Roses are the queen of the plant world as well as romance, whether they are used as a formal plant in a vast landscape or in a small cottage garden and used for cut flowers.
Roses are abundant in flower and extremely versatile from ground cover to wall plants to hanging baskets, there is a rose in the colour and fragrance that will do all these jobs for everyones particular taste.
Rosa Glauca or Rosa Rubiginosa even add to this by offering scented foliage as well. Or if you like the large fruits (hips) then try Rosa Moyesii. Rose development dates back to the 18th century when the Empress of France had roses bred for her gardens and by 1840 there were over 1000 cultivars.
Hybrid Tea Roses
Are repeat flowering, a typical flower produces high centred blooms which uncurl in a semi spiral and then the petals roll back along the edges, this produces a petal with a pointed tip. With decent size flowers and good fragrance they tend to produce a good all round rose plant.
Floribunda
As the name suggests it is a rose with abundant flowers, they tend to be smaller and bushier than hybrid teas, the flowers are also smaller but are carried in large sprays and give a fantastic effect in the garden. Originally created in 1909, the colours available spread over the full rose spectrum from the pastels to the deep reds. Probably the most famous of all floribundas is the classic pure white Iceberg rose.
Pruning
This process is carried out in early spring, and all that is required on shrub/bush roses is to prune the stems back to approximately 30cm (1ft) above the ground, making sure the cut is just above a bud and at a 45° angle. For climbers it is purely a case of pruning back to shape, this means getting it back to a reasonable height and spread for the rose to grow the rest of the year. With old climbing roses it is sometimes desirable to prune these back by a third to generate growth from lower down the stems, as often as a rose gets older and taller it can leave the lower stems bare. Always feed after pruning with a rose fertiliser such as Top Rose or Vitax Q4 and in winter it always helps roses to have a mulch of organic matter - some well rotted manure will do a fantastic job. As the rose grows don't forget to deadhead to keep more flowers coming through.
We have an excellent range of locally grown Peter Beales Roses, our collection contains a rose for almost every garden situation. We can help you find the perfect rose for the right spot in your garden. With over forty years of experience, Peter Beales Roses cover a wide variety of bush and shrub roses, climbers and ramblers, it is easy to find a rose suitable for your garden; whether you are looking for a rambler to grow up and through an existing tree in a dry shady spot or wanting a bush to grow on a sunny patio in a pot. They are easy to grow, long-living and remarkably tolerant. Don't forget your all important rose fertiliser, to get your roses off to the best possible start. To help encourage bigger, more beautiful blooms to develop. Essential trace elements and the right balance of key nutrients keep roses healthy and strong.
EASY WATERING FOR NEW HARDY PLANTS
Most newly planted shrubs, climbers and perennials only need watering once or twice a week for the first month.
For best results...
- Fully soak plants immediately before and after planting.
- Water thoroughly once or twice a week with a watering can.
- An average 5 litre watering can is enough for 2 or 3 new plants.
- Aim the watering can straight at the roots, not the tops.
- Create a small dip or 'moat' around each plant to trap the water.
Choosing a Variety:
Your choice of rose is very personal. Make sure that the dimensions of the rose suit its position, although please bear in mind that the dimensions given given are approximations. The actual size that each rose reaches will vary, depending on factors such as the soil type, fertility, moisture levels, the amount of sunlight and the way you prune your roses.
Planting Position:
Select a site with at least a few hours of sun each day where the roots of the rose will not be in competition with the roots of other plants, especially trees and hedges. The exception to this rule are the ramblers which grow well near to trees.
Planting Distances:
If you have the space English Roses, Old Roses and other Shrub Roses look superb planted in groups of three of one variety. They will then grow together to form one dense shrub, which will provide a more continuous display and make a more definite statement in the border. We suggest planting approx. 18" (45cm) apart within the group. Adjacent plants of neighbouring varieties should be planted approx. 2' 6" - 3' (75-100cm) away. With hedges for maximum effect, plant fairly close together 18" (45cm).
Soil Type:
Roses will grow in a wide range of soils, but whatever type they do appreciate good soil preparation. The addition of a generous quantity of well rotted manure or garden compost before planting will help to ensure strong growth.
Planting:
After purchase, plant as soon as possible, never allowing the roots to dry out. When planted the base of the stems should be about 3" (7.5cm) below ground level. If immediate planting is impossible, keep the rose in their pot in a cold but frost free place for no more than 3 weeks.
Feeding:
All roses, especially the repeat flowering varieties, greatly appreciate the application of fertiliser. We use Vitax Q4 at Twenty Pence Garden Centre and apply it to all the roses at the start of the growing season (March or April in the UK) and again in June to the repeat flowering varieties. Please follow the recommendations on the packet for the rate and frequency of application. Excessive nitrogen can make roses more susceptible to both pests and diseases.
Mulching & Watering:
Roses particularly appreciate a moist and cool root run which is easily attainable by generous mulching in the spring and occasional deep watering. This is particularly important in climates with hot, dry summers where the watering should be frequent enough to keep the soil moist at all times.
Healthy Roses:
The best way to keep your plants free from pests and diseases is to grow them as well as possible, however an occasional spray can be very beneficial. The most effective sprays are those at the start of the season before symptoms develop, but beware of frosts the night after spraying - they will scorch the leaves badly. Systhane Fungus Fighter is best for combating rust and blackspot. Provado Bug Killer is excellent for the pests you may find now and again on your roses.