🌹POTTED ROSES: READY TO PLANT🌹

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How To Choose A Bare Root Rose Grade

When shopping for roses, you may have noticed that they are assigned a grade of 1, 1.5, or 2. Read on to find out what this means and which grade you should choose for your garden!

Selecting a bare root rose grade

WHAT IS A ROSE GRADE?

A rose grade indicates the size of the rose when it’s harvested from the growing field and reflects the number of canes a rose must have, the size of the canes and where on the plant measurements are taken. Over 50 years ago, the American Association of Nurserymen—in association with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)—developed grading standards for grafted, field-grown garden roses in the United States to standardize the quality of rose sizes sold by all retailers.

 

Grade 1.5 & Grade 1 Rose

Pictured: Grade 1.5 grafted rose on the left and grade 1 grafted rose on the right.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRADE 1, GRADE 1.5, AND GRADE 2 GRAFTED ROSES?

A Grade 1 rose is the top grade; Grade 1.5 is one step down; and Grade 2 roses are the smallest grade.
A Grade 1 grafted rose needs three canes branched no higher than three inches above the bud graft, measuring at least 5/16-inch in diameter.
A Grade 1.5 rose has at least two strong canes, while a Grade 2 needs one 5/16-inch cane, and at least one at 1/4-inch.
Grade 1 is the most expensive and prices decrease by grade accordingly.

 

Own root bare root roses.

 Two Grade 1 own root roses of different varieties. On the left is a variety with thicker taller straight canes. On the right a rose that has naturally smaller branching canes and a more petite spread. Both are Grade 1 own root plants using the ANSI grading standards.

WHY IS MY OWN ROOT GRADE 1 ROSE SMALLER THAN MY GRAFTED GRADE 1 ROSE?

Grafted roses are typically larger in size than own root roses. Roses of the same variety can be labeled Grade 1 while also being physically different sizes. This is because the standardized ANSI grading system is different for grafted rose and own root rose categories. Own root roses are graded as "deciduous shrubs" and not as "roses" using the ANSI grading standards and may have canes that are smaller than their grafted rose siblings of the same grade. They do not have the same requirements for cane diameter or height as grafted roses. Bare root roses that are imported from Canada or other countries also may be labeled as Grade 1, but look smaller in size than their U.S. counterparts.

 

Grade 1 own root roses of different varieties can also be different sizes. Just like the body shape & size of people vary so do the sizes of roses. Some people have longer torsos and shorter legs or longer arms and feet but I would argue we are all Grade 1 humans, we just come in different shapes & sizes that make us all unique. Some roses have longer canes with a wider spread. Some have thinner canes with more thorns. Some are taller and some are broader. The size of a bare root rose, will reflect the individual characteristics of the rose variety. This is one area of rose growing where size doesn’t always matter as a bare root roses that is "smaller" will grow to be full size roses just like their "larger" counterparts.

 

What’s important is looking for the grade number, whether it’s grafted or own root, and U.S.-produced or imported. If you are purchasing your rose from a reputable nursery then they have graded the rose appropriately using the ANSI grading system. Personally, I think this is one area of the standardization system that could use a revision after 50 years with so many more rose varieties now available in own root selections. When the standardization was developed, the market was almost exclusively grafted roses. It makes it very confusing for both new & veteran gardeners alike when they receive an order of bare root roses and they all are different sizes believing the smaller own root plants to be inferior quality when in-fact they are equal to or better than their grafted siblings. 

WHICH ROSE GRADE SHOULD I CHOOSE?

I recommend choosing a Grade 1 rose when shopping for plants (either grafted or own root), because it will be the healthiest plant with strong canes, which ensures your rose gets off to a great start. The adventurous gardener and budget-seekers alike can often score some great Grade 1.5 or Grade 2 varieties at discounted prices. A quick trip around the back aisles at your local big-box home improvement center at the end of the season will also yield nice bare roots at clearance prices. In choosing grades, it ultimately depends on your budget and personal preference.

When selecting bare root roses of any grade look for firm, green canes. Avoid mushy, broken or cracked canes, or plants with soft or moldy roots. Dried-out roots and canes are the number-one reason a bare root rose won’t survive when planted. Whether it’s from an online nursery supplier, or from a local garden center, make sure the roots are supple, and that you keep them moist until you are ready to plant.

 

Trimming a bare root rose

 

With so many factors to consider when purchasing bare root roses, I hope these rose grade tips help you make the right choice for your garden!

 

 

Photos By: Jill Carmel Photography
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