Do you have a trellis to cover, a window box to fill, or perhaps a spot in the rock garden to accent with color? Of all garden plants, the rose is one of the most versatile. Today there are many types of roses from which to choose.
They range from the 5″ to 10″ inch tall miniatures for window boxes, pots, rock gardens, or edging to the vigorous climbers and ramblers which can cover the side of a building or, if given adequate support, are adaptable to a variety of utilitarian as well as esthetic uses.
Closely allied to the climbers and ramblers are the ground-cover types, which may be used to beautify an unsightly bank. A well-established planting will also prevent erosion, discourage trespassing and reduce the weed population.
Several rose species, old roses, and a few modern “bush” roses are ideal for background, specimen, or hedge planting. There is something extra special about a rose hedge that cannot be found in a hedge of any other material.
Its informal beauty appeals to everyone, and it is attractive beyond expression during the flowering season. It is an effective barrier against both human and animal trespassers, whether in bloom or not.
The rose species, in particular, are well suited for naturalizing since they are the wild roses of the world and are not accustomed to pampering or highly fertile soils. Several prefer poor soils, and there is one, Rosa palustris, that will thrive in swampy ground.
Related: Learn How Two Old-Time Growers Grow Their Roses
The blooms of rose species are usually single, but they have a beauty and simplicity that is lacking in most of our modern hybrids. Their abundant production of brightly colored seed pods or hips is an added asset, for they are greatly relished by the birds and prized by gardeners for use in floral arrangements.
Unfortunately, many desirable roses are not available commercially. A list of recommended species and varieties must necessarily be limited to obtainable ones. When the value of the special-purpose roses becomes more generally recognized, commercial growers will propagate them in more significant numbers.
Until that time, however, we must confine our selections to the following, which are the most dependable of the available ones.
The Littlest Roses
The miniature roses comprise a versatile group and deserve more significant popularity. They are at home in the rock garden and are well suited for edging a bed of larger roses. They are especially appealing to the rose lover who must limit his endeavors to window-box or flower-pot gardening due to lack of space or physical inability.
A miniature rose garden can be created in a sunny window or on the porch with little effort. It will bloom most of the year and will last many years.
The Climbing Roses
The value of the climbing roses is not fully appreciated. Perhaps this is partial since a variety with extremely robust growth is frequently planted where its vigor is objectionable, and the result is disappointing. Likewise, it is disappointing when one of moderate growth fails to cover a large area satisfactorily.
Culture and environment will significantly influence growth, but, generally speaking, the so-called “climbing” roses should be placed in three separate categories: climbers, ramblers, and pillars.
The climbing roses are rigid and have vigorous growth, and they produce new shoots at or near the top of the previous year’s growth. A wanderer has long, thin, less rigid canes that are more or less procumbent if not supported.
A pillar rose is an intermediate type that is not sufficiently vigorous to be classed as a climber and has too short and stiff wood to permit it’s being classed as a wanderer.
The climbing hybrid teas may also be planted where winters are not too severe.
The climbing types are on a fence, wall, or large trellis at home. Pink is desirable where a large area is covered.
Its less vigorous but everblooming counterpart, NEW DAWN, is hard to beat.
SILVER MOON (single white) is often too vigorous and not sufficiently winter-hardy, but it is exceedingly attractive.
BLAZE is a very desirable everblooming red climber or a strong pillar.
KING MIDAS and DOUBLOONS arc attractive yellows but are not dependably hardy in many country sections and frequently lack the desired vigor.
The worthwhile rambler roses are few, but one, CHEVY CHASE (red), arouses some enthusiasm. It may be used as a shrubby ground cover, or, if given adequate support, it may be used for any purpose the climbers are adapted to.
However, as ground covers, Rosa Wichuraiana (white), MAX GRAF (pink), CARPET OF GOLD (yellow), CORAL CREEPER (apricot), and LITTLE COMPTON CREEPER (deep pink) are superior.
Hedges Of Roses
Rose hedges may be divided into two classes: those made from self-supporting bushes and those made from climbing rose types supported by a fence or trellis. The selection of plants of the self-supporting type presents somewhat of a problem because the degree of hardiness, habit of growth, and vigor are factors to consider.
Polyantha and floribunda roses are ideal subjects in areas where they are winter-hardy, for they are available in different heights and colors and bloom freely and repeatedly. Their selection is, therefore, a matter of preference.
Varieties that are suitable for colder areas are somewhat limited. Rosa spinosissima (such as the variety Fruehling’s Gold), Rosa carolina (pink), the Rosa gallica hybrids of various colors, and Northern States ( white overcast pink and yellow) will form an attractive and impregnable hedge.
Members of the centifolia and moss rose groups can be obtained in a wide range of colors, suitable hedge material, and appropriate where an early American atmosphere is desired.
These and Rosa Harison’s and Rosa Hugonis (both are yellow) will make a hedge of roses 6’ to 8’ feet high and, for a rampant growing barrier of taller growth, R. multiflora can be used.
44719 by Roy E. Shepherd