Roses

A particularly popular shrub is the rose. There are many types of rose and classification can be confusing. Species roses are the original ancestors of modern, hybrid roses and should be grown in the same way as other shrubs. The modern, hybrid roses can be grown as bushes or standards (bush roses grafted on to a long stem to make a short tree). Many varieties of climbing and rambling rose are also available.

With the wide variety of shapes and colors available, choosing roses can be difficult. Bush standards may look too formal for mixed borders in very small gardens, though "weeping standards" (rambler roses on a long stem, shoots hanging down) fit in quite well.

Roses can be bought bare-rooted in spring or container-grown at any time of the year. Check for mildew and black spot.

Planting roses

There has always been controversy among serious rose growers concerning planting depths, mainly whether the bud or graft (the bulge on the lower main stem) should be above or below ground. Today general agreement favors planting so that the bud is above ground -- about 1 inch and more in mild climates. In cold-winter regions, winter-protection is recommended to protect this bud-union area.

Maintaining roses

Feed as other shrubs, mulching annually with well-rotted compost or manure. Water well in the first year after planting. Thereafter, ensure the roots do not dry out in warm weather.

Prune hybrid bush roses every year in spring, just before growth starts, so you can assess and cut out frost damage. The principle of pruning is that the harder you cut back, the more vigorously the shoot will grow. So, always cut back weak shoots further than the stronger-growing ones to balance the bush. Weak shoots should be pruned to leave one or two buds, while stronger ones can have three or four. Prune bush standards like the bush hybrids; weeping standards after flowering.

Rose varieties have usually been grafted on to a rootstock. Occasionally this will send out a vigorous shoot (a sucker), with no ornamental merit, but easy to spot, being light green and usually covered with more thorns. If they are allowed to develop, suckers will sap the plant's energy, so must be removed.
Removing fading flowers of continuous-flowering varieties will ensure a supply of blooms all through summer and autumn and often into early winter. Using your thumb and forefinger, break the stem about Vim below the seed head. Check all roses regularly for pests or diseases.