Perennial Garden Color

6. Old Garden Roses

Perrenial PDFs FCID.indd 206 11/28/12 4:48 PM Long before its extensive hybridization, the rose had survived cheerfully in the gardens of history. Early rose cultivars retained the resilIence and fortitude programmed by nature, but these qualities have sometimes been neglected In modern hybrids developed primarily for showy blooms. Unlike most modern roses, which grow poorly without many hours ofdevoted attention, many old roses arc remarkably self-reliant. These historic cuitivars will give today·s busy homeowner an appreciated reSt from much of the spraying and nurturing demanded by their younger cousins. Some of them actually prefer a minimum of pruning, and as specimens found in old cemeteries and abandoned homesites atteSt, many have survived even without care ftom human hands. The definition of an old rose is a bit nebulous. The American Rose Society considers any rose introduced before 1867 to be classed as such, but most collectors consider any rose 75 or more years old, and having ryplca ! "old rose" characteristics, to be eligible. One reihale sign is the unforgettable "true rose" perfume thar itves on In its undiluted form in old roses. These flowers have a richness and diversity of fragrance lacking In the majority of modern roses. Modern roses are hybridized primarily for their striking colors and "ideal" bloom forms, and rhe shape of the plam itself is nOt outstanding , especially if judicious prumng is nOt practiced. Old 6 Old Ganrden roses have an inherent beauty of form, a qualIty which does not diminish over the years, making them particularly useful as landscape plams. Another proofofan old rose lies in the blossom·s color. The old rose colors tend to be more muted and paste! than those of modern hybrids, and many collectors A bouquet ofold roses shows a coll.x!or·s preference for their softct hues. Perrenial PDFs FCID.indd 207 11/28/12 4:48 PM acquire a preference for these softer hues, Many old rose varieties also display handsome fol iage, while others set attractive hips in the fall which can be harvested for their vitamin C Content, Overshadowed by modern hybrids, old roses have been neglected in this century, but now chere is a movement afoot to rescore them co their righcful place in the garden, Their historic inrerest, color, fragrance, and form make old roses as indispensable to today's gardens as chey have been for cemuries and, as many gardeners will affirm. the beSt thing about old roses is that they provide all these landscape values without beed earlier. Firm the soil well around the roots and water thoroughly to remove air pockets and settle the soil. Plants should be set at approximately the same level at which they have been growing, or slightly deeper. Fertility For everblooming types, fertilizers should not be applied until the first set offlowers begins to fade; in the case ofonce-blooming roses, eight to ten weeks after planting. A heaping tablespoon per plant ofa complete fertil izer such as 6-10-4 or 8-8-8 may be applied every four to six weeks until about twO months prior to the average date of first frost. Application after thac time can promOte soft fall growth that may result in freeze damage. Roses are heavy users ofnutrients and respond favorably to the frequent application offertilizers. To determine fertil ity ofexisting soil, it is a good idea to contact yourCoumy Extension Agent for instructions on submitting a soil sample. Perrenial PDFs FCID.indd 243 11/28/12 4:49 PM The time-honored fertilizer and soil-conditiOner for roses is well-rotted cow manure. Since manure is often umivailable today, however, commercial fertilizers have become popular. Phosphorous is the material that helps plams develop scrong, healthy roots and prolific flowering . Superphosphate is usually available and can be applied at the rate of three ro four pounds per 100 square feet. Since phosphorous is nOt very mobile in the soil, it should be well-mixed during preparation. Nitrogen is easily and quickly depleted from the soil and needs to be applied periodically during the growing season. It is necessary for more and bigger canes, stems, and leaves. Potassium is needed for promotion of new growth, disease resistance, and cold tolerance. All three nutriems (nitrogen. phosphorous, and potassium) are included in balanced fertilizers, which many rose growers apply every four ro six weeks through the growing season. Watering Many old roses are...