Yes, Mika. Measure to the point of the graft.
Neal, I'm glad you got those 8 roses planted, but your plan to pack the roots in moist compost was a good one. Anything moist (compost, peat moss, soil, sawdust, etc.) that covers the roots is a better choice than long-term soaking. When I'm going to be delayed in planting my bare-root roses, I dig a shallow trench, lay the roses down horizontally with their roots in the trench, and cover the roots with a few shovelfuls of garden soil.
Lyn, I'm not surprised about your rose living in water in San Diego. The landscaping in the parking lot of one of our local hydroponics stores consists of huge rose bushes growing in tanks of water.
Yes, JD, they did get top heavy. I lost some in rainstorms when the blooms were too heavy with rain and the stalk couldn't hold the weight. The combination of rain and strong winds would break the trunk. They're "fair-weather" roses and don't stand up to the elements well unless they're surrounded by supports,.
