Rose bush varieties come available to purchase in one of four ways- bare root, packaged, pre-planted or potted. These descriptions pertain only to the roots of the rose bush and have no bearing on the rose bush's health, flower production or fragrance.
Bare root rose bushes are exactly what they sound like, their roots are bare of soil. Bare root rose bushes will be dormant and be placed in saw dust till purchased by consumers or plant nurseries.
Packaged roses are the ones most consumers are familiar with. Packaged roses are available in early spring, while the roses are still dormant at most large retail stores. The rose bush will be in a plastic sleeve with soil around the roots.
Pre-planted will be found at garden supply centers and garden nurseries that have an outside, in-ground plant display area. The rose bush will already be planted and growing in the ground, removed from the soil at the time of purchase.
Potted roses are simply rose bushes growing in large, usually plant-able, paper pots, but sometimes in plastic pots. Potted roses are usually the largest rose bushes that you can purchase, and will usually be in bloom by the time you purchase it.
Whatever root style you choose to buy, look for a healthy rose bush. A dormant rose should have tell tales signs of buds along the stems, rose bushes already growing should have strong, green canes and bright, firm foliage. Plant your rose bush within 24 hours of purchase, the sooner the better.