"Jean S. Barto" let us know that:

The last specimen, a second *Marmalade Skies* is still soaking in water
because my Honda mini-tiller died (loose throttle cable, I think) and I have
to take it for repair. I tried digging a hole for this last rose in both
the *primary* and *alternate* locations, and the soil is too tough/clay-like
for me to get through even with a shovel with serrated edge.

Since it's possible I won't be able to plant this last rose for about a
week, am I able to keep this rose's roots soaking in water that long, or
should I do my best to plant the rose where I'm best able to make a good
*home* for it??

Thanks in advance,

Jean in SE VA (Zone 7B)

--
"If you are going through hell, keep going."

Winston Churchill

Hello Jean,

(One of our favorite sayings btw).

I wouldn't worry too much about the soaking business.
For as long as there is fresh water in the bucket, and a little bit
of Superthrive if you have any laying around to keep the
roots happy, you are covered. Even without the Superthrive
-I just like to pamper them a bit if they are not going
to sleep in a bed for a while. Changing the water every
couple of days to keep the maximum amount of oxygen
available is really all you need. (The Superthrive may be
more for me than for the rose, it makes me feel that I am
doing more than expected or some such).

Because of the weather being truly miserable for a couple
of weeks we had to keep our second Gruss an Aachen in
a bucket for nearly 3 weeks. The silly thing decided she
liked it and broke dormancy in the water. Happy as a lark.
Roses are crazy! (not to speak of those who grow them ;)

Allegra