Ordering bare-root roses by mail … rarities, old-timers

Sunset, Dec, 1984

Ordering bare-root roses by mail . . . rarities, old-timers

For a broader selection of bare-root roses than your nursery may stock, it pays to shop by mail. At right, we list the major nurseries that offer a wide variety of hybrid teas, along with some floribundas, grandifloras, miniatures, and old roses. Unless otherwise indicated, their catalogs are free.

If you are looking for a particular variety, an excellent source of information is the Combined Rose List 1984, available for $5 from Beverly R. Dobson, 215 Harriman Rd., Irvington, N.Y. 10533. This 65-page booklet lists mail-order sources for 4,000 varieties and includes those that specialize in old roses and miniatures.

It's best to get your order in as soon as possible, since supplies may sell out. When your bare-root roses arrive, unpack them immediately and make sure the roots haven't dried out. If you must delay planting, moisten the packing medium slightly and rewrap the rose. About 12 hours before planting, soak roots in water as shown at left.

Armstrong Nurseries. See Spring Hill Nurseries below.

Jackson & Perkins, Box 1028, Medford, Ore. 97501.

Roses by Fred Edmunds, 6235 S.W. Kahle Rd., Wilsonville, Ore. 97070.

Roseway Nurseries, Box 50, La Center, Wash. 98629. Catalog is $1.

Spring Hill Nurseries, Box 1714, Peoria, Ill. 61656. Ask for their rose catalog. Plants grown by Armstrong are sold through Spring Hill.

Stocking Rose Nursery, 785 N. Capitol Ave., San Jose, Calif. 95133.

Photo: To moisten roots of mail-order bare-root roses, place them in bucket of water for 12 hours before planting