The Basics of Rose Gardens

There are two main classes of roses: Bush roses and climbing roses. These two classifications are based entirely on tendencies of growth. Bush roses grow from 1 foot to 6 feet in height and require no support. Climbing roses produce long canes each year and must be provided with some type of support. Bush Roses Bush roses include many types grouped according to flowering habit, winter hardiness, and other traits. These types are hybrid teas, floribundas. polyanthas, hybrid perpetuals, shrubs, old-fashioned, tree or standard, and miniature.

Hybrid Teas: Hybrid teas are more widely grown and more popular than all other types of roses combined. They are the so-called monthly or everblooming roses, and are the ones grown in beds in rose gardens and by florists under glass. In fact, when the word "rose" is used, it generally suggests a hybrid tea variety. Most hybrid teas are winterhardy in the milder sections of the country, but varieties differ in cold resistance. In sections where winters are severe, practically all varieties need some protection.

Floribundas: Floribunda roses bear their flowers in clusters, and the individual blooms of many closely resemble hybrid teas. They are increasing in popularity, especially for bed plantings where large numbers of flowers are wanted. As a rule floribunda varieties are hardy: they will tolerate more neglect than any other type of rose with the possible exception of some of the shrub species. While some are fine for cutting, they will not replace hybrid teas for this purpose.

Polyanthas: Polyantha roses are distinguished from the floribundas by their smaller flowers, which are borne in large clusters. They are closely related to many of the climbing roses, having flower clusters very similar to them in form and size of individual florets. The polyanthas are hardy and may be grown in many sections where hybrid teas are difficult to grow. Their chief use is in bed plantings or in borders with other perennials. They are excellent for mass plantings.

Hybrid Perpetuals: Hybrid perpetuals are the June roses of grandmother's garden. Their flowers are large. Generally they lack the refinement of hybrid teas. As their name indicates, they are considered as ever-blooming types, although most of them do not bear continuously through the growing season as do hybrid teas. They usually develop large, vigorous bushes if given good cultural care and proper pruning. They are very hardy and stand low winter temperatures without protection.

Shrub Roses: Shrub roses are actually a miscellaneous group of wild species, hybrids, and varieties that develop an open bush type of growth that is useful in general landscape work. They are hardy in all sections of the country. While their flowers do not equal in size or form those of other types of roses, many bear very attractive seed pods in the fall. They have very fine foliage and some are quite useful for hedges or screen plantings.

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How to Grow a Rose

Roses are the perfect way to a get woman to swoon, however, roses are not cheap. Each rose can cost several dollars a piece. If you buy a dozen roses it could cost you as much as $50. That gets expensive quick. There are two solutions to this dilemma. You can either stop buying flowers for your sweet heart and risk complete rejection or plant your own roses. The second option is much easier on your health and well being. Roses not only beautify your house but they give you a ready supply of flowers for that one you love.

Planting Roses

The fear of planting roses has long been a major deterrent to having a beautiful flower patch. Roses are not at all hard to plant. First, go to the nursery and find a rose bush that you like. A red rose is always a good choice. After you find the perfect a rose bush that you like dig a hole just larger than the root ball of the bush and remove the pot or burlap covering from the roots. Place the bush in the hole and fill it. Then add a generous helping of water. Be careful not to put any harsh fertilizers in the hole as they will burn your roses. It is as simple as that.

Care for your Roses

Roses aren't very hard to care for but they do take some maintenance throughout the year. Roses need lots of water each week. If you live in a dry area you might consider a drip system or an automated sprinkler system. This will help reduce the time you spend taking care of your roses. A drip system is the preferred choice as it uses less water and helps control the weeds.

Fertilizing

You should fertilize your roses often. Your roses will be hungry for nutrients. Try to use fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus. The middle of the three numbers on the fertilizer bag is the phosphorus. Be sure to stop fertilizing your roses in the early fall.

Pruning

Pruning your roses is especially important to controlling the growth of you rose bush. As you prune you roses you will divert the plants energy from old growth to new growth. Every spring prune out all of the dead limbs on you bush. Then cut several of the larger branches just above the buds. The rose bush will grow new branches from the buds. To give your bush a good shape cut it so that the buds are facing the way you want the bush to grow.

Deadheading

One of the most important things to do to keep beautiful roses blooming all year is to deadhead them often. Deadheading is simply trimming the dead roses off of the plant. This will encourage you rose bush to produce more roses and it will keep your rose bush looking beautiful and healthy.

Next time you are thinking about buying roses remember how much money you could save by planting your own rose bush. Not only is it less expensive but, think about how convenient it would be to pick a rose on you way in the house. Now that will impress your sweet heart.

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By Justin Grover