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Plant rose bud union above or below the soil? #740633

Asked March 24, 2021, 10:18 PM EDT

I have read differing instructions of how to plant roses. Some say to plant them with the bud union below the surface of the soil and others say above the surface. In my area, Eugene, which is best?

Lane County Oregon

Expert Response

The different instructions on how to plant roses generally reflect differences in climate. In milder regions, where winter injury to roses is not usually a concern, the bud union at the base of grafted plants should be above soil level. In colder regions, where winter temperatures predictably drop below 20 degrees, the graft should be 1 to 2 inches below the soil. The reasons for planting deeper include avoidance of cold damage and stabilizing against wind rock. In milder climates, disease susceptibility of the graft is a risk.

In Eugene, plant with the bud union one inch above soil level, add two to four inches of mulch to retain moisture. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/1/2014rosecare.pdf

In Central Oregon you would plant with the bud union two inches below soil level and mulch two to five inches to retain moisture. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1624/html

Stephen Oldfield Replied March 25, 2021, 7:56 PM EDT

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