ROSE GRADES
Well Hello, it has been a banger start to 2025. The fires here in California this past week have been heartbreaking. I have friends who have lost their homes, others still evacuated and loved ones working on the frontlines to battle the flames. If you're reading this and have been impacted—whether through evacuation or loss—please know that my heart, prayers and hugs are with you.
This week, I've felt a constant pit in my stomach, struggling to focus as I try to connect, coordinate and support those affected—all while feeling helpless being so far away. I've been chatting with a friend who remains evacuated, trying to offer both comfort and a few moments of levity. During our conversation, she reminded me of something that stuck with her from a similarly tragic time when the Camp Fire devastated our nearby community of Paradise: I had shared photos on social media of roses from our fields, covered in ash under an ominous gray sky. Even though she was far away in Southern California, she found hope in those images of a bouquet of roses I was holding. To her, the roses were a symbol of resilience—the reminder that beauty and life can endure even after great loss. She told me that no matter what happens to her home now, she holds on to that same hope.
Her words struck a chord and reminded me of the profound power that flowers, gardens and natural spaces have to comfort us during times of grief. As we move through the overwhelming stages of loss, the presence of gardens can help us rediscover acceptance and hope. They are a testament to the resilience of life—to growth, blooming and renewal.
With that in mind, I decided to continue with my regular newsletter topic this week: learning all about the rose grading system. My hope is that, wherever you are mentally or emotionally right now, this helps provide a sense of optimism and the promise of beauty's return.
If you're looking to help those affected by these fires, there are many GoFundMe pages and local organizations raising funds to provide immediate relief. Direct donations through GoFundMe are often the quickest way for individuals to access the funds they desperately need. Larger national organizations may take longer to disburse aid, so if you know someone personally affected or have a trusted local cause, I encourage you to give what you can. Every little bit helps.
And now, let's dig in. This week, we're tackling a hot topic that confuses many rose growers—bare root rose grades. If you've been puzzled over terms like “Grade 1,” “Grade 1.5,” “Grade 2,” or why some bare root roses are bigger than others, this is for you.
So what does “Grading” mean? If you've browsed a selection of bare root roses, you've probably seen grades like Grade 1 or 1.5 thrown around. These grades refer to the quality and size of the plant, based on industry-standard guidelines, specifically the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) grading system. Here's a quick breakdown of grades for grafted roses:
- Grade 1 (the highest quality): Has three canes measuring at least 5/16 inch in diameter, branching no higher than 3 inches above the graft.
- Grade 1.5 (good quality): Has at least two strong canes.
- Grade 2 (lowest grade): Has one cane at 5/16 inch and a second cane at least 1/4 inch in diameter.
If you're wondering how own root roses are different, this is where it gets a bit tricky! Own root roses are graded under an entirely different standard because they fall under the “deciduous shrubs” category in the ANSI system rather than the “roses” category designated for grafted roses.
- Grade 1 Own Root Roses need three canes but aren't measured for diameter or height as grafted roses are.
- Own Root Roses are naturally smaller than grafted roses, especially because they're younger when harvested for retail sale—usually 1 to 1.5 years old compared to 2-year-old grafted roses.
Fun fact! When the ANSI grading standards were developed, almost all roses on the market were grafted roses. That means the system was largely designed for professional nurseries and doesn't always translate seamlessly to retail consumers buying plants for their backyard gardens. This mismatch can lead to frustration for gardeners who see a Grade 1 own root rose looking smaller compared to a Grade 1 grafted rose—even though both meet their standards and are high quality.
Also worth noting—if you're buying roses from international markets (like Canada), the grading standards there may differ slightly from U.S. systems. Our roses meet strict U.S. ANSI Grade 1 criteria, but imported roses might measure differently in terms of size despite being labeled the same grade.
It's important to know that even roses labeled as Grade 1 can vary significantly in appearance & size based on their variety and individual growth patterns. Just like people, roses come in different shapes and sizes:
- Some naturally grow taller or have longer canes.
- Some have thinner canes or more thorns.
- Others are more full with wider spread.
The characteristics of the variety—not its grade—dictate its size at planting and at maturity.
A common misconception: Seeing a smaller bare root rose and assuming it's weak or of subpar quality. Not true! The size difference comes from the age of the plant, its grading system, and the unique individual plant itself—not its health or viability. One of the joys of rose growing is that even a small bare root rose can grow into a lush, vigorous plant brimming with blooms. A smaller size at planting doesn't mean you're compromising on quality. Think of it like adopting a puppy—it may start small, but with care and nurturing, it grows into its full potential.
Here's what matters most when selecting a bare root rose:
- Look for healthy canes, not just size. Make sure they are firm & not mushy.
- Pay attention to the variety's unique growth habits & mature plant size.
- Trust that even smaller plants when they start off will ultimately grow into full size plants.
Wondering which grade to choose? Here are some tips:
- Grade 1 is ideal for beginners or gardeners who want a rose that's off to the best start. All of our roses from the 2025 Menagerie Bare Root Rose Collection are Grade 1 roses.
- Grade 1.5 or Grade 2 can be perfect for more experienced gardeners looking for a budget friendly deal and have more patience to nurture along after planting.
- Grafted vs. Own Root: If a larger size at planting matters to you, consider a grafted rose. But if you're open to variety or prefer own root roses, know they're an equally excellent choice, but some varieties can be a little smaller size at planting.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, experience and garden goals. Still curious about grading standards? Check out my blogs on Choosing a Bare Root Rose Grade and A Guide To Own Root Rose Grading.
This week's action step is to decide which bare root rose grade(s) you'd like to plant this season. Consider your goals, your garden's unique conditions and budget for your plant shopping and keep refining your list.
THE LIST: THINGS I'M LOVING THIS WEEK
- After the 2017 Tubbs Fire in Northern California the winds blew smoke to our farm for weeks. I invested in individual room air purifiers because the air quality was so bad. They literally saved our lungs and health the next year in 2018 when the Paradise Fire erupted we had toxic air quality and ash raining down for over a month. My advice if you are living in nearby regions in Southern California, INVEST in whatever you can afford for air purifiers. You will need them.
- A distinguished member of the rose COMMUNITY lost this home in the California fires last week. You most likely have a Tom Carruth rose somewhere in your garden. He was the breeder for Weeks Roses for many years and in his retirement is the Curator of the Rose Collection at The Huntington. A GoFundMe has been set up to help. Please consider giving if you've treasured one of the roses he has shared with the world.
- We started dormant PRUNING our roses around the nursery & grounds this week. I picked up a few new sets of loppers that are easy to use and lightweight.
- An easy, SIMPLE, slow cooker soup is on the menu this week. I think we all could use some comfort food this week - I know I could.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES,
JOIN THE FUN!
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You can also find me on Instagram for more rose garden inspiration and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. You can check out my favorite rose varieties and browse garden supplies at the Menagerie Shop! I also have all of things I love for my home, garden and life in easy to find collections on my Amazon Storefront and my new ShopMy Page.
Photos by: Jill Carmel Photography
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