Follow these guidelines to plant bare-root roses
How to plant a bare-root rose
Rob D. Brodman

Soak the rose roots in a bucket of water, for up to 24 hours.

Dig a hole 2 feet wide, 1½ feet deep.

Make a firm cone of soil in the hole.

Spread the roots over the soil cone.

Cut back long roots so they fit without bending.

Set the plant so the bud union (graft) is just above the soil level, or just below it if temperatures will drop to 10°.

Use a shovel handle to gauge soil level.

Pull backfill into the hole, firming it over the roots with your hands to stabilize the plant.

Slowly fill the hole with water to soak and settle the soil, then finish backfilling.

Mild climates: When growing season begins, make a ridge of soil around the hole to form a watering basin.

Cold climates: Protect the rose from cold or drying wind by partly covering the plant with soil as shown. After leaves emerge, shape the soil into a basin.

Growing roses in pots: Partially fill a container with potting soil, creating a mound of soil in the center whose top is about 2 inches below the pot rim. Then follow above steps for planting the rose.