Roses for Christmas gifts

I am thinking of buying roses as Christmas presents this year for a few friends as I want to buy more long lasting gifts that are more sustainably produced. Just wondering if anyone out there has done this and where from? I haven't brought plants online before and don't want to make a mess of it.

 

1. Gardens have a lot of personality
I've had persons gifting mit plans they like. Some where thoughtful like the cherry tree I always dreamt of. Lots of others were boring, standard gimmicks though, from someone who never had a garden themselves and didn't have the time or consideration if the plants would be able to survive (frost hardiness) or was even a curse instead of a gift (bamboo, ivy...). Some just didn't hit it with me because i simply didn't like the plant (removing 20 boxwood out of hate just to get another one as a gift....)

So only gift plants if you have a pretty good idea if their new owner will like them.

2. Buying online
Go for it. Actually I have made more positive experiences than negative ones. A lot of times those plants grow just as well, if not better than their shop-counterparts. And there is a LOT more to chose from, usually at a cheaper price tag.

3. How does this help you?
It probably doesn't. But if you insist on that idea and truly mean it, i suggest you try to learn some things about the plant you want to gift.
- how big will it get
- how much care will it need
- does the color fit into house and garden (if in doubt, ask)
- is there enough space for the plant

If all else fails, simply buy a cheap one and dont get hurt if it ends up in the bin, because the owner didnt like it.

 

Due to a mild autumn, many bare rooted roses and tree's are only now just being lifted.

If you look online, most sellers at this moment are only selling bare rooted with potted roses not being ready until late December.

For bare rooted rose's online your probably looking at £12 plus, with potted being £15 plus excluding delivery. Are you near to a local nurseryman or garden centre as they will be probably cheaper. I wouldn't pay more than £12 for most potted hybrid and floribunda roses.

 

I agree with @Black Dog on this and reckon you would have to know the person and their garden really well.
I received two David Austin roses a couple of years back; nice enough, but pale pink I ask you!
They were planted out and are growing nicely, but not my choice. Next year the same person sent me three nicely grown potted plants definitely half hardy. They would grow outside in a more sheltered garden in the South West, all three were put in the greenhouse, one survived to the next winter and is still there in a pot in the greenhouse over winter.
If somebody has said they would like a specific rose or plant then fine; otherwise get them a gift voucher. Or offer to take them to a good nursery, treat them to tea and cake and offer to buy one or more of the plants they have on their trolley.

 

good idea so I bought myself 3


Scent from Heaven


Peach Melba


Bathsheba