Glossary of Rose Terms

Everything you want to know about bare root roses

Growing roses can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a list of some of the more commonly used phrases to help you get started.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Balling

The inability of a bud to open into a bloom because excess moisture has caused the petals to stick together.

Bare Root

Of or pertaining to a tree or shrub prepared for transplanting by having all or most of the soil removed from about its roots.

Expanded/Alternate Definition(s)

1. Any plant presented in a dormant state without soil on its roots. 2. The traditional means of selling a rose plant, 3. Still the best way to buy a rose plant.

Basal Break

1. Vigorous new shoots that emerge directly from the Bud Union. 2. That part of the rose that should be spared when pruning at the expense of older, less vigorous growth, 3. What most rosarians lust after each spring.

Blackspot

Disease caused by the fungus Marssonina rosae that manifests itself during warm, humid weather. As the name suggests, symptoms start as black spots on the leaves.

Blind Shoot

A stem that fails to develop a bud, often in response to low light and temperature levels.

Bordeaux mixture

A mixture of copper sulfate, lime and water used as a fungicide to control downy mildew and other fungal diseases.

Border

A garden scheme commonly found in England in which a long narrow bed is planted with a variety of annuals and perennials according to their height. The desired effect is to create a sloping display of color, form and texture.

Bourbon

A class of roses that originated on the lie of Bourbon (now Reunion Island) near Mauritius in the Indian Ocean and are thought to have originated from wild crosses between the China Old Blush and Autumn Damask. The blooms are often cupped.

Bud (Flower)

The swollen portion at the end of a stem that will mature into a flower.

Bud eye

The swollen area found near the union of the leaf with the stem that will grow into a new stem.

Bud Union

The swollen area at the top of the shank from which new canes (basal breaks) emerge. In climates with extreme heat or cold, it is best to protect the bud union by planting it below the soil level and mulching over the top.

Budding

A means of propagating a hybrid rose in which a bud eye of one rose is inserted under the bark of a rootstock so that the vigor of the roots will cause the budeye to grow.

Budwood

Mature or semi-mature stems harvested as a source of bud eyes for new propagation.