Rose gardeners: need advice!

[steve-in-kville]

Over the winter, I ordered a few ground roses. I was not expecting them for several more weeks, but they were delivered early this week. They are bare-rooted, I think. How long will they remain dormant? We plan to pot them for our porch, so if I do that this weekend, will they be okay? I'm new to roses. Thanks.

[Pelerin]

Not specific to roses: I would keep them pretty cool (but not frozen, obviously) and be very sure the roots don’t dry out. With good conditions you should be able to store them for a few weeks. If you start seeing leaf buds, you’ve got to get them planted soon.

[RZehr]

Soak the roots before planting, location needs sun, use good soil, water after planting, do not fertilize for a month or two.

[steve-in-kville]

Update: Ieft the plants in water way longer than I should have. last week my son planted them in one of his flower beds. I noticed substantial growth yesterday, as well tiny little leaves forming. Quite happy.

I have some dwarf canna bulbs coming anytime now. Those will be planted in pots, at least that is the plan now.