To average rosarians, the winter months is a time of reflection on the past year's crop of roses. They remember the beauty that their rose garden produced and long for the upcoming growing season to quickly arrive. Their favorite avocation during frigid months is to gaze longingly at the rose catalogs and ponder just which varieties will be added to the landscape.

Rose bushes begin arriving in the Tennessee area around mid-February - two months before the actual growing season begins. One may wonder why such an early arrival. The answer is clear. Shippers know that the local garden centers have much work to do in order to get the rose bushes jump-started for the buying public. There is preliminary pruning, potting, and feeding to be done if the plants are to be ready by local planting date.

Notice the aforementioned activity on the part of the nurseryman. His chores can be eliminated if the rosarian is willing to purchase roses in bare-root form. And, in my opinion, this is the best method of planting. Accomplished rosarians realize that the quality of plants purchased can be enhanced if bought in bare-root form. With potted plants the examination of the root system is impossible. Then, too, the nurseryman usually reduces the price on plants that do not require his handling.

As to bushes received from the shipper, the nurseryman is unable to guarantee the quality of plants shipped. Unfortunately, not all bushes are of the same degree of quality. Some have strong root systems, while others are limited in root growth. Canes vary in substance and size. By purchasing plants not yet potted, the rosarian can be selective and thus secure better specimens in the beginning. Bushes that have weak canes and spindly growth require advance pruning. This growth should be removed. There are cases when a bush arrives with too many canes. The number should be reduced to accommodate the root system. Remember, leave only the number of canes that the root system can reasonably support. Don't be alarmed at cutting away good canes. Basal breaks at the bud union will provide new canes as the bush grows.

Bare root planting is the best method only if the rosarian acts in haste. Delay in planting often results in dehydration which is often fatal to the bush. Hopefully, the shipper and nurseryman have kept the bushes hydrated. It is the rosarian's duty to continue this all-important action. Just as soon as the bushes reach the rosarian's home, they should be prepared for an overnight-soaking in tepid water. Preparation includes pruning away weak growth and broken roots and cutting the canes to proper length. Cutting the tips of each root will aid in the bush's aspiring the water that is so vital. A good root stimulant should be added to the water that is used for soaking. Once the bush is soaked overnight, it is time to move it to the planting site. If that has to be delayed, do not soak for long periods of time. Rather, remove and sprinkle the bush considerably with water and place in a plastic bag. Keep a vigilant eye on the bushes to make sure they remain well moistened. Planting should occur as soon as possible. The sooner the better.

The planting site should be an area that provides at least six hours of sunlight with good drainage. The planting hole should be at least 20 inches in diameter and of equal depth. If that dimension is inadequate to serve the root system, be sure and increase it. Never crowd the root system in the planting operation. There are some rose growers who prefer planting in pots. This is an accepted method. One note of caution - be sure the pot is large enough and has adequate drainage holes.

It has been rightly stated that a rose grower places a $10 rose bush in a $50 hole. This is not far from the truth. Planting mix is the bush's new home and should contain the basic ingredients that sustain plant life. The more nutritious the mix, the better quality of growth the plant will experience. Basically, the mix should contain 1/3 fertile top soil, 1/3 creek sand, and 1/3 organic material. Organics can be in the form of manures, composted leaves, ground bark, peat moss, mushroom compost, and various other composted materials. Adding perlite or a similar product is beneficial since it aerates the soil and helps it to remain pliable.

Actual planting requires devoted care on the part of the planter. Prepare a cone-shaped mound of planting mix in the hole to the height that allows the bud union to be about ground level or slightly above in some geographical areas. Spread the root system of the bush over the mound and make sure there is no root restriction. Carefully, by hand, place mix under the bush to the point that no air pocket exists underneath. Pour a generous amount of the water that was used for soaking the bushes in the planting hole. Once the water soaks in, finish filling the hole with planting mix and add more water.

Now that the bushes have been planted and the cane ends painted with a sealing compound, it is important to protect them from the cold winds. Because the feeder roots have not formed, the plant has no immediate source of nutrition to sustain its hardy canes. These exposed canes must be protected from the cold winds by a covering process. The easy way is to apply a mound of mulch over them, making sure that the protection does not erode nor wash away. Keep the mulch moist and intact until all danger of frost and freeze is passed. Once that time arrives, be sure and remove the mulch with great care. New basal breaks may have already appeared under the mulch. These basals are future canes for the bush.

After removal of the winter protection, the rosarian is ready to begin a new season of rose growing. If the above steps are employed, the new rose bushes should begin a year of good growth, provided that proper rose culture is exercised. This culture includes proper feeding and regular spraying. Since roses are heavy feeders and no fertilizer is used in planting new bushes, it is imperative to fertilize them once foliage appears. Frequent feeding of smaller amounts is better than large quantities on an infrequent basis.

In my opinion, bare-root planting is the best method for starting roses but it is not the only way. Many rosarians prefer to wait for the danger of frost and freeze to pass and simply purchase potted plants that have been cared for by the nurseryman. These plants can also produce good blooms and much joy for the grower if the rules of good rose culture are practiced.

Happy roses to all.

Ted