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To ensure uniform quality in rose stock, the American Association of Nurserymen, a non-profit trade organization, has established a set of standards for bare-root and potted roses. If you buy only roses that conform to these standards, you’ll be assured of receiving healthy plants that will grow and bloom satisfactorily. (Ask your local greenhouse or nursery for more information.)

To conform to the standards, bare-root roses should have three or more strong canes. (An exception is polyanthas, which should have at least four canes.) The standards also specify that nurseries must allow at least two of the canes to reach a length of 18 inches and the remaining cane or canes 13 inches before pruning them in preparation for sale. There is no way you can know for sure that the canes actually reached these lengths, but if they extend at least 6 to 8 inches above the bud union and are about l/2 inch thick, you can assume that the plant is probably a good one.

If these standards have been met, bare-root plants are known as Grade 1. This is sometimes marked on the plant’s container or label and is often listed in mail-order catalogs. Slightly smaller plants are known as Grade 1 1/2. Although not as large or robust as Grade 1 plants, they can usually be grown quite successfully with a little extra care. Still smaller plants are sold as Grade 2; these are rarely satisfying to rose growers, so be careful if you decide to purchase a Grade 2 plant.

For potted roses, the standards permit the canes of Grade 1 plants to be cut to 4 inches above the bud union before the plant is placed in its container; this shorter length is allowed to provide for easier shipping. The container should be at least a 2-gallon size, measuring a minimum of 7 inches across the top and 7l/2 inches high. When you’re buying potted roses that have already leafed out, look for three or more canes with strong, healthy leaves and additional growth buds in the area of the bud union.

With all roses, bare-root or potted, the standards state that the canes should branch no more than 3 inches above the bud union. Plants should have a well-developed root system, and although the standards do not specify root size, you should choose a plant whose roots are in at least equal proportion to the above-ground portion of the plant.

The standards don’t address the issue of insects and diseases, but obviously you should avoid plants that show those signs.

To learn how to properly grow the rose garden of your dreams, you should check out Rose Secrets Revealed