A rose is a rose--that is, until it's time to select one. Deciding what type and color of rose you want is only half the battle. You'll also need to find a healthy one.
There are two common purchasing options for roses--nurseries (or garden centers) and mail-order catalogs. Catalogs give you the greatest options in terms of choice; plus, you'll be saving money if you buy bare-root instead of container-grown.
Regardless of where a rose plant is purchased, the buyer should ask several key questions concerning the compatibility of a specific variety with the local climate. For gardeners who are just starting their experience with planting roses, choose an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance variety to help avoid frustration.
Mail-Order Roses:
- Mail-order catalogs from companies that specialize in roses will usually recommend varieties by climate. Company representatives will often give advice over the phone as well.
- Generally, mail-order roses will arrive in bare-root form (no soil around them), which makes them less expensive than those already potted in a nursery. Bare-root roses need to be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting.
- Look for the following notations on your roses:
- A description of this type--"Dormant, 2-year-old, Number 1, field-grown plants": Number 1 means that the plant has at least three healthy canes at least 18 inches high; for floribundas, this would indicate a 15-inch height.
- AARS: this indicates that the rose is an All-America Rose Selection.
- A high rating on a scale of 1 to 10 by the American Rose Society.
- There are also star ratings. A five-star rose is the highest grade.
Nursery Roses:
- When selecting a pre-potted rose in a nursery, look for good ratings, healthy foliage and strong, undamaged canes.
- Look for any early signs of disease.
- Always buy from a reputable nursery that allows exchanges/refunds.
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