While roses are one
of the most prized flowers to receive as cut flowers, some
people might be wary about growing these beauties in their
back yard. Perhaps they had a poor experience with roses in
the past or heard they require a great deal of maintenance.
These plants, however, can add a touch of elegance and charm
to your landscape when you choose the proper rose for your
needs and understand a few basic care techniques.
There are many types of roses are available, each with
different characteristics and maintenance needs. Hybrid tea
roses have the "classic" rose appearance that we are
accustomed to seeing in bouquets from the florist. With longer
stems and lovely fragrance, they are excellent roses for
cutting purposes as well as for enjoyment in the garden.
Of the various types of rose plants available, hybrid teas
require a bit more care. Winter-protect their base and roots
to prevent permanent damage in Northeast Wisconsin winters.
Keep in mind, hybrid teas are also susceptible to fungal
diseases such as black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. These
problems cause unsightly leaf spots and damage, eventually
causing the leaves to drop. Ideally, apply a fungicide on
susceptible roses before disease symptoms appear and
every two weeks thereafter.
For gardeners who are seeking the beauty of roses with less
fuss, there are other types of roses to choose from. In recent
years, hardy shrub roses have risen to the top of this list.
These roses are gaining in popularity due to their hardiness
and over-all easy maintenance, and seldom require any sort of
winter-protection. Many hardy shrub roses are also more
disease resistant than other types of roses.
The flowers of hardy shrub roses vary in shape and size—from
single blooms reminiscent of an old-fashioned rose to clusters
of double and tea-like blooms, many provide a continuous show
of color all summer long. Hardy shrub roses make wonderful
groundcovers and screens in the landscape as well as specimen
plants in the perennial garden. Green Bay Botanical Garden,
for example, has quite a number of hardy shrub rose varieties
in plantings surrounding parking lots where low maintenance is
desired. GBBG also utilizes hardy shrub roses interplanted
with perennials, grasses, and other shrubs in its more formal
garden displays.
Hybrid teas and hardy shrub roses represent each end of the
spectrum of roses available to consumers today. Since many
local garden centers offer a variety these and other types of
roses to choose from, read plant tags carefully to determine
the type of rose your looking at and don’t be afraid to ask
for assistance. Let the sales staff know how you will be using
roses in your landscape and how much time you are willing to
spend in their upkeep. To reduce maintenance needs, seek
cultivars that are known to be disease resistant. By choosing
a rose that will meet your needs, you will find enjoyment in
its beauty for many years to come.
Success with roses starts before you
even get the plant in the ground. Choose #1 grade roses with a
minimum of three healthy canes that are at least 3/8"
thick. While roses can be purchased bare-root at garden
centers or via mail order, consider purchasing
container-planted stock instead. Roses that have been started
in containers often have a more developed root system, are
able to get established more quickly, and provide a preview of
the overall appearance and health of the plant.
Site Requirements. For best performance, choose a sunny
site (minimum of 4 to 6 hours of sun) with rich, well-drained
soil. Roses may be interplanted with other perennials,
providing they have enough space of their own and good air
circulation. Avoid locations where falling ice and snow may
damage the plants.
Planting. For container-planted roses, dig a hole that
is a few inches deeper than the container and twice its width.
Amend the soil, if needed, with peat moss or compost to help
loosen the soil and provide for easier root development.
Carefully remove the rose from the container and plant it 2 to
3 inches deeper than it is in the container. Water well.
Pruning. For an established rose, use sharp, bypass
pruners to remove any dead or diseased canes, and to shape the
plant, in early spring. Keep in mind, roses like hardy shrub
roses may require very little pruning. Also, some climbing
roses will grow from old wood and should only be pruned
minimally. To promote repeated bloom during the summer months,
deadhead spent flowers by cutting them off above the next
five-leaflet leaf. Discontinue deadheading after August 1 to
enable the plant to prepare for winter. Do not prune roses in
fall.
Fertilization. Feed roses with an all-purpose rose
fertilizer according to the instructions in early spring at
first bud and periodically throughout the summer. Discontinue
fertilization around August 1.
Watering. Roses require moist, well-drained soil. Water
deeply as needed, especially during periods of drought and
going into winter. Avoid watering the foliage, but rather
concentrate water at the base of the plant to reduce the
chances of disease.
Disease Problems. Choose disease-resistant varieties of
roses to minimize potential for problems. Monitor roses on at
least a weekly basis, especially if a type such as hybrid tea
roses that are prone to pest problems. Applications of a
pesticide containing a fungicide will only be helpful if
applied before diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew
appear, and on a regular basis thereafter. Once disease is
present, effectiveness of a fungicide application is
substantially reduced. Remove and destroy all diseased leaves—do
not allow them to remain on the soil.
Insect Problems. Monitor roses frequently. Treatments
vary depending on the type of pest being fought.
Winter-Protection. Roses should be watered deeply in
weeks leading up to first frost. After three 28 degree frosts,
remove and destroy foliage. Gently tie canes together to
protect the branches from wind damage. Do not prune at this
time. Construct a frame (frames may be purchased or formed
from poultry netting) at least one foot high around the base
of the rose and fill with a mulch of shredded leaves or
shredded bark. Most winter hardy shrub roses require no winter
protection. Remove frame and mulch in early spring, when
plants begin to show buds.
