Can Roses Grow As a Tree?

Tree roses, also called standard roses, are created by grafting a bush rose onto a long, upright trunk. Many of the popular types of roses are available as tree roses, and most grow from 3 to 6 feet tall.

Benefits

Tree roses can add height to a flower garden and tend to attract attention. Because the rosebush is above the ground, it is less susceptible to insects and disease. The height also makes the rosebush easy to prune and spray.

Disadvantages

Tree roses must be staked, as their height exposes them to rustling winds. Tree roses also may require more water than bush roses. The trunk of the tree is susceptible to damage from sun scald, which occurs after a strong winter sun heats the trunk, then the cold air causes the trunk to freeze. Tree roses require winter protection.

Pruning

Prune tree roses heavily in the spring and lightly during the growing season to keep the tops from becoming too large for the stem. The basic steps for pruning tree roses are to remove suckers from the understock and trunk, remove dead wood and crowded branches, and shorten the remaining the canes to 8 to 12 inches.

Winter Care

Because the graft union is high on the trunk of tree roses, they require special care to protect them in winter, especially in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 and 5. According to the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, start by loosening the plant from the soil in a semicircle on one side of the plant, 1 foot or more from the base. Bend the plant down gently in the direction opposite the loosened side of the soil, and peg the plant securely in place, using wood stakes or wire pins. Use a layer of mulch to completely cover the plant, and add several inches of soil. Position boards around the tree to help keep the insulation in place.

References

• Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service: Roses; B. Rosie Lerner, et al.
• Midwest Garden Tips: Tree Roses