Temporarily planting a bare root shrub rose in a small pot

clematisdorset · March 2023

I have to plant my bare root shrub rose today in a small pot (smaller than 30cm wide by 60cm deep approx). How long would you risk leaving the rose like this before either potting up into a half-barrel size tub or indeed into the ground. I mis-timed my calculations and do not yet have spare ground or a spare half-barrel!

Marlorena · March 2023

.that's ok, not a problem... I often pot them in small plastic pots like these... they will be ready for transplanting to a large pot/barrel or ground about early June, or left until later if preferred... you will know when ready by seeing roots coming out the bottom of the pots..
If the roots are too big for small pots, you can trim them back a bit with secateurs.. it won't hurt..

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/fd/58e69cy38sla.jpg

clematisdorset · March 2023

@Marlorena thank you for your swift reply and reassurance! That gives me breathing space and time to get better organised. I will keep an eye on the roots and final-plant this summer.

JessicaS · March 2023

I do this as well after asking Marlorena and the experts a few years ago, they are quite happy. I save the pots my potted roses come in for the purpose.

clematisdorset · March 2023

@JessicaS thanks! There is so much expertise on here, it is wondrous! Glad yours are doing well. I was going to use an old David Austin pot but then remembered I had planted spring bulbs in it. I always seem to be on the back-foot, playing catch-up!

Temporarily planting a bare root shrub rose in a small pot

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