The Practiced Perennial Gardener

Roses will grow in most all areas of the US. The American Rose Society names 48 classifications for roses, but most of the roses grown in the US can by and large be said to fall into one of the following types: hybrid tea, miniature, floribunda, grandiflora, climber, polyantha, shrub and English or old garden roses.

 

The hybrid tea was developed by crossing a tea rose and a hybrid perpetual, and has become the most popular rose bush in America. Hybrid Tea Roses produce large blooms on long stems and are favored for exhibition and cut flowers.

The Floribunda rose was developed from a cross between a hybrid tea and a polyantha. These roses sport more flowers but the blooms are smaller and are born on numerous clusters. Floribundas are hardier and easier to grow than grandiflora roses and hybrid teas.

The grandiflora rose was developed from a cross between a hybrid tea and a floribunda. These plants are similar in size to the hybrid tea but commonly have more but somewhat smaller blossoms..

Shrub Rose is a term commonly used to broadly categorize roses not previously named. Some of the hardiest of all roses can be found in this group. With its beauty, fragrance and history, the shrub rose can be a satisfactory component of the landscape. The shrub rose class includes the English Roses developed by David Austin often refereed to as Old Garden Roses or English Roses.

Selecting Rose Bushes

Most all Roses are sold through mail-order nurseries, local Garden Centers and nursery outlets.. More Often Than Not mail-order nurseries handle bare-root, dormant roses but that trend is quickly changing and many now offer potted plants. Local nurseries usually handle potted roses but often do not have the newest varieties available through mail order.

Many experienced rose growers prefer the bare-root, dormant plant from a reputable nursery but new gardeners are much more comfortable with potted plants. Potted roses are available to the gardener all the way through summer but for the best results roses should be planted in very early spring before the summer heat begins.. Be careful when purchasing packaged roses from retail outlets as these stores are bad to let the plants dry out and deteriorate on the shelf.

Site Selection

Site selection is important. Select an area that gets full sun and close air circulation. If you are planting in an area that is exposed to high winds you will need to locate the rose in a manner that protects the rose from the steady wind. Plant the bushes so that they get a minimum of five to six hours of sunshine. When choosing a location, avoid places where the roses have to compete with tree or shrub roots for water and nutrients. Good drainage is also needed for proper growth and should be a factor in selecting your site.

When planting bareroot roses spring planting is favorite over fall. The best planting time is six to seven weeks before the last hard spring frost.

Condition rose beds or planting before to receiving the rose bushes. If the plants appear dry, soak them in a bucket of luke-warm water overnight. Do not allow the plants to sit it the water for more than 12 hours. If planting in a bed that has been properly prepared, dig the hole so that the root system is accommodated easily, usually about 18 inches in diameter and 12 inches in depth. If the soil has not been prepared in advance, dig the hole at least twice as large and amend with organic materials such as well rotted manure or compost.

Do not permit the plants to dry out. Keep the roots in a bucket of water while your are preparing the soil and digging the hole. Before you plant the rose prune any damaged or broken roots with a sharp pair of garden clippers. Excessively long roots may be shortened, but leave 8 to 10 inches of healthy root if possible. Place the plant in the hole so that the bud union is at or slightly below ground level. Do not pack the soil around the roots. Firm with your hands or let water from a hose settle in the soil. It is important to water deeply at this time, be careful not to create puddles as this tends to separate the soil components… water in the plants slowly and let the water seep into the ground before adding more water.

The rose bush was probably top pruned by machine, with no consideration for correct pruning, prune the canes after planting. Your cuts should be made at a 30 to 45 degree angle, with a sharp set of shears. cut 1/4 inch above a bud eye, leaving about 6 to 8 inches of the rose bush cane. Pruning will help keep the center of the plant open for improved air circulation and open it up to sunlight penetration.

Filed under: Uncategorized on January 24th, 2010