The Poet's Wife (Auswhirl)
PAT. PP27364

What’s the Difference Between Bare Root and 2-Quart Roses?

Every rose has its own story before it ever blooms in your garden. Whether you’re planting a long-dreamed-of border, filling a favourite container or giving a gift to someone special, it’s good to know how each rose is grown and when it’s ready to plant. Bare root and 2-quart potted roses each follow their own rhythm, but both carry the same promise - beautiful blooms that return year after year, full of colour, scent and joy.

Bare Root Roses

Available January to May

These are field-grown roses, nurtured in the open ground for two full years. When winter arrives and the plants rest, they are carefully lifted from the soil, their roots cleaned and prepared to be sent out without any soil around them. There is something timeless about planting bare root roses. They feel full of possibility, light in the hand yet rich with potential.

Once tucked into your garden soil, these roses waste no time. As spring awakens, they begin to stretch out their roots and push up fresh green shoots, quietly building towards their summer bloom. Bare roots are ideal if you’re working on a larger planting project, perhaps creating a sweeping hedge, lining a path with fragrant varieties or filling a border with soft colour. They arrive ready to grow and quickly become part of the garden’s rhythm.

2-Quart Potted Roses

Available April to May and September to October

These younger roses have been raised with care from cuttings and are grown on their own roots, a feature many gardeners treasure. Own-root roses grow true from the base upwards, giving you a plant that is consistent in character and full of life.

After around 32 weeks of nurturing, they are ready to be planted wherever you choose - in containers, garden beds, borders or even larger projects. Their size makes them wonderfully versatile and easy to handle, full of energy and eager to grow into their space. These roses are also a lovely choice for gifting, offering a personal touch and the pleasure of watching something beautiful take shape over time.

Plant 2-quart potted roses in spring or autumn and enjoy watching them grow with each season, unfurling their first blooms and returning stronger each year.

Not Ready to Plant?

Sometimes plans change or the weather doesn’t quite play along. If you’ve received your bare root roses but planting needs to wait, don’t worry. For short delays of up to three weeks, you can store them in a cool, frost-free place such as a garden shed or garage. Keep them tightly sealed in their original box and polythene bag - they’ll stay perfectly happy, and you may even spot some new growth, especially in spring. It’s a good sign of a healthy, eager plant.

If your planting delay stretches beyond three weeks, it’s best to heel them in. Simply take them out of their packaging, leave them bundled together, and dig a shallow trench or hole big enough for the roots. Cover the roots with soil, firm it down, and water if conditions are dry. This keeps them fresh and protected until you’re ready.

For 2-quart potted roses, it’s best to plant as soon as you can, but if needed, they’re content to remain in their pots for a few weeks. Just make sure they’re watered regularly - the compost should stay moist but not soggy, depending on your local weather. Check often and water as needed to keep them thriving.

All our roses, whether bare root or potted, are prepared with great care and arrive ready to thrive. Each one brings a spark of anticipation - the thrill of new leaves, the joy of first flowers, and the enduring beauty that roses bring to any garden. However you choose to plant them, they will reward you with years of colour, scent and charm.

Bare Root Roses

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Rose Care