Heritage Roses

Our Heritage Roses are British field-grown bush and climbing roses, chosen for health, fragrance and reliable flowering. Many make thoughtful gifts, with names for birthdays, anniversaries, retirements and celebrations.

Why bare-root roses?

Bare-root planting is the traditional way to plant roses and is done during the winter months. The roses are grown in the field for around 18 months and lifted while dormant. Because they start with a large root system, they establish easily and need less watering than a rose planted in spring or summer. The only drawbacks are planting in winter and having no flowers to show what the rose will look like in bloom.

Planting bare-root roses

Plant as soon as possible after delivery. Soak the roots for an hour or two, then dig a hole at least twice the width of the root system and mix in well-rotted compost and a slow-release fertiliser such as bonemeal. If the ground is frozen or waterlogged, keep the roses somewhere cool and frost-free with the roots damp until conditions improve.

Bush roses

Bush roses include hybrid teas, floribundas and modern shrub roses. Today hybrid teas and floribundas are quite similar: both produce good-quality blooms in clusters on each stem, combining the flower size of hybrid teas with the quantity of floribundas.

Climbing and rambling roses

Climbers have thicker, slightly slower growth and are usually grown against a wall or fence, where the stems can be spread out and tied in. Most flower continuously through the season. Ramblers have supple growth that is easy to wind around large arches and pergolas or into hedges and trees, and they tend to tolerate more shade. Repeat-flowering climbers and ramblers need sun for at least 40% of the day during the growing season.

Roses as gifts

A rose makes a lasting gift for special occasions, with varieties such as Birthday Boy, Birthday Girl, Happy Retirement, Special Anniversary, Golden Wedding, Warm Wishes and Champagne Moment.