Article by Vincent Hughes
February is already here, and spring is on the way! It’s almost hard to believe that we’re now over a month into the new year! But with February comes a day that we’re all too familiar with, Valentine's Day! And what is the first thing that all of us think of when we think about things that are associated with Valentine's Day? Roses! Many, if not most, think about roses in terms of bouquets for that special someone at this time of year. But did you know that February is actually the ideal time to both plant and to prune your bare root roses?
Instead of buying your special someone a bouquet of roses for Valentine's Day that might only last for a few days, consider getting them a bareroot rose that can be planted in your home garden. During this time of the year, roses are in a state of dormancy, and planting them in this phase allows the rose to establish a strong root system before putting its energy into both leaf and flower production. This also reduces heat stress on the plant that you would encounter when planting in the warmer months, preventing fragile roots from drying out and allowing for better water absorption. However, you will need to be careful not to plant your rose if you see that a hard frost is on the horizon.
If you decide to plant a bareroot rose this month, however, you should keep in mind that there are several steps that you’ll need to take before you plant it. To begin with, you’ll need to rehydrate the roots by soaking them in a bucket of water for up to twenty-four hours. You’ll also need to inspect the roots for any broken, damaged, dead, or diseased roots and prune them. If planting is delayed, however, you will need to store the plant in a cool, dark place and ensure that the roots stay moist.
If you already have a bareroot rose, then this is also the ideal time to prune it to encourage new growth. In pruning, you will want to cut away any brown, dead, or broken canes back to healthy white wood. It is recommended that you select the three to five healthiest canes and remove all others, particularly those that are spindly or woven through the plant, to improve air circulation and light filtration. It is also recommended to cut back the canes to within four to six inches of the crown of the plant to further encourage new growth.
So, before you think about going out to buy a bouquet for that special someone or ordering one to be delivered to them this Valentine's Day, consider getting them a bareroot rose. Not only will it be a beautiful addition to your garden, and one that will last far longer than any bouquet, but it can be a wonderful learning experience for both of you!
With that, I wish all of you a very Happy Valentine's Day! And as always, good luck and happy growing!
Banner rose: Betty Boop rose photo by Jennifer Baumbach