General advice on Garden Roses, Climbing Roses, and Patio Roses etc.

History

The cultivation of Garden Roses has been going on from very early times, but the roses, that we know and love today i.e. the Hybrid Tea Roses and the Floribunda Roses were first developed by a French nurseryman Guillot, who produced a silvery-pink rose with a strong scent called "La France", in 1867.

This is thought to have been brought about by the crossing between a Hybrid perpetual and a Tea rose.

General

Garden Roses are probably the most widely grown and best loved flowering plant in the British Isles.

There are thousands of different varieties, and so I will concentrate on the different types and how to look after them throughout the year.

All roses like an open and sunny position and thrive better on a heavy, but well drained soil to which organic matter has been added, and as with most plants will benefit greatly from mulching and a regular application of a rose feed.

Buying Roses

Always look for a rose that looks fresh, even in its dormant stage the stems should be a glossy green colour and not pale and dull.

Garden Roses that are bought in pots can be planted at any time of the year, but choice is usually limited.

Bare rooted plants are best bought direct from the grower, through their catalogues, giving you the widest choice of varieties possible,purchased and planted during the Roses dormant period from November to early March.

Bare rooted plants should always be soaked in a bucket of water first for at least a couple of hours before planting.

Refrain from buying Garden Roses that have been bagged up for sale and look to have been in the Shop, Supermarket or Garden Centre for a long while, even if they have been reduced in price, (your Rose will give you enjoyment for years to come, so pick the best and give it a good start).

If the plant looks dry and unhealthy then leave well alone and go somewhere else.

Given the correct conditions Garden Roses are easy to grow and will last many years.

Pruning Roses is a skill that can soon be learned by any one,(if you get it wrong, the Rose Bush will still flower next year).

To prune roses you only need a good pair of leather gloves, a sharp pair of Secateurs and a bit of know-how, which I will provide.

Other popular types of Roses i.e. Climbing Roses, Rambling Roses and Shrub Roses, I will provide information on together with Miniature and Patio Roses, which are ever gaining in popularity.

Instead of mixing different coloured roses into one Rose Bed, think of using just one variety and one colour,under planted with say, French marigolds in summer and myosotis and bulbs in spring, the effect can be quite stunning.

Rose Care and the Pests and diseases of roses can be seen on the following page. When planting, do so to the initial depth, spread the roots, firm well in using your heel.

If the soil is too dry, pour water into the hole before planting and leave a small depression around the plant to hold the water and give another good soaking, (fill in the depression later).

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