Spring is the perfect time to plant bare root or potted roses in Utah, giving them a strong start before the summer heat arrives. Whether you’re adding a new hybrid tea, a fragrant shrub, or a climbing rose to your garden, proper planting technique is key to long-term success—especially in Utah’s challenging climate.

Start by selecting a sunny spot with at least six hours of sunlight per day. Roses thrive in well-drained soil, so avoid low-lying areas where water tends to pool.

Dig a generous hole, about 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep. This gives the roots plenty of room to spread and encourages healthy establishment. Create a small mound of soil at the bottom of the hole to support the rose and help its roots drape naturally.

If you’re planting a grafted rose, position the graft (the knobby junction where the rose was budded onto rootstock) 2 inches below the soil line. This protects the graft from Utah’s cold winters and reduces the chance of winter die-back. For own-root roses, the crown should be planted level with the soil or slightly below.

Before planting, soak bare root roses in water for several hours to rehydrate the roots. This simple step can greatly improve the rose’s ability to establish quickly.

Consider adding mycorrhizae (beneficial fungi that work symbiotically with plant roots) to the planting hole. This natural amendment enhances root development and nutrient uptake, giving your rose a healthier start.

Backfill the hole halfway with soil, then water deeply to eliminate air pockets. Finish backfilling, gently tamp down the soil, and water again thoroughly.

To finish, apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the canes to prevent rot. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

With the right start, your rose will reward you with years of beauty and blooms!