It has been said many times here, but is worth repeating, that many older varieties, particularly of HTs, were never meant to be sold own-root, and suffer from a lack of vigor.

Without knowing the variety, that is my best guess. I know that in my climate, there are almost no roses that will thrive own-root if they winterkill at all. They don't have enough vigor to replace what dies off.

Thanks for responding Mad. It's Carefree Celebration and will grow well as own root here.

I'm not concerned about Regan's Nursery at all. Just curious how long a nursery will hold a bare root in storage and when does viability decrease. Do they throw them out after a certain time or passed down the line to lesser quality mail order nurseries? Are they recycled as big box store body bags. I've never heard any thing about this.

Carefree Celebration is a kicker of a bush. Has almost as much vigor as a knock out. You can actually chop that one down every year to stubs and it will re-grow 3 feet (if not more) easily in zone 5-6.

Your questions on viability is one that I am curious about as well. Please share whatever you run into.

With respect to Regan, here's what I know (and yes I know you are not concerned about them) : they receive their roses in November-December from mostly California growers. They only ship through April, anything not shipped by then they simply pot up and sell at their actual brick and mortar nursery.

Thats good to hear braverichard. Rather excited to get this rose.

I'll be planting a potted own root CC next Spring...CC does great for my local friend so hopefully it does well here too... And for you to Patty!