Roses for Enthusiasts – Roses With a Difference
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Discover the captivating world of roses, from unexpected characteristics to a wide range of colors and sizes. Explore more!
TL;DR
Roses have unexpected characteristics that make them interesting and rewarding to grow.
- Easy to grow
- Spring is an important season for rose care
Whether old favorites or brand new hybrids, many roses have characteristics which are quite unexpected and make for a lot of interest in the garden.
They are all fairly easy to grow and can be very rewarding.
Annual Calendar
Spring
March:
Prune bushes, standards and climbers. Plant roses in heavy soils and cold, rainy areas. April-May: Mulch (cover ground) with organic material. Apply fertilizer. Mid-May: Spray against pests and diseases.
Summer
June:
Continue spraying against pests and diseases, if necessary. June-August: Deadhead cluster-flowered roses and Hybrid Teas. Water in very dry spells. August-September: Prune ramblers after flowering.
Autumn
Early September:
Spray against pests and diseases, if necessary. October-November: Best planting time.
Winter
December-February:
Roses are dormant throughout winter. Planting is possible, so long as ground is not waterlogged or frozen.
Rose Verities
Rose collectors have always prized any variety which is different, whether in shape, colour, scent or size. There is plenty of choice to inspire keen rose-growers.
Red, yellow and white are familiar rose colours but more exotic shades are available.
The green Rose
Besides ‘Viridiflora’, there is a lovely miniature, ‘Green Diamond’, with greenish pompon flowers. The variety ‘Peppermint Ice’ has clear green flowers.
Black and blue
Black always excites the gardener’s imagination. Many very dark red roses claim to be the blackest. Grow them where the sun cannot burn the petals. ‘Deep Secret’, a Hybrid Tea, is a fine choice for its depth of crimson.
True blue does not exist in roses, despite some names, but there are a host of lavender-to-purple types.
‘Shocking Blue’ is a popular cluster-flowered rose.
Several ramblers are easy to grow and give clouds of lavender and purple blooms. ‘Amethyst’, ‘Violetta’ and ‘Veilchenblau’ are the best.
If you want a thorn-less rose, try ‘Zephirine Drouhin’, one of the most popular climbers. It grows anywhere and produces masses of bright pink, heavily scented flowers in summer and autumn. Its relative, ‘Kathleen Harrop’, is very pale pink and equally thornless.
Striped flowers
There are old and modern striped varieties.
‘Stars and Stripes’ is red with white stripes. It is an easy-to-grow miniature.
‘Harry Wheatcroft’ is a Hybrid Tea with orange and yellow stripes.
Little and large
Roses vary hugely in size. A rose in California, R. banksiae alba-plena, is said to cover 2000sq m of trellis. In England a rambler ‘Kiftsgate’ is over 30m wide. R. longicuspis, one of many fast-growers, makes 6m of growth in a season.
Miniatures are good to grow in pots. Try:
- ‘Starina’ (25cm), vermilion.
- ‘Magic Carrousel’ (40cm), red and white.
- ‘Pour Toi’ (20cm), cream.
Roses for Enthusiasts
Situation
Sunny, but not too bright for the deepest colours. Sheltered from cold winds. Good air circulation. All these roses should thrive in any part of the garden.
Soil
Well-drained, rich in humus, ideally slightly acid. Avoid soil which has had roses growing in it for more than 10 years.
Care
Mulch (cover ground) in spring, with well-rotted manure, compost or leaf-mould. Most roses need pruning. Apply fertilizer and spray against fungus and aphids as necessary.
Plant health
All roses need a bit of help. Apply a balanced rose fertilizer in spring. Where roses are at risk from pests and diseases, spray at the first signs with a comprehensive fungicide and aphicide, usually available ready mixed.
Buying
For particular rose types, go to good quality specialists. The Royal
National Rose Society,
St Albans, Herts AL2 3NR will be pleased to help.
Whether old favourites or brand new hybrids, many roses have characteristics which are quite unexpected and make for a lot of interest in the garden.
More Information on Roses for enthusiasts – Roses with a difference
Roses have long been admired for their beauty and fragrance, but there is much more to these captivating flowers than meets the eye. Whether you're a seasoned rose enthusiast or a novice gardener, exploring the world of roses can uncover some fascinating facts. Did you know that roses come in a wide range of colors beyond the traditional red, yellow, and white? From green roses like 'Viridiflora' and 'Green Diamond' to dark red varieties like 'Deep Secret', the spectrum of rose colors is truly diverse. While true blue roses don't exist, there are stunning lavender-to-purple types, such as the popular cluster-flowered rose 'Shocking Blue' and the ramblers 'Amethyst', 'Violetta', and 'Veilchenblau'. Roses also vary greatly in size, from miniature varieties like 'Starina' and 'Magic Carrousel' that are perfect for pot cultivation, to giants like R. banksiae alba-plena, which can cover an impressive 2000 square meters of trellis. Some fast-growing roses, like R. longicuspis, can make up to 6 meters of growth in a single season. Caring for roses requires attention and proper techniques. It's important to prune bushes, standards, and climbers in March, mulch the ground with organic material in spring, and apply fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Regular spraying against pests and diseases is also essential for maintaining vibrant and disease-free roses. If you're considering adding roses to your garden, make sure to choose a sunny spot with good air circulation and well-drained soil rich in humus. Avoid planting roses in soil that has had roses growing in it for more than 10 years to prevent disease buildup. By delving into the fascinating world of roses, you'll discover an array of unique characteristics, colors, and sizes, making them a captivating addition to any garden.
About the author
Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.
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