The first time I saw roses sold in bands (a pot 3-inches square by 6-inches long), I was nervous and wondered how I’d deal with such small plants in my garden.

Above are five band roses after they were unpacked from their shipping box.

I got used to bands fast. If I wanted unique, unusual and historic roses, I had to hop on the bandwagon (sorry, I couldn’t help it), because mail order nurseries often ship bands.

I don’t usually plant band roses directly into the ground. Our California climate is too dry for keeping fragile developing roots damp. I repot the small plants into gallons for a few months. This allows the root ball to mature.

      Here are the same roses shown above after growing in gallons for a couple months.

Aside from stature and immediate repotting, there are great advantages to bands.

BAND PLUSES

1.    The roses are on their own roots.
2.    No suckers.
3.    Smaller planting holes.
4.    They’re easier to dig up and move––at least before they get too big.
5.    The shrub has a sturdy footing––there’s no tilt from wobbly bud stock.
6.    Bands are less expensive for specialty nurseries to grow, as well as ship.

Impatience foils many a rose purchaser when they first see how small a band rose is. They think a year, or two, or three seems too long to wait for the rose to mature. In gardening years, that’s not so long. Seasons fly by in a garden, and before you know it your band rose is a robust bloom producer. Yes, some take off faster than others – let me introduce you to a one-year wonder.

Manchester Guardian Angel

I purchased this rose as a band from, and planted it on our six-foot high deer fence. After the end of only one season, the rose had reached the top of the fence!

If you want to know more about 'Manchester Guardian Angel', stay tuned, It's the next "Rose of the Week."