STEP One Planting the right type of rose for your area
There are many different types of roses, but the most important consideration in choosing a rose, is selecting one that will perform well in your climate.
It’s a good bet that most of the roses on sale right now at your local gardening center are well -suited for where you live.
(Naturally, if it’s snowing outside, nothing is available in your area–yet:))
Congratulations if you live in a pleasant climate year round. You have a wide variety of roses to choose from. If you live in a colder area, you can still grow lots of different roses; just make sure to check that the rose is winter hardy, if you live in a very temperate zone.
Different Categories of Roses
Yes, I know that this blog is titled “English Roses”, but I am not in England: I live in the Midwest.
Obviously, I prefer the classic, well formed “rose-like” rose (if that makes sense), although there are many more varieties out there (some of which look nothing like roses).
Basically, I prefer your classic, “gee I love you and won’t you be mine” type rose, in just about every single color there is.
But I also like the miniature roses, and the climbing variety which so romantically trail off of walls, and over arbors.
Probably, you already know what type of rose you like, but if you would like some points to ponder, consider the following:
Classic Roses (Bush Variety).
When you think of one red rose, you are probably envisioning a classic rose from a single, hardy rose bush.
These are the kind with sturdy stems (unlike vine roses) that stand unsupported when placed inside of a vase, and look so nice amassed in groups of 6 to one dozen.
Horticulturally speaking, there are many different botanical varieties to choose from in this category, but I’m not fussing with all of that–I am trying to reach people who have a desire to grow roses. Simply put, if you like the kind of roses that look good in bouquets, then you want the kind of roses which grow on a bush.
Now, maybe you just like the way that the actual flower itself looks. You like that classic rosebud look, but you aren’t necessarily stressing about it’s stem. If you just want well- formed roses that look great in your garden, you might like the look of the:
Rambling rose (Climbing Roses)
As the name suggests, rambling roses like to ramble–as in, across the lawn, over a stone wall, or even up the sides of your home. They rarely need pruning (as rose bushes do), and they come in plenty of thornless varieties.
Depending on which kind you choose, they look every bit as good as the roses from bushes, though many climbing roses have smaller buds comparatively speaking. Just read the description of your rose carefully before buying.
If you want alot of blooms, you almost can’t go wrong with rambling roses. You will get far more blooms per square inch then you could ever dream of with even the most prolific rose bush.
These roses are simply wonderful for landscaping, for framing front doors, and for tucking into toddlers’ hair.
But given all of that, maybe you are still hesitant. After all, roses have a daunting reputation, and if this is your first rose ever, you almost certainly have some reservations. May I appeal to you with the easiest rose ever:
The Moss Rose
Now, I’m not about to tell you that I know the botanical name for this performer, or even that it looks like a rose, but if you are looking for something that’s practically foolproof, this is your sure bet.
Moss Roses are actually succulents. You’ve probably seen them in a rock garden sometime, somewhere. Ah, yes, now I remember; I believe these babies are called “portacula” and they look like something that would grow in Santa Fe. I loaded up the crevices of some cement blocks with these, and stuffed a few of them inside of my rock wall–literally. My husband’s a carpenter, and he’s always building something. He placed some of his leftover building materials on our lawn (photo pending) and then he sort of, well…forgot about it. Oh what to do? With stray bricks strewn across my garden, there was only one solution–create a rock garden thriving with moss roses. These beauties spread wonderfully, and thrive in full sun. Just make sure that they are well- watered until they are established.
Well, the day is dawning to a close (11:23p.m. in my neck of the woods). I hope I’ve provided enough information here to whet your whistle and pique your interest.
If you have any questions you’d like to ask me, you can email me at someislandsomewhere at yahoo dot com.
Put the word “English Roses” in the subject line, or I will mistake you for spam.
In the meantime, could anyone out there PLEASE (yes, I’m shouting) email me the details on how to order the categories on the sidebar? I’m no techie.
Good Night for now, and God Bless,
Sue
