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Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May...
Roses are one of the most wonderful flowers of a summer garden. Poets have written volumes about them. Lovers send them to their sweethearts. They are everywhere- in gardens, in bouquets and in photographs and paintings. Women prize them and gardeners strive to grow them to perfection. But in our climate, roses can be a bit of a gardening challenge.
So here's a short primer on roses. Modern roses are termed as those developed after 1867 which marked the introduction of the first hybrid tea roses. Many types still exist, however and some other varieties do quite well. In short, roses fall into one of the following categories:
Hybrid Tea Roses are the most popular. The plants are tall, stately and have large, well formed flowers on long stems that are suitable for cutting. The first introduction of hybrid tea rose was "La France" in 1867 which set the standard for these varieties. Grown for the beauty of their individual flowers, these roses are what many think of as "classic roses." Mr. Lincoln, Peace, Olympiad, and many, many others named after famous people are the best examples of famous hybrid tea roses.
Floribunda are shorter growing which were originally bred for landscaping use. Although the blooms are smaller than those on the hybrid teas, they are produced in abundance from June until frost. These make good hedges when planted close together. Roses such as Julia Child, Cinco de Mayo and Hot Cocoa are all examples of Floribundas.
Grandiflora are roses which are crosses between hybrid teas and floribundas. They have medium sized flowers which grow in clusters on tall plants.
Climbing Roses require some support as they grow on long cances and need to be held off the ground. They are beautiful on trellises or arbors and can add a beautiful touch to a walkway or garden entrance. All Ablaze is perhaps the best known example, but there are many others.
Shrub Roses defines a large group of wild and hybrid roses which develop vigorous, dense growth. Winter hardy here, the flowers may be single or double. Shrub roses are most effective when massed together to form a hedge. Knock Out Roses are relatively new shrub rose introductions which are deer resistant and virtually maintenance free.
Old Fashioned Roses are those that were grown in Colonial times. Although the flowers are not as outstanding as those in other categories, they are prized for their fragrance. David Austin roses are in this category and they are wonderfully fragrant.
Rugosa Roses or Rugged Roses are shrub roses that are native to the Far East. Areas like Northern Japan have climates similar to ours, which is why they will do well in our area. These roses are very hardy. Persian Yellow and Austrian Copper are two of the best varieties for our area and grow exceedingly well here.
Tips for a Successful Rose Garden
1. Choose a sunny, well drained site.
2. Choose roses which are known to survive in your zone. Pick healthy, vigorous plants from a local nursery who can assist you with instructions on how to be successful with your purchase.
3. Prepare your soil by mixing lots of organic matter into our clay soils. Back to Earth compost is an excellent source of organic material. Spread 2-4 inches on top of the soil and work in to a depth of 12-15 inches. Or mix 1/3 Back to Earth with 2/3 existing soil, if you are only planting a rose or two.
4. Fertilize regularly throughout the season following the directions on the package. For added insurance, use a rose food which includes a systemic insecticide. The systemic insecticide will work up throughout the capillary system of the plant to kill any insects which feed on the plant.
5. Should your plant develop a white, fuzzy substance on the leaves, this is most likely powdery mildew. Spray as soon as possible to eliminate this.
6. Water deeply and evenly. Roses like lots of water, but they must be planted in well drained soil and will tolerate standing in water. Try not to hit the leaves when watering as that may invite disease. Mulching with bark will help to keep the soil moisture in and make weeds easier to pull.
7. When you cut tea roses, cut down to at least the first set of five leaves. This will promote new growth.
8. To protect your rose for the winter, mulch with soil or Back to Earth to a height of at least 8 inches up the trunk of the plant. If you live in a high snow area, prune your rose back slightly so that the snow won't break the canes over the winter. Be sure to water throughout the winter- roots can stand cold temperatures better if kept damp.
Visit us to get our handout of how to care for roses, month by month. This information will help you be successful in your quest to grow the perfect rose!
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