What roses look like on delivery

Roses may look different on delivery depending on the season, delivery format and natural growth stage.

Bare-root roses are delivered shortened and ready for planting. Potted roses change from month to month: they may be shorter in spring, may have buds or flowers in May and June, and may be shortened after the first flowering flush to encourage a new wave of growth and flowering.

This is normal and does not mean there is anything wrong with the rose.

Why roses may look different from product photos

Product photos usually show roses at their most decorative moment, often when they are in full flower. A living rose changes naturally throughout the year.

Depending on when your order is delivered, your rose may arrive dormant, in active growth, with buds, with flowers or shortened after a previous flowering flush.

Bare-root roses

Bare-root roses are delivered without a pot and without soil around the roots. They are prepared this way during the dormant season so they can be planted correctly and begin growing in suitable conditions.

  • The roots are usually shortened to approximately 25–30 cm.
  • The branches are also shortened to approximately 25–30 cm from the grafting point.
  • This supports safe transport, balanced planting and correct growth after planting.

Once your bare-root rose arrives, plant it as soon as possible using our rose planting guide →

Potted roses

The appearance of a potted rose depends on the month, variety and natural growth stage.

The measurements below refer to the aerial part of the plant — meaning the branches above the pot. The height of the pot is not included.

  • April: branches are usually around 20–30 cm.
  • May: plants may have buds and reach around 25–55 cm.
  • June: plants may have buds, flowers and may reach around 55–65 cm.

Why a potted rose may be shortened in summer

After the first flowering flush, usually in July, potted roses may be shortened to around 25–30 cm.

This encourages a new wave of growth and flowering and is a normal part of seasonal plant care.

What is normal to notice on delivery

Depending on the season, it is normal for roses not to look identical to product photos.

You may receive a dormant plant, a plant in growth, a plant with buds, a plant with flowers or a plant shortened after a previous flowering flush.

A potted rose may have long buds, young shoots, leaves, flower buds or signs of a previous flowering flush.

What matters most

The most important thing is not whether the rose looks exactly like the product photo on the day it arrives.

What matters is that the plant is healthy, correctly prepared and suitable for planting or continued care.

What to do after delivery

Open your parcel carefully and check the rose soon after arrival.

If you received a bare-root rose, plant it promptly and water deeply after planting. If you received a potted rose, keep it watered and place it in suitable outdoor conditions.

For step-by-step instructions, see our rose planting guide →

Frequently asked questions

Will my rose look exactly like the product photo?
Not always. Product photos usually show a mature flowering stage, while your rose may arrive at another natural stage.

Why is my bare-root rose shortened?
Bare-root roses are shortened for safe transport, balanced planting and correct growth after planting.

Why is my potted rose shorter than expected?
Potted roses change throughout the season and may also be shortened after flowering to encourage new growth.

Do the measurements include the pot?
No. Measurements refer only to the branches above the pot.

Is it normal if my rose arrives with buds but no flowers?
Yes. Roses may arrive with shoots, leaves, buds or flowers depending on season and variety.

If anything feels unclear, write to us. We are happy to guide you to the simplest next step.