Selecting Roses

Selecting Roses

Roses are prized by gardeners around the world. While some roses have a reputation as being difficult to grow or care for, many variations exist that are resistant to disease, offer beautiful blooms and fragrances, and blend easily into suburban landscapes. With a little thought and preparation, anyone can select and grow magnificent roses.

When selecting plants you should consider the size of the garden and the growing conditions as well as the color, shape, and fragrance of the roses. Draw a garden plan so you can determine the location of each plant. You can then consider how each plant will relate to the others as well as to the garden as a whole. It is also important to educate yourself about the different types of plants that are available, how to judge the quality of plants, and how to identify, prevent, and cure diseases and insect problems.

Types of Roses

Your first trip to a garden shop in search of roses may prove to be overwhelming. The number and variety of rose plants is amazing. There are creepers, climbers, shrubs, and miniatures. There are colors ranging from white to salmon to yellow to crimson. You may find it helpful to learn about the basic types of roses before you start shopping.

There are four basic groups of roses to consider when selecting plants:

• Species Roses, which are old uncultivated varieties.
• Old European Garden Roses, which are cultivated varieties common in Europe prior to the eighteenth century.
• Hardy Repeat-Blooming Old Roses, which are similar to Old European Garden Roses, except that they bloom more than once each season.
• Modern Roses, which are roses developed after the eighteenth century.

Judging Rose Quality

The quality of rose plants varies depending on the vendor. It is a good idea to always ask for references before purchasing to make sure that other customers have been satisfied with the plants.

You can order plants by mail or on-line, but unless you are certain that you are dealing with a reputable vendor, you may prefer purchasing plants locally.

Grafted Roses

Grafted roses are rated based on an American Nursery Standards grading system:

• Grade 1 plants have at least three canes that are about ¾ of an inch in diameter and have no more than four inches between the graft union and the top of the roots. They also have a large well developed root system. They must be two years old when harvested for sale.
• Grade 1 ½ roses have two strong canes and should quickly catch up to Grade 1 plants in size and quality.
• Grade 2 roses are inferior quality plants with very small canes. They are usually sold as bargain roses.

Bare-Root and Potted Roses

Bare-root—dormant plants sold with no soil around the roots—and potted plants have no official standard of grading. You must judge the quality by sight. Bare root plants should have canes that are plump and green, with smooth bark. They should feel heavy, because a light plant is likely to be dried out and brittle.

Potted plants generally have an extensive root system, although if they are called containerized, they may simply be bare root plants that the garden center has potted. If so, they may be young and have an immature root system.