A rose is a perennial flowering shrub or vine of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae, that contains over 100 species. The species form a group of erect shrubs, and climbing or trailing plants, with stems that are often armed with sharp thorns. Natives, cultivars and hybrids are all widely grown for their beauty and fragrance

Sunday, June 04, 2006

The Most Popular Roses For Growers

As any rose gardener will tell you, there is nothing in the world more addicting than tending to these plants. Roses are the most popular flower in the world, and they offer a great option for any landscaping scheme, as they look good both when cared for every single day and also when they are left to their own devices. They can get by with as much or as little work as you want to put into them, and the sheer variety of roses is absolutely staggering. Single stem to multiple flowers, climbing roses to spreading bushes, giant plants to mini, and every color imaginable, there is a type of rose to fit every gardener's taste. Among all the options, however, the most popular choice when it comes to roses is the hybrid tea rose.

The first Hybrid Tea rose was called Le France, and was introduced in 1867 by rose breeder Jean-Baptist Guillot. They were the result of crossing two original China roses with Bourbon and Noisette roses. These roses are considered to be more delicate than the other breeds, and are also the most popular species when it comes to those bought and sold in flower shops. This variety of rose blooms every six weeks in ideal conditions, although in colder areas it may only bloom once annually. They have large flowers (some with over 60 petals, five inches across!) with high centers, and may have a tea like scent to them. The plants themselves may grow to be six feet tall, or as short as three feet.

Although Hybrid Teas may be more delicate than other varieties, there are still many breeds available to suit any climate. If you are thinking about planting your own, then it is vital that you look for a species that is suited to the area in which you live. Be aware of the humidity or lack in your area, and choose your roses based on this factor as well as the variations in temperatures. Hot and dry areas will require plants with good root systems and the ability to tolerate heat. Excessive humidity can also be detrimental to some Hybrid Teas, so make sure to find a species that is mildew resistant.

Remember when caring for your Hybrid Teas that these plants bloom every couple on months depending on conditions, and thus they will require extra food for optimum health. They need to be fed once every week, starting with the season. Apply a fertilizer that has been designed for roses, and remember to stop well before the first frost in your area in order to avoid damage to tender new blossoms.

As with most garden plants, there are a few basic rules when it comes to watering Hybrid Teas. To preserve water, apply some mulch (this will also help to insulate root systems in colder areas). Also be sure to apply the water to the soil, and not over the plants via a sprinkler or other such device, as this could lead to the growth of mold.

Hybrid Teas are the most popular rose in the world, and are a beautiful addition to any garden. Their diversity ensures that they are appropriate to almost any climate.

About the Author
Chester Smith maintains a website dedicated to growing roses.

Monday, May 29, 2006

Rose Diseases And Remedies

In order to ensure that your prized roses remain in the best of health, here is some simple, but stalwart advice you can easily put into practice:

1. Black Spots on Leaves

This rose disease is unsurprisingly known as "black spot". You'll know when it strikes because circular black spots with lacey edges appear on the plants' leaves, eventually causing them to turn yellow. The remedy: Remove and discard the infected foliage and any fallen leaves around the rose. Artificial sprays may be employed to prevent or treat this sort of rose disease.

2. Stunted or malformed young canes

This is commonly known as "powdery mildew", a fungal disease that covers leaves, stems and buds with a white powder, transferred on the wind. It causes the leaves to curl up and grow purple. The remedy: Spray with Funginex or Benomyl to treat this fungal disease.

3. Blistered underside of leaves

Known as rust, this disease is characterized by orange-red blisters that turn black in autumn. However, it is hardy and is capable of surviving the winter, ready to attack new sprouts in the spring. The remedy: Carefully collect and discard leaves that are infected in autumn and consider spraying with a Benomyl or Funginex spray every 7-10 days, as this may help.

4. Malformed or stunted leaves and flowers

This disease is caused by spider mites, which are tiny yellow, red or green spiders found on the underside of leaves where they suck out the juices from the plant. The remedy: The application of Orthene or Isotox may help in treating this infestation.

5. Weak and mottled leaves with tiny white webs under them

Aphids cause this problem. They are small soft-bodied brown, green or red bugs. They often congregate under leaves and flower buds, where they suck out the plant juices from tender buds. The remedy: Malathion or diazinon spray may help roses to survive these insects.

6. Flowers that don't open or are deformed when they open.

"Thrips" could possibly be the reason behind this problem. They are slender, yellow-brown insects with fringed wings, that, like the other infestations mentioned, aim to suck out the juices from flower buds. The remedy: Remove and discard the infested flowers and consider an application or two, of Orthene or Malathion, which may help to combat this trouble.

Finally, remember that roses are hungry feeders that require a lot of fertilizer to become and remain the beautiful, healthy bushes you chose them for.

About the Author:
by Christopher Byrnes
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