What's the difference between a bare root rose and a potted (containerised) rose?

Bare root roses are lifted from the field while dormant and sold with no soil around the roots. They're only available from around November to April, but they're lightweight, economical, and establish very well because they go straight into the ground while still dormant.

Potted or containerised roses are grown on in pots and can be bought and planted at any time of year. They cost a little more but give you instant, visible growth and let you plant outside the bare root season.

Is a bare root or potted rose better?

Neither is superior — it's the same rose either way, just sold in a different form. Choose bare root if you're planting in the dormant season (autumn to early spring) or buying in quantity, since they're cheaper and easier to transport. Choose potted if you want to plant in late spring or summer, or want to see the plant in leaf before you buy.

What's the difference between a climbing rose and a rambling rose?

Climbers produce fewer, larger blooms on relatively stiff, less vigorous growth, and most repeat-flower through the summer. They suit walls, pillars, obelisks and arches.

Ramblers are usually far more vigorous, producing masses of smaller flowers, generally in one big flush rather than repeating. They're better suited to growing through trees, over large pergolas, or covering sheds and outbuildings. See our climbing roses and rambling roses ranges.

Which roses grow well in partial shade?

Most roses flower best with at least four to six hours of direct sun a day, but some are more shade-tolerant than others — many Rugosa, Alba and Hybrid Musk varieties will still perform reasonably in a spot that loses direct sun for part of the day, though flowering is usually lighter than in full sun. Very deep or all-day shade should be avoided for any rose.

Can roses be grown successfully in pots or containers?

Yes. Most shrub, patio and miniature roses do well in containers, provided the pot is at least 45cm (18in) wide and deep — larger for climbers — with good drainage. Container-grown roses dry out and use up nutrients faster than those in open ground, so they need more frequent watering and feeding through the growing season.