The rose is said to be the queen of all flowers.
Gardeners have chosen that sophisticated favourite for many years. The array of vibrant shades is simply endless.
It is the red rose that symbolizes enduring commitment. Perhaps that relationship makes it a choice for gardeners. But not all growers are of the same mind.
Whether earned or not, roses have gained a reputation for being difficult to grow and laden with setbacks. Some learned gardeners have decided that growing is not worth the effort and have opted for another species.
Choosing the right kind of rose and giving it the care required was discussed at a recent Fergus Horticultural Society meeting.
Donna Zarudny, owner Dufferin Garden Centre, addressed the many thorny issues that gardeners face. Selecting the right type of rose, controlling insects and disease, pruning and winter care were discussed in a common sense presentation.
Zarudny strongly emphasized, “Creating a rose garden must begin with preparing the soil. Roses will only flourish in properly pH balanced soil. This essential step must be renewed each and every year.
“The best remedy for most rose problems is a good defence,” she said. Citing the exhibits she brought with her, “There is a rose for every gardener.”
She discussed newer cultivars, disease-resistant, and the old-fashioned heirloom varieties. During the growing season, pruning is very important for healthy and abundant flower production.
As with all cultivars, deadheading once a flower has bloomed is essential. Using sharp pruners cut the remaining stem approximately three centimetres above the first set of five leaflet leaves. Continue that practice as the bushes grow older to encourage the plant to re-bloom.
Return all pruned material to the compost pile. It will eventually break down and provide valuable source nutrients for the whole plant in spring.
Zarundy reviewed the various types of roses – bushes to climbers, in numerous hues and cultivars. Certain species are grown on their own roots while others are grafted onto rootstock. All hybrids are grafted onto a hardier rootstock whereas heritage varieties grow on their own root systems. Heritage varieties are much easier to grow and have a better success rate of surviving our winters.
The disadvantage of grafted roses is that if the rose dies during winter, it may start growing from the rootstock and not the desired hybrid.
Specific varieties of roses, such as many tea roses, are available only as grafted roses.
The most admired vision of a perfect rose is the hybrid tea. But they are most difficult to care for and grow. Normally, a hybrid tea has a large bloom at the end of a long cane, similar to those sold by a florist. They are generally upright growing plants from 1 to 2m, and the blooms come in breathless colours.
Floribundas were hybridized during the 1940s. They are smaller plants than the hybrid teas and bloom singularly and in clusters. Generally, they grow in large sprays, giving spectacular effects.
Floribundas are found with the classic hybrid tea-shaped blossom, sometimes differing from their cluster-flowering habits. They are used extensively in parks and rose gardens.
Grandiflora roses introduced in 1954, are a hybrid of the floribundas and hybrid teas. Although taller (1.5 to 2m) they bloom in clusters, rather than single blooms, making them ideal for the back of the garden. They are wonderful roses for cutting.
Climbing roses are very vigorous that can grow to great heights (2 to 7m). Large flowered climbers have stiff canes and usually have good repeat bloom. Flowers come in numerous colours and can bloom singularly or in clusters.
Oso Easy Roses are ideal for gardeners who have been searching for a less problematic specimen. It is grown like any other shrub in in the garden but without fungicides. Blackspot and mildew are not a problem.
Rambler roses are older roses that bloom once, in the spring or early summer. They can be trained to grow on trellises, pergolas, and fences. Although very thorny, canes are pliable. Floral profusion resembles an explosion of blooms that are small and come in large clusters.
Although roses can be persnickety, they have a reputation for requiring too much care. Stunning rewards allow gardeners to constantly pursue growing methods for even the most challenging specimens. Some rose varieties do require more maintenance than others, but newer varieties permit even the beginner much success.
Ron Stevenson is a member of the Fergus Horticultural Society
