Containerized Bushes

Already-planted rosebushes come in two kinds of containers:  rigid (metal or plastic) ones that must be removed or biodegradable ones that are planted intact.  If you buy one in a metal container, have the nursery cut the container before you leave unless you have a can cutter at home.  Don't pull the bush out of an uncut can; it will damage the roots.

If the soil around the roots is loose, try to get it all into the planting hole with as little disturbance as possible.  If the soil is compressed into a ball of roots, rub and loosen it.  You can't go so far as to spread out the roots, but you can make them more pliable and head them in the right direction.

Cones won't be necessary, but planting techniques for fertilizing, watering in, and soil compression are identical to those for bareroot plants, as is bud union placement.

Bushes in biodegradable containers are planted intact, but use the bud union, not the container lip, as the landmark for planting depth.  If the bud union has sunk below the rim of the container, you will just have to live with the unsightly lip of the container until the biodegradable material disintegrates (usually within the first growing season).  Since their leafy growth has already developed and shouldn't be covered, container bushes don't get mounded, but they should be planted with mulching in mind and with the bud union placed to the right height.

Once bareroot or containerized bushes are planted, they should be left alone.  Keep them just on the wet side of moist. Nature may help you with periodic rainfalls.  If not, water bushes and get ready to maintain them.