Bare Root Roses Not Growing

You planted your bare root roses with high hopes, but now they’re just sitting there. It’s a common and frustrating problem. If your bare root roses not growing, you’re in the right place. Let’s figure out why they’re struggling to establish themselves and get them back on track.

Establishing bare root roses can be tricky. They arrive dormant, looking like a bundle of sticks, and need careful handling. A misstep in the first few weeks can set them back months. But don’t worry, most issues are fixable. We’ll walk through the common causes and solutions step by step.

This heading sums up your exact problem. When you see no new growth, it’s a clear signal. The plant is stressed and needs intervention. The reasons usually fall into a few key categories: planting errors, environmental stress, or issues with the plant itself. Identifying which one is the first step to a cure.

Common Reasons for Failure to Establish

Understanding why your rose is failing is crucial. Here are the primary culprits:

Planting at the Wrong Time: Too early in frozen ground or too late in hot weather.
Incorrect Planting Depth: The graft union (the knobby bump) is either buried or too exposed.
Dried Out Roots: Roots were allowed to dry out before or after planting.
Poor Soil Conditions: Soil that doesn’t drain or lacks nutrients won’t support growth.
Insufficient Watering: Underwatering is a top killer, but overwatering can be just as bad.
Lack of Patience: Sometimes, they’re just taking their time to settle in.

The Critical First Step: Pre-Planting Soak

This step is non-negotiable and often skipped. Your bare root rose has been out of soil for a while. It needs to rehydrate thoroughly before going in the ground.

Unwrap the rose and remove any packing material.
Inspect the roots. Trim any that are broken or excessively long.
Fill a large bucket with water. Add a seaweed extract soak if you have it.
Submerge the entire root system for 12-24 hours. Do not exceed 24 hours.

If you skip this, the roots may not absorb enough moisture from the soil. The plant will struggle from day one. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference in establishment.

Planting Depth and Technique Errors

How you plant is just as important as when. Getting the depth wrong is a major reason for stalled growth.

Where is the Graft Union?

The graft union is the swollen knob where the rose variety is joined to the rootstock. In most climates, this union should be planted 1-2 inches below the soil surface. This protects it from winter cold. In very warm climates, it can be level with the soil.

If it’s buried too deep, the rose may try to grow roots from the grafted variety, defeating the purpose of a hardy rootstock. If it’s too high, it can dry out and get damaged by sun or frost.

Building the Perfect Planting Hole

Dig a hole wider than the root spread and deep enough so the graft union sits at the correct depth.
Create a cone of soil in the center of the hole. This gives the roots something to drape over.
Place the rose on the cone, spreading the roots out and down naturally.
Backfill with the native soil mixed with a little compost. Avoid rich potting mixes.
Water deeply as you backfill to eliminate air pockets. Air pockets will dry out roots.

Watering: The Biggest Make or Break Factor

Watering improperly is the fastest way to lose a bare root rose. Their root system is initially small and vulnerable.

First Two Weeks: Water deeply every other day unless it rains.
First Growing Season: Water deeply 1-2 times per week. The goal is to encourage deep roots.
The Finger Test: Check soil moisture 2-3 inches down. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.

Overwatering is a silent killer. Soggy soil suffocates roots, leading to rot. If the leaves are yellowing and the soil is wet, you might be loving it too much with water. Ensure your planting site has good drainage to begin with.

Soil and Nutrition Issues

Roses need good soil, but “good” doesn’t mean “rich.” They prefer well-draining, loamy soil.

Heavy clay soil holds too much water. Sandy soil drains too fast. Amend both with generous amounts of compost. Compost improves texture and provides slow-release nutrients. Avoid adding a lot of fertilizer at planting time. It can burn the new, tender roots. Wait until you see about 4-6 inches of new growth before applying a balanced, gentle fertilizer.

Environmental Stress and Location

Did you plant it in the right spot? Roses need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. Less than that, and they become weak and won’t grow vigorously. They also need good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases but should be sheltered from strong, constant winds which can dry them out.

A sudden late frost after planting can damage new shoots. If a frost is forecasted after growth has started, cover the plant with a breathable fabric for the night. Patience is key here. Sometimes, the plant is simply focusing energy on building a strong root system below ground before it shows top growth.

Step-by-Step Rescue Plan for a Stalled Bare Root Rose

If your rose is already in the ground and not growing, follow this rescue checklist.

Check for Green Life: Gently scratch a small part of the main cane with your thumbnail. If you see green underneath, the cane is still alive. If it’s brown and dry, trace it down to where it meets green or to the soil.
Investigate the Soil: Dig carefully around the base. Is the soil bone dry or swampy wet? Check the depth of the graft union.
Adjust Watering: Correct your watering schedule based on what you find. Deep, infrequent watering is usually the goal.
Consider Gentle Feeding: If the canes are green and it’s been 6-8 weeks, a half-strength liquid fertilizer might give it a nudge.
Prune for Direction: If there is some growth, prune back any dead cane to healthy, outward-facing buds to direct energy.
Give it Time: If all checks out, the plant may just need more time. It can take up to two months for significant top growth to appear.

When to Accept Loss and Start Over

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a plant doesn’t make it. If, after 10-12 weeks in the growing season, your rose shows no green when scratched and the canes are brittle, it’s likely dead. Contact the nursery where you bought it. Many reputable suppliers have a warranty for bare root plants that fail to grow, often requiring notification within a specific period.

Don’t see it as a failure. See it as a learning experience for your next planting. Every gardener has lost a plant or two, it’s how we learn what works in our specific garden.

Prevention: Getting it Right Next Time

The best fix is prevention. Here’s a quick summary for future success:

Order from a reputable nursery with healthy-looking stock.
Plant in the correct season for your zone (late winter to early spring).
Soak roots for 12-24 hours before planting.
Ensure perfect planting depth for the graft union.
Water deeply and consistently, but never let it sit in water.
Choose a sunny, well-drained location from the start.
Be patient and resist the urge to over-fertilize.

FAQ: Bare Root Rose Establishment Problems

How long does it take for a bare root rose to show growth?

It can vary widely. Typically, you should see some swelling buds or small shoots within 2-4 weeks of planting in the growing season. Substantial growth often takes 6-8 weeks. If there’s no sign after 8 weeks, investigate for problems.

Should I use fertilizer when planting bare root roses?

No, it’s generally not recommended. Fresh fertilizer can damage delicate new roots. Wait until the plant has established itself and is producing its first set of new leaves, then apply a balanced fertilizer at half strength.

Why are the canes on my new rose turning brown?

Some die-back of the original canes is normal as the plant establishes. However, if all canes are turning brown and becoming brittle from the top down, it indicates stress—likely from drying out, rot from overwatering, or extreme cold damage.

Can I plant bare root roses in the fall?

In mild winter climates, fall planting can work well. The soil is still warm, encouraging root growth. In colder climates with harsh winters, spring planting is safer. The plant has a full season to establish before facing it’s first freeze.

How often should I water a newly planted bare root rose?

For the first two weeks, water deeply every other day if there’s no rain. After that, aim for 1-2 deep waterings per week, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. The key is consistent moisture, not constant sogginess.

What if I planted the graft union too deep or too shallow?

If it’s very early, you can carefully dig it up and replant it at the correct depth. If it’s been a while and the plant is struggling, it’s often better to leave it and correct the issue on your next planting. Disturbing it again can cause further stress.

Getting bare root roses to establish is a test of patience and attention to detail. By methodically checking the planting depth, water, soil, and site, you can solve most problems. Remember, these plants are resilient. With the right care, that bundle of sticks will reward you with beautiful growth for years to come. Start with the soak, plant with care, and water wisely. Your garden will soon be filled with the blooms you imagined.