Bare Root Roses

Bare Root Roses, what to look for when buying

The first thing to look for is the plant's grade.

Nearly all bare root roses sold today are grown in the field and are approximetly two years old. They are sold in three main grades.

Grade 1 is the best and most expensive grade. In order to obtain this grade the plants are required to have at least three strong cains, two of which must be at least 18 inches in length for hybrid teas anf grandifloras. The canes should be at least 1/8 inch in diameter.

Grade 1 1/2 is the most popular grade due to it's lesser price. In order to obtain this grade the plants are required to have at least two strong canes which must be at least 15 inches long for hybrid teas and grandifloras. The canes should be at least 1/8 inch in diameter.

Grade 2 is the least expensive grade. These plants are only required to have two canes 12 inches or longer. These plants can be a gamble as they may be stunted.

Note: Measurements are for plants when dug from the fields. Sometimes the plant sellers will shorten the length of the canes for easier handling. The number of canes remain the same and usually the thicker the diameter the better the plant.

There are three main sources for buying roses.

Nurseries are normally more expensive but are usually the best places to buy your plants. Plants are normally kept in sawdust thereby allowing you to inspect the roots. Plants with badly damaged roots are less likely to do well and may not make it at all. Additionally, a nursery usually carries a large variety of new and old standards. Finally, a good nurseryperson can provide advice as to which plants do best in your area and climate.

Mail order suppliers are normally less expensive and usually have a greater variety of plants than your local nursery, however you can not inspect the plants before buying and they sometimes arrive damaged. Furthermore, although most mail order suppliers are reputable a few are disreputable and ship very poor quality plants. Additionally, it is hard and can be expensive to return plants that you are unhappy with.

Supermarkets are inexpensive but usually carry a limited variety of plants. Additionally the plants usually come with their roots wrapped in plastic, therefore you are unable to inspect the roots for damage. Plants can be treated roughly in supermarkets, not only by the people that stock them, but also by customers. Therefore, there is a much greater potential for damage.

Should you buy newly developed varieties or the old standards?

Which variety of plant you purchase depends on your taste and what is available for your climate.

There are hundreds of varieties of roses, however I prefer the older time proven standards. They may not come in as many color variations but they are reliable, still come in a large variety of colors and are usually more heavily scented (I like to smell the roses). My two favorites are both red. The Chrysler Imperial is a full well shaped velvety dark crimson red flower with a rich delightful fragrance which grows on a heavily flowering medium height bush. Mister Lincoln has long buds with full open dark rich red fragrant flowers with long stems and grows on a tall bush with dark glossy leaves.

Roses, if properly cared for, can last years. Therefore, in order to obtain the most enjoyment from your plants it is a good idea to do your research. Spend some time looking at types, colors, shapes and sizes. Check catalogues, the internet, check out friend's gardens and if possible go to an arboretum or nursery. Look at and smell the roses before buying.

For more information on what to look for when buying roses see http://www.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/planbeforebuyingrosesarticle.html

A bout The Author

David G. Hallstrom

Permission is given to reprint this article providing credit is given to the author, David G. Hallstrom, and a link is listed to http://www.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com the owner of this article. Anyone or any company reprinting this article without giving proper credit and the correct link, is doing so without permission and will be subject to legal action.

In The News:


Dig it: Home and Garden briefs, Sept. 6
Pocono Record, PA - 8 hours ago
Penn State Cooperative Extension is offering a new program for homeowners, "Energy Efficient Landscaping" from 6 to 9 pm Wednesday, Sept. ...

Auburn woman is gardening master
The State Journal-Register, IL - 8 hours ago
“They started the landscaping — we just took it to the next level,” he said. Gina brought nearly 40 “starts” from her former yard, adding them to existing ...

Gardening: Plan planting ahead of hurricanes
The News-Press, FL - 17 minutes ago
The landscaping and woods in southern Lee County will feel the effects of Tropical Storm Fay for years to come, and some trees will eventually die an early ...

Landscape construction class offers students a hands-on gardening ...
StarNewsOnline.com, NC - Aug 29, 2008
Some of them will complete two semesters and hope to earn State Certification in Landscape Gardening or State Certification in Retention Pond Management (an ...

Tetanus shot may be gardener's best tool
Seattle Times, United States - 22 hours ago
The classic tetanus-inducing mishap is stepping on a rusty nail, but landscaping and yard work actually account for about a third of the cases reported in ...

A garden and a park threatened
Christian Science Monitor, MA - Sep 4, 2008
Some of the most popular articles on the Monitor’s gardening site recently have been about edible landscaping and the increase in home gardens. ...

Landscaping with love for the Chesapeake Bay
Baltimore Sun, United States - Sep 4, 2008
... and requires nontraditional gardening techniques. Fourteen other Maryland counties and Baltimore City offer certification in Bay-Wise landscaping, ...

A Little of This, A Little of That...
Centralia Chronicle, WA - Sep 5, 2008
The subjects covered this time around include presentations on garden myths, beekeeping, protecting your home with fire resistant landscaping, ...

Garden Calendar, Sept. 6-12
Contra Costa Times, CA - Sep 5, 2008
Association of Professional Landscape Designers — 4-6 pm Sept. 9. Speakers: Deva Luna of Earthcare Landscaping and Aaron Garner of Heavenly Greens. ...

Garden Calendar
Bryan College Station Eagle,  United States - Sep 5, 2008
Brazos Valley Farmers Market has a selection of fresh vegetables, ornamental and landscaping plants, herbs, honey, yard eggs and flowers. 7 am to noon. ...
landscaping gardening - Google News

5 Pieces of Equipment Gardeners Cant Live Without

Gardening is fun and rewarding and may be considered a... Read More

Companion Planting

If you look closely at the natural landscape, you'll never... Read More

Build a Rain Garden

There's a new garden in town. It is (mostly) easy... Read More

Fertilizers - What you Need to Feed Your Lawn

Just like humans need food, water and shelter to survive,... Read More

The Truth About Tulips

Roses may be beautiful but Tulips are magnificent. The huge... Read More

Wooden Garden Furniture

Wooden Garden Furniture can be the ideal solution to various... Read More

Sculpture Can Bring Life to Your Garden

I should know: I've been a sculptor most of my... Read More

The Heralded Teak Furniture Manufacturer: Kingsley-Bate

With an average lifespan of 75 years, teak wood has... Read More

Mole Traps: Can You Use Them?

Mole control is one of the most complicated problems that... Read More

Adirondack Chairs - How to Choose One

In Blue Mountain Lake, New York, you will find a... Read More

How to Choose Between Goldfish and KOI

Many people have asked us over the years "Should I... Read More

Ceiling Patio Heaters

It is unavoidable, Fall is coming and we like to... Read More

Herbs: Growing Your Own

The first thing you need to do when deciding to... Read More

Cast Aluminum Furniture

In days gone by, outdoor furniture was cast from iron.... Read More

Green Thumb Gifts: Beyond Gardening Gloves

Ahh, spring! It has sprung! Gardeners (and budding gardeners -... Read More

Ecological Landscape Design and Organic Lawn Care

There is a growing recognition, that the expanding suburban landscape... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening verses Organic Gardening: Which Grows the Best Cannabis?

Copy-write 2005 Jan Money.Hydroponics gardening offers many advantages to the... Read More

Rose Meanings Explained

Roses are the traditional gift given on Valentines Day, but... Read More

Choosing Pond Plants

A pond without plants is like cake without icing. Pond... Read More

Organic or Chemical Feeding of Plants - Whats Best

A fundamental question in vegetable gardening is - what is... Read More

Planting Bare Root Roses

Before planting, the plants must be prepared. The following suggestions... Read More

Winter Gardening Looking Towards Spring

Ok, the title "winter gardening" might be a tad bit... Read More

How To Attract Hummingbirds

Yes! You can attract hummingbirds to your home. Even if... Read More

Orchids Plus More Newsletter - December, 2004

Newsletter Name Change?After several of you made suggestions to me... Read More

Potting Benches: Beautiful and Practical

Do you love spending time outdoors in your garden creating... Read More