How to Exhibit Classic Shrub Roses
Exhibiting classic shrub roses for rose shows will give you a gardening goal that can reward your time and effort. Rose societies nationwide host rose shows for gardeners to showcase their talents in growing. Classic roses or old fashioned roses are a cross between Oriental and European cultivars. They are prized for their hardiness in cold climates and wide range of available blossom colors. Choose a classic shrub rose in your yard to prepare for the show circuit.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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Do Your Homework
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1
Visit a rose show to find out what judges are looking for in their decisions. Rose shows are generally judged on percentages. For example, 25 percent may be on form, 15 percent on substance, 20 percent on color, 20 percent on stems and foliage, 10 percent on size and 10 percent on proportion of a rose cutting.
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2
Purchase The American Rose Society's rule book (see resources) to understand all of their rules and regulations in regards to what they are looking for in a classic shrub rose cutting.
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3
Fill out the show's entry form. It is oftentimes best to submit an entry to a beginner's exhibition to get your feet wet.
Prepare the Rose Bush
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1
Prepare your classic shrub rose. One month before the show, choose one forming bud and cut off all other buds on the stem, so that your entry bud receives all of the available nutrients from the plant. Tie a stake to the cane to provide it additional support. Spray the rose bud with an insecticide to prevent insect infestations before the show.
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2
Cut the rose the night before the show and leave enough room on the stem to recut the stem on the day of the show. Place the cutting in the refrigerator.
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3
On the day of the show, take the stem out of the refrigerator, and have a friend hold your cutting as you drive to the show. Make sure that you bring all the appropriate information about the rose such as its cultivar with you to the show.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Choose a couple forming buds on your classic rose shrub in order to have back ups.
Make sure when filling out the entry form that you place your rose in the right exhibition for classic shrub roses.
