Picking The Right Rose

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

28 Jul 2006 12:40 PM

In previous blogs I shared a few stories about my grandfather's prize-winning rose garden. If my thumb is the least bit green it is due in large part to my grandfather's mentoring. He had such a passion for gardening and even though he is no longer alive to tend to his "pride and joy" the lessons he taught me live on. That is especially true about the tips he gave me about raising roses. My grandfather firmly believed that no matter what size the garden, there's always room for a rosebush.

I know, I know, easier said than done. But, it doesn't have to be. Nowadays, with so many selections to choose from it's not that difficult to enjoy the beauty of roses without the fuss. It's just a matter of finding the right rose for your space.

Here's a list to get you started... look it over and decide which type is best for you:

CLIMBING ROSES Climbing Roses are fragrant and colorful and create vertical interest by covering a fence, trellis or arbor. The flowers will grow to 20 feet and longer, perfect for framing an entry, or accenting a pillar or wall.

PATIO TREE ROSES This is the perfect rose if you live in an apartment or even a dorm room (I accented my cramped college quarters with these roses). Patio Tree Roses can provide a punch of color in an entryway or patio. You can also purchase a bunch of them and use them to line a walkway or driveway.

SHRUB ROSES If you consider yourself a "brown-thumbed gardener" then these are the roses for you. Shrub Roses are hardy and colorful and offer low-maintenance, long-lasting beauty in a variety of landscape settings.

HYBRID TEAS These are by far the most popular roses on the market. The Hybrid Teas have large, fragrant flowers on long stems, which make them ideal for cutting and creating a tabletop bouquet. They work well in group plantings, but because of their delicate nature they need to be protected in the winter.

MINIATURES Miniatures are fun and easy to grow - you can even use them indoors in a bright window. Outdoors, you can plant them in containers or in groups in the garden. They are also great as a border or to accent a sunny corner.

FLORIBUNDAS I like Floribundas because they bloom from the spring through fall... and the best part-they're naturally disease resistant. They are bushy and low so it's best to use them in shrub borders, mixed perennial beds or in containers.

Related Articles:

A Rose By Any Other Name

Combating the Black Spot

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger