At first, the American Rose Society did not accept the term 'floribunda'. Is a rose that has been crossbred with a polyanthus still a rose? The floribunda might be dubbed the modern rose. You could think of it as an enhanced rose, bred to bring maximize the production of beautiful blossoms.
what, exactly, is a floribunda? Although many varieties have been developed, a floribunda is a hybrid that was originally a cross between a polyanthus and a hybrid tea rose. There was a man in 1920 who developed many varieties; his nickname became Papa Floribunda.
These roses are often grown to add color to the garden. The floribunda normally grows lower than most other roses - which can be a positive attribute. Sometimes called a cluster rose, the floribunda can tolerate neglect better than almost any other rose bush except shrub roses. The floribunda is a great landscape choice for its ability to provide a nearly continuous display of color.
My favorite traits of the floribunda include:
Plentiful blossoms;
Enduring blooms;
Very versatile for landscaping - they can be used as a hedge or to simply an accent the landscape;
Some varieties have a very powerful fragrance - more intense than most other roses;
Finally, they have a beautiful, delicate appearance.
They do however have a few less favorable traits including:
They're not eligible for Queen of Show;They prefer plenty of food (to support all of those blossoms), and fare much better on a regular feeding schedule;
They take 3 full years to reach maturity;
They have shorter stems, and smaller blossoms than your standard tea rose.
Floribundas also need good air circulation; so when pruning, try to leave the center of the bush open. Good air circulation also helps to discourage insects and disease as well. You should also try to leave the older canes when pruning, this will reward you with bonus color later on. However, make sure to remove any cane that rubs another.
If you're growing a floribunda in a pot: Be sure it's got plenty of root space, good drainage, and a pot that is heavy enough to withstand any breeze they may come along. Even with floribundas, you may need to use chemicals to combat various assailants. Concentrates should be applied with care so as not to cause leaf burn.
About the Author
I'm a garden hobbyist, just like you... but I'm really good at finding answers on the internet. My friends & family have convinced me to begin sharing the information I've found that helps me keep my yard looking great all year-long. Check out my condensed eBook The Planting & Caring for Your Rose Garden now at www.PruneMyRoses.com.
