Roses: The World's Most Beloved Flower

Roses have been cultivated for over 2,500 years, with their origins tracing back to around 500 B.C. From their humble beginnings, they have become a symbol of love, beauty, and elegance. While today's roses have reached a level of refinement thanks to centuries of careful breeding, they still carry the legacy of their ancient ancestors. Modern rose growing truly began in 1867 with the introduction of the Hybrid Tea rose, which remains the most popular class of rose in gardens today.

Rose Types

Hybrid Tea Roses
The Hybrid Tea rose is by far the most popular type of rose. Known for their tall, stately plants and large, beautifully formed blooms on long stems, Hybrid Tea roses are often grown for cutting and are perfect for adding elegance to any garden.

Floribunda Roses
Floribundas are compact, landscape-friendly roses that bloom in abundant clusters from June until frost. Their smaller flowers may not rival the Hybrid Tea rose in size, but they make up for it with their continuous blooms throughout the season. Floribundas are perfect for hedges and mass plantings, and they thrive when planted in two staggered rows.

Grandiflora Roses
A cross between Hybrid Tea and Floribunda roses, Grandiflora roses produce medium to large flowers that appear in clusters on tall-growing plants. These roses offer the best of both worlds: the elegance of Hybrid Tea with the cluster blooms of Floribunda.

Climbing Roses
Climbing roses are a unique type that grows long canes, requiring support to keep the plant off the ground. There are several types of climbing roses, including ramblers, everblooming climbers, and climbing Hybrid Teas and Floribundas. These roses can be trained to climb fences, trellises, and arbors, making them ideal for vertical gardening.

Polyantha Roses
Polyantha roses are compact, and their flowers are borne in large clusters. They generally bloom once a year, in early summer, and are often used in mass plantings for their dense, colorful displays.

Shrub Roses
Shrub roses are a catch-all category for roses that don't fit neatly into other classifications. This group includes a variety of wild and hybrid roses, known for their vigorous, dense growth and exceptional winter hardiness. Shrub roses are ideal for use in mass plantings or as hedges. 'David Austin English Roses,' a popular variety, are bred by crossing old garden roses with modern hybrids, resulting in fragrant, repeat-blooming varieties.

Old Fashioned Roses
These roses include varieties and species that were grown during colonial times. While their flowers may not be as flashy as modern roses, they are often much more fragrant. Old-fashioned roses bloom heavily in June and require minimal care, making them perfect for low-maintenance gardeners.

Tree Roses
Tree roses are created by grafting a rose onto a tall, straight stem, resulting in a tree-like appearance. While they may not be a natural rose form, their dramatic height and form make them a striking addition to any garden.

Miniature Roses
Miniature roses are small bushes that grow to less than two feet tall. They produce tiny, perfectly-formed blooms, making them ideal for containers, window boxes, or mixed with perennial flowers in garden beds.

Planting Roses

Planting roses requires careful attention to their light, soil, and water needs. Roses thrive best in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. The more sunlight, the better! Morning sun is especially important as it helps evaporate moisture from the foliage, reducing the risk of diseases like mildew.

The soil should be well-draining to allow the roots to establish themselves. In regions like Montana, where the soil is often alkaline, it's important to amend the soil with peat moss or compost. Roses prefer slightly acidic soil, so a mix of 1 part organic matter to 3 parts soil works well.

When planting, make sure to place the rose’s "bud union" (where the rose is grafted onto the rootstock) about two inches below the soil surface. For bare root roses, create a mound of soil in the hole and spread the roots out evenly, ensuring the bud union is positioned just below the soil level. Water well after planting, and mulch around the base to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Care

Sunlight – Roses need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil – Well-drained soil with a pH of 6-6.5 is ideal for roses. Amend your soil with compost or fine bark if needed.
Water – Keep the soil uniformly moist, but avoid overhead watering.
Mulch – Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Fertilize – Use a general-purpose fertilizer once a month from May to June. Avoid fertilizing after mid-August to allow the plants to prepare for winter.
Inspect – Regularly check for pests and diseases, such as aphids, sawfly larvae, and powdery mildew.
Prune – Prune regularly to maintain a healthy shape and encourage blooming. Cut canes at a 45-degree angle above an outward-facing leaf node.

Pruning

Pruning roses is essential for maintaining their health and appearance. The best time to prune is in early spring, just before new growth begins. Start by removing dead wood, cutting an inch below the dark-colored sections. Then, remove any weak growth, crossing canes, or branches growing toward the center of the bush. Shape the plant by cutting the strong canes to a uniform height.

For shrub roses, pruning is less about shaping and more about thinning out old canes. Shrub roses tend to look most natural when left to grow into their natural shape.

Winter Protection

In colder climates, providing winter protection for your roses is crucial.

Hybrid Tea Roses – Mound soil around the base of the canes to insulate them against fluctuating temperatures.
Tree Roses – Lay the plant down carefully in a trench and cover with soil for insulation.
Climbing Roses – Lay the canes on the ground and cover with soil.
Roses in Containers – Either bury the pot in the garden or remove the plant and cover the roots with soil for added insulation.

Final Thoughts

Roses have a long history of charm and grace, making them a staple in gardens worldwide. Whether you choose Hybrid Tea, Floribunda, or Old Fashioned roses, each type offers something unique for your garden. By understanding the different types of roses and following proper planting and care techniques, you can enjoy these beautiful flowers for many seasons to come. Happy gardening!