant to common issues like rust and powdery mildew.
Sun Exposure: Consider the amount of sunlight your selected location receives and choose a rose variety that thrives in the available level of sunlight.
Maintenance: Determine how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to and select a rose variety that aligns with your preferences for pruning, deadheading, fertilizing, and spraying.

Once you’ve defined what you want and considered these factors, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right rose bushes for your garden.

Tips for Buying Bare Root Plants

When purchasing bare root plants, look for healthy roots and canes to ensure the plant’s viability and success in your garden. Examine the roots for flexibility, firmness, and color, avoiding black or brittle roots that indicate poor health.

It’s crucial to select bare root plants with plump, green, and firm canes, avoiding brittle, broken, or black canes. Make sure to choose plants with no signs of new shoots or leaves emerging, as this may indicate the plant is no longer dormant and may struggle to establish itself.

If you buy bare root plants online, verify the seller’s return policy to ensure you can inspect the plants upon delivery. Healthy roots and canes are essential for the plant’s long-term growth and development in your garden.

Tips for Buying Potted Plants

Potted roses offer immediate gratification and convenience, making them an attractive option for gardeners. When buying potted plants, check for signs of rootbound growth, inspect the canes for health, and ensure the soil is moist.

Look for thick, firm, and healthy-looking canes, avoiding black or brittle canes that indicate poor health. Focus on the overall health of the plant rather than the presence of blooms, as healthy canes and foliage are more important indicators of plant vitality.

Choose potted roses with red growth, as this signals young, healthy growth in the plant. Avoid purchasing potted roses in the winter when plants may be less healthy due to seasonal conditions and reduced availability.

By following these tips, you can select healthy potted plants that are ready to thrive and bloom in your garden.

Choosing Own Root vs. Grafted

When deciding between own-root and grafted roses, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option based on your preferences and gardening goals.

Own-Root Roses: Own-root roses tend to live longer and are less susceptible to issues like suckers and compatibility problems. While they are harder to find and can be more expensive, they offer the benefit of long-term stability and reliability.
Grafted Roses: Grafted roses have a more vigorous root system and are commonly available at home goods stores and major nurseries. However, they may produce suckers, carry viruses, or experience compatibility issues that can affect the plant’s health and longevity.

If you prefer the reliability and longevity of own-root roses, consider sourcing them from local rose societies or growers who specialize in own-root varieties. By choosing the right type of rose for your garden, you can enjoy a beautiful and thriving plant for years to come.

Conclusion

Buying rose bushes doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With careful planning, consideration of your garden’s needs, and attention to details like root health, cane condition, and plant type, you can make informed decisions and select the perfect roses for your space.

Whether you choose to purchase bare root plants, potted plants, own-root roses, or grafted roses, following these tips will help you buy healthy, happy rose bushes that will flourish in your garden.

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge and know-how to buy the perfect rose plant for your spot, why not begin your shopping journey? Explore different varieties, colors, and characteristics to find the ideal roses for your garden.

Remember to share your experiences and success stories in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your new additions and how they’re thriving in your garden!

If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other topics related to rose growing, such as getting started with roses, winterizing your plants, pruning like a pro, or exploring David Austin English roses.

Happy gardening, and may your garden be filled with vibrant, fragrant roses for years to come!