Rose Plant Information

Roses are beloved by many but thought to be a fussy plant best left to the floral trade. All roses are not alike, and they have different growing habits, making each type useful in different situations. The key is to choose the right ones for your purposes and your garden setting, and care for them properly.

Misconceptions

It is a misconception that all rose foliage is prone to black spot, rust and fungal diseases. There are many roses that are disease-free and do not need to be sprayed to remain healthy. In the past, roses were seen growing in beds all alone so that regular spraying could be done quickly and efficiently. But because roses are deciduous, these areas looked very poor in the winter. Plant your roses among evergreen shrubs and perennials so that when the roses go dormant, the area will still look good.

Rose Types

There are many rose types, and each one has its own strengths. Tea roses work well as cutting roses, with their sturdy stems and tight buds. A new rose is the Landscape rose, a smaller, ever-blooming shrub-type rose that does not need to be sprayed or pruned and needs little fertilizer or water. Heirloom roses are a newer category of roses bred from old-fashioned roses, but with better characteristics. Most Heirloom roses bloom continuously and are very fragrant with multiple petals. They do not make good cutting roses because the petals drop when they are cut. Heirlooms usually will need to be obtained through mail order catalogs but are worth going to the trouble. Miniature and patio roses make it possible to have roses with only a deck or a patio; they have smaller flowers, but they usually bloom in abundance. Climbing roses are not alike; some have 10 to 15 foot stems, while others, called ramblers, have 6 foot stems. Be sure you have enough space before choosing the large ones.

Considerations

Roses need rich loose soil, average moisture and good sunlight. Air circulation is critical for all roses and many diseases can be avoided by letting them breathe. Seek out roses that are listed as hardy for your climate; if a plant is struggling, it is prone to disease. Apply rich compost around roses or use rose food to fertilize them each year according to package directions.

Style Effect

Roses have been synonymous with English gardens and certainly fit into that scheme well, but they can be an important feature in any design style. The way they are placed affects how they are viewed; a few deep red Tea roses planted among glossy evergreen shrubs can look very formal, or masses of rambling roses of mixed color can create a cottage appeal. It is not unusual to see a row of landscape roses along highway medians across the country. Landscape roses can be placed along a driveway or in difficult areas for continuous color.

Benefits

Rose petals have long been used in cosmetics and aromatherapy because the oil has a soothing quality. Plant roses known for their large hips and use them for their nutritional value. Rose hips are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants and can be used in teas or made into jellies. Dried rose petals are a staple in potpourri but are edible too; use them to decorate dishes as is or candied.

Warning

Never use chemical sprays on roses that are meant to be used in cosmetics or for culinary use; they are not all safe for human consumption.

References

• Heirloom Roses