HelpfulGardener.com

Hi

I have to transplant a potted Rose and have been reading the advice about burying it with its bud union/graft point level with the soil surface (mild climates) or as low as 2" below the soil surface (cold climates), then adding 2" of mulch on top of that...

Is that really wise? I thought for most plants the stems are supposed to be up in the fresh air, to prevent rot...no? Even more so with Roses, which are apparently very vulnerable if too wet down below ... No?

The pot it came in from the grower has the bud union fully 2" above the soil and mulch layers. Why would they do that?

yep!! In Canada where I garden that is sound advice. We plant about one inch below and count on it sinking at least anther inch or so. Then, for winter protection we pile on a few inches of compost to protect the crown (bud union) from freezing and thawing.

It may not be such good advise for Texas or Australia. I guess it's a matter or location, location, location.