HOW TO PLANT BARE ROOT ROSES

Soak root in a bucket of water for an hour or so.

On poor soils, improve by incorporating compost.

Dig hole deep and wide enough to take rose roots.

Fork base of the hole over well to break up the soil and mix in a spadeful of well-rotted compost.

Mound a small pile of soil in centre of hole to support crown of the rose. Place rose in the centre.

Lay a bamboo cane across top of the hole to make sure that the “union” of the rose (between the root plant and the graft, which looks like a knee) is slightly below soil level. If it isn’t, dig deeper. This is crucial. If union is above soil level, you promote the formation of suckers from the root material. These may then outgrow the grafted rose on top.

Fill in the hole, firm down with your heel, mulch well and water.

Continue to water newly planted roses over the next summer to ensure they establish themselves well, especially if it’s dry.