Everything Roses

A Rose for Your Garden

There's an enormous selection of Roses that you can grow in your home garden.

With so many types and varieties available, choosing the right plant may seem a bit overwhelming to some, rather than the fun that it can be.

In order to make this process easier, here are a few important facts that you might want to consider.

Rosaceae, (the botanical name) is separated into a number of categories.

The most widely known types are Hybrid Teas , Grandifloras, Floribundas, Polyanthas, Miniature and Climbing.

Each type will have some distinct characteristic that sets it apart from it's siblings.

Roses in general have a reputation for being hard to grow or as a High- Maintenance shrub.

In truth, they are not difficult to grow, nor do they require an extreme level of care. However for long term success, certain guidelines must be followed.

Please follow the links throughout this page and below to learn more about specific varieties as well as pruning, and care and maintenance techniques common to all roses.

How will the color of your roses effect the look and feel of your garden?

For examples look at different catalogs, as well as your neighbors' gardens, and browse your local nurseries to get an idea of the colors you like best.

While the color of these popular flowers might not seem significant to some,

- by considering the colors of other plants and flowers that these gems will share the garden with you can start to build visual interest, themes, or a certain style into your landscape design.

Will the assortment of colors compliment each other or will they contrast?

For example: shades of pink through reds and even on to purple would be considered a complimentary color scheme.

A contrasting color design for instance might be a bed of purple flowered Vinca surrounding bright yellow flowered Hybrid Teas.

Unless you're looking to create a specific design theme or style, such as English Formal, allow yourself to be guided by colors and color combinations that appeal to you.

After all it's your garden and you will be the one who spends the most time in and gain the most enjoyment from it.



Size

In addition to color, the eventual size of the plants you choose is very important.

If the plant will grow to fifteen feet in height at maturity, will it look unattractive in your garden?

Remember, the size of roses vary. While some may grow up to eight feet, others can grow up to twenty.

However with careful pruning you can keep the overall size of most types in check.

Measure the area of your garden prior to choosing the variety you want to plant.

Compare the size of your yard with the variety you're looking to purchase.

This shrub needs an ample amount of space to grow (about a 3 to 4 foot spacing between plants is recommended).

Also, will they receive sufficient sun light?

Roses need at least 4 to 5 hours full sun a day for best performance, as well as plenty of free flowing air (good air circulation helps to prevent many common problems).


If you are new to gardening or only have a small area available for planting, you may want to consider growing a miniature variety.

These mini-favorites will not take up a lot of space and are easy to plant and care for.

They are also disease-resistant and will look stunning just about anywhere.

Another option is to grow climbing roses and to train them to grow along walls or trellises.

This can be an excellent option for smaller yards or patios.

"Climbers" as they are sometimes called have been bred to grow upward like vines (though will need to trained and tied) and can add a beautiful touch to any home or garden.

Most varieties can be grown in large containers for many years, though on average will then require a bit more maintenance.

For smaller gardens, patios, terraces and balconies this can be an excellent way to maximize space.



Climate

Although size at maturity is an important factor, choosing the right plant for your particular climate zone is just as important. (Please see our page on AARS).

For example, if you live in an area where it snows six months out of the year, you'll want to make sure you purchase plants that can withstand cold temperatures.

In general your local nursery will have rose varieties perfectly suited for your local growing conditions and will have tips on protecting your roses throughout the winter months.





Maintenance

Do you live to be in the garden, or are you more of a low-maintenance type?

Several varieties are considered by some to be higher maintenance. They will look beautiful in your yard, though they can require a bit more of your time.

The classification known as "Modern Roses" or Hybrid Teas are very beautiful, long blooming, and highly fragrant, however, they tend to require a bit more maintenance than other varieties and can be somewhat more prone to disease.

For best performance a steady supply of fertilizer and regular watering is recommended.

In addition they will most likely need to be treated for one or more common diseases at some point during their growing season.

However, as they grow older and become more established they also tend to become more drought tolerant.

The classification known as "Old Garden Roses", on the other hand, are known to be very disease-resistant and require much less maintenance.

Old Garden, also known as Old Fashioned Roses, will bloom for several months at a time.

These long time favorites are valuable choices for landscaping large areas and as flowering shrubs due to their delicate form and hardy vigorous nature.

They have a long blooming season and very attractive flowers but do not produce as strong a scent as their hybrid offspring.

Choosing and caring for roses is not as hard as it may seem. It all starts with a little planning.

The end result will be healthy plants and fragrant flowers year after year.

Good Luck and Happy Gardening!