Six inches sounds too deep to me; I think you'd risk having the bottom of the canes rot! In my garden, roses go own-root just as long as the graft union is covered, and, of course, if the rose is well-cared-for and happy,but it doesn't happen immediately; it takes a couple of years, and also depends on the type of rose.I'd think that one inch deep would be fine, maximum two. However, I do want to point out that my climate is very different from yours, so let's hope some other gardeners weigh in here. regards, bart

In cold Sweden the recommended planting depth is at least 3 inches and up to 6 or 7 inches, deepest for climbers. I've always buried the graft this deeply. The only drawback has been that it's difficult to pull out suckers from the rootstock.

Roses go own-root IF they want to, so long as the graft is buried somewhat. I wouldn't intentionally go more than a couple of inches deep because they do settle a bit more.

Thanks everyone! I will bury the union a few inches down then. I am compulsive and have a tendency to go over board when it comes to gardening, and thanks for talk sense into me.

Cheers,
Mark

Uaually 2 to 4 inches is recommended here. They only go own root if they want to and it will take years.

I usually go about 3 inches. With that being said, Dr. Huey doesnt do well here and usually the plant dies before it ever goes ownroot. So ive learned to either not buy anything with Dr Huey, or buy with the expectation that I will have to keep it potted. Multiflora does excellent here. We must have opposite soil pH :)

One inch of cover is plenty for NJ and will not discourage own-rooting (if the plant wants to do it). Don't bully your plants. Own-root is not good for many roses, including probably a majority of hybrid teas. Roses will survive very deep planting, but the reduced oxygenation can incapacitate the rootstock roots and slow the plant's development somewhat.

I've dug deep-planted roses that had no own-rooting, but all the feeder roots developed from the rootstock shank, while the fleshy rootstock roots had not grown at all. This was in a location with adequate drainage.

1" - 3" is fine for my part of NJ (Monmouth Cty.). 6" is too deep (in my opinion).