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COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, LEXINGTON, KY, 40546

ID-118

Roses
S. Bale and R. Durham, Horticulture; T. Phillips, Plant and Soil Sciences; L. Townsend, Entomology; N.A. Ward, Plant Pathology

R oses have many landscape uses. They can be placed as


accent plants or used to form hedges or ground cov-
ers. They offer a rainbow of colors and a variety of forms
and fragrances, and their sizes range from miniatures to
tall climbing plants. Roses may be grown under many cli-
matic and soil conditions and, with care, thrive and pro-
duce flowers for many years.

Rose Classifications Hybrid teas are nearly always


Classification lines and grada- double-flowered, but some are
tions are not clear since roses are semi-double-flowered or single-
highly crossbred, so a functional flowered. In most cases, the flowers
system is used to classify them. are borne singly. Buds are usually
How roses are used depends on long and pointed. Hybrid teas grow
their growth habits (as bushes, from 2 to 5 feet tall, and their
hedges, shrubs, climbers) and stems tend to be long, making
flowering characteristics (number them excellent for flower arrange-
of flowers per stem, single versus ments.
double flowers, fragrance). The Hybrid teas do not produce as
following classifications are based many flowers as some other rose
Roses are used differently based on their
on the functional uses of outdoor types. They also do not form a
growth habits and flowering characteristics.
roses. strong bush, but many canes arise
from the plant base. They vary in
Bush Roses hardiness and frequently need win-
Bush roses are self-supporting ter protection. Many are fragrant.
and grow upright. They bear Floribundas are probably the
flowers primarily at the top of the most popular class of roses world-
plant. Some types of bush roses are wide because of their profuse
landscape or shrub roses, hybrid blooming. Their relatively large
teas, floribundas, grandifloras, and flowers are borne in clusters. Flori-
miniatures. bunda stems are shorter than those
Landscape or shrub roses of hybrid teas, making them less
gained popularity with the phe- suitable for flower arrangements.
nomenal success of Knock Out and The plants are bushier in appear-
generally are lower-maintenance ance than hybrid teas and ideally
than other modern roses. Knock are planted in groups of three or
Out has a pedigree of floribundas more. Fifty plants massed in a bed
and a shrub rose Carefree Beauty. create a real show.

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EXTENSION
old wood, so pruning in winter
and early spring removes potential
flowers. The beauty of old roses is
in large, well-established plants, not
tightly pruned, little bushes.

Polyanthas and
Hybrid Polyanthas
This group fits somewhere
between old-fashioned roses and
modern floribundas. They were de-
rived mainly from Rosa multiflora
crossed with tea and China roses.
They are hardy and flower freely
in clusters with individual flowers
that are small and low-growing.
These roses are not as popular as
Roses come in a variety of colors, forms, fragrances, and sizes. they were in the early 1900s.

Grandifloras are vigorous plants to be considered a miniature, but Ground Cover Roses
with the free-flowering, cluster- still distinct from floribunda or Ground cover roses have vigor-
ing characteristic of floribundas hybrid tea types. ous canes that crawl outward and
and the perfect form of hybrid only slightly upward. They form
teas. Their flowers are larger than Heritage or Old-Fashioned Roses a broad carpet, almost prostrate
those of floribundas but not quite Old Garden Roses (OGR) is the or slightly mounded. Some bloom
as large as those of hybrid teas. The American Rose Society designation only in spring; others are ever-
plant is taller than floribundas and for rose types that existed before bloomers.
hybrid teas (5 to 6 feet tall) and 1867, when the first hybrid tea rose
was released. Modern rose classifi- David Austin Roses
makes a good background plant.
cations include hybrid teas and any English hybridizer David Aus-
Flower colors are not quite as vivid
other class that was created in 1867 tin developed a new line of roses
as those of hybrid teas, but they
or afterward. that combines the hardiness and
provide a mass of color for garden
Heritage or old-fashioned roses disease resistance of old-fashioned
decoration and have individual
have irregular growth habits. They roses with certain characteris-
stems long enough for cutting.
are extremely hardy and often tics (repeat blooming and double
Miniature roses (patio roses)
resistant to diseases and insects. flowers with fragrance) of modern
are compact, well-branched, dense
An ordinary garden can turn into tea roses and floribundas. Da-
plants with leaves and flowers that
a wonderland of color and form by vid Austin roses range in height
complement their small size. They
adding some old roses. Many are from 3 to 8 feet; most are bushy
flower profusely, and many are
also incredibly fragrant. and upright growers. They can be
hardy. Miniatures are used as both
Damasks, albas, centifolias, considered low-maintenance roses
garden and indoor plants. Since
gallicas, mosses, and species are and require little spraying. They
miniature roses have come on the
spring-blooming old roses. Hybrids tend to be more winter hardy than
market, everyoneeven people
of some old roses bloom repeat- most hybrid tea varieties, but many
who live in apartments or on small
edly and may be pruned any time Austin varieties are susceptible to
lotshas room for roses. For each
of the year (as with modern roses). blackspot.
small plant, a soil volume of one-
eighth of a cubic foot (6-by-6-by-6 Repeat-flowering OGR classes
Meidiland Roses
inches) is all that is required. A full include: China, tea, Portland, and
These roses were created by the
cubic foot of soil is better for larger hybrid perpetual roses. Varieties
House of Meilland in France and
miniatures and patio roses. Mini- that bloom once a year should not
are sometimes sold as flower-
flora roses are a new classification be pruned until after they bloom
ing shrubs rather than roses by
for roses that have flowers too large in spring. Such varieties bloom on

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companies in this country. They For some ideas, the rose cultivars Singing in the Rain
are easy to grow, hardy, relatively listed below are hardy in Kentucky. Cary Grant
disease-resistant (though canker They were selected because of low Princess de Monaco
is a problem), tolerant of heat, maintenance and some pest resis- Carla*
and not bothered excessively by tance. This is not an endorsement Cayenne*
Japanese beetles. They are consid- of these roses, but simply an effort Duet*
ered low-maintenance roses. They to get you started since there are so Electron*
grow 1 to 5 feet tall and are good many from which to select. First Prize*
plants for massing or hedges. The UK Arboretum & State Granada*
Botanical Garden has a display of Miss All American Beauty*
Tree Roses 2,000 cultivars. Some of the fa- Portrait*
A tree rose is any rose grafted vorites at the Arboretum are in the Pristine*
to a tall trunk. Tree roses are not a following list of cultivars. Proud Land*
class of roses but a distinct garden The following list is primarily for Sutters Gold*
form; however, most tree roses are the beginner. More experienced
the bush type. They need special Floribundas
rose growers can recommend
winter protection and careful many more cultivars worth trying. First Edition* (orange blend)
pruning. (Cultivars marked with an asterisk Betty Prior
are resistant to black spot disease.) Iceberg (white)
Climbers Pleasure (pink)
The website www.helpmefind.
Vigorous roses that produce Eye Paint (red blend)
com/roses is a helpful database for
long, supple canes (6 to 20 feet French Lace (white)
rose cultivar selection.
long) should be trained on sup- Interama (dark red)
ports such as fences, buildings, Bush Roses Summer Fashion (yellow blend)
arbors, or any stable structure. Showbiz (red)
Weave the canes in and out of the Hybrid Teas All That Jazz (coral-salmon)
structure or use soft ties to hold Brigadoon Sun Sprite x 2*
the canes in place. Some climbers Double Delight (red blend)
are everblooming; others bloom Olympia (red) Grandifloras
once a year. Headliner (pink blend) Angel Face*
A serious problem with climbers Mr. Lincoln* (red) Betty Prior*
is cold hardiness. Climbers bloom Sheer Bliss (white) Carousel*
on canes produced the previous Perfect Moment (pink) Europeana*
summer. Canes that suffer winter Peace* (yellow blend) Gene Boerner*
dieback produce no blooms. Some Pink Peace* (pink blend) Ivory Fashion*
people resort to growing once- Summer Dream (apricot blend) Montezuma*
blooming ramblers, shrub roses, Dainty Bess (single, light pink) Prominent*
and some modern roses as climb- Pascali* (white) Queen Elizabeth*
ers. Check the cultivar list that John F. Kennedy (white) Razzle Dazzle*
follows for ideas. Elina (medium yellow) Rose Parade*
Madame Violet (lavender) Queen Elizabeth* (medium pink)
Cultivar Selection Marijke Koopman (medium pink) Camelot (medium pink)
Deciding which roses to grow is Touch of Class (pink blend) Pink Parfait* (pink blend)
a personal choice. Everyone has in- Hoagy Carmichael (red) Love (red blend)
dividual preferences. When you see Folk Lore (orange blend) Tournament of Roses (medium
roses you like, jot down the culti- Dublin (medium red) pink)
var name and make sure it is hardy Elegant Beauty (yellow blend) Sonia* (pink blend)
in Zone 6 (or zones with lower Garden Party Shining Hour (white)
numbers). If it is, find a source and Color Magic White Lightnin (white)
get your order in early. Tiffany* The Fairy*
Tropicana* Red Gold*

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Shrub Roses R. Nevada plants reach a R. Simplicity is 4 to 5 feet tall
(Modern and Species) height and spread of 5 to 7 and has bright pink flowers. A
Rosa Austrian Yellow reaches feet. The creamy white single white cultivar, White Simplic-
heights of 6 feet and has but- to semi-double flowers bloom ity, and other colors (purple,
ter-yellow flowers that bloom in May and early June and red, yellow) are also available.
in late May and early June. then intermittently through- This rose is hardy and disease-
This selection of R. foetida is out the summer. resistant, requiring little care.
ideal for background planting. R. Nymphenburg is a hybrid
R. Austrian Copper is a sport musk rose that reaches 6 feet Patio Roses
(genetic modification) of Aus- in height and produces long- Small in size, between miniature
trian Yellow, (see comment lasting double pink flowers on and floribunda, patio roses are 2
above) with beautiful copper- arching branches. The main to 4 feet tall and bloom all sum-
red flowers. It reaches a height bloom is in May and early June mer long. These roses drop petals
of 4 to 6 feet. Petals are copper and blooms lightly thereafter. easily so dont require dead head-
colored on the upper side and R. rugosa is a hardy, salt- ing (removal of faded flower heads).
yellow on the reverse side. resistant everblooming hedge They are excellent as low border
R. Bloomin Easy reaches 4 to rose recommended for urban plants, hedges, foundation plant-
5 feet tall, has red flowers, and planting. Fragrant flowers are ings, or planted in large masses for
is hardy and disease resistant. pure white, yellow, pink, or color. They may die back to the
R. Carefree Wonder and magenta. The fruit or hip is ground in winter but since they are
Carefree Delight are mound- bright red and about the size not grafted, they come back and
forming and reach 5-foot- of a cherry tomato. Leaves are bloom well.
high by 4-foot-wide. Plants wrinkled and leathery. Good Recommended varieties include:
have rich pink flowers with cultivars include Frau Dag- Red Rascal (red), Amorette
a creamy reverse and bloom mar Hartopp, Grootendorst (white), Pink Pollyanna (pink),
during most of the summer. Supreme, and Blanc Double and Baby Love (yellow single, sold
Excellent pest and disease re- de Coubert. Pink Grooten- as a shrublet variety)
sistance also is shown by these dorst is a 6-foot cultivar with
David Austin Roses
cultivars. rounded habit and frilled dou-
Othello has fragrant dark
R. Champlain is a hybrid ble pink blooms that are ideal
crimson flowers.
Kordesii shrub rose with for cutting.
The Squire has delicate pale
double, deep-red flowers and R. sericea var. pteracantha is
pink blossoms with a strong
a light fragrance. Plant forms a rose with small white single
myrrh fragrance.
neat 3-foot mounds. flowers and only four petals.
Abraham Darby has apricot-
R. glauca grows up to 6 feet The foliage is beautifulmin-
yellow flowers with a fruity
tall but is easily kept inbounds iature and fernlike. Stems are
fragrance.
with pruning. Plants have soft- large with wing-like thorns
Fair Bianca has pure white
textured bluish-gray foliage that are deep red and semi-
flowers with myrrh fragrance.
tinged with red and are almost transparent. It reaches 6 feet
Gertrude Jekyll has large, fra-
thornless with reddish-brown in height and is often sold as
grant rich pink blooms.
bark. Flowers are mauve-pink, R. omiensis var. pteracantha
Heritage has fragrant, clear
about 1 inches in diameter, or Wingthorn rose.
shell-pink blossoms.
and followed by handsome R. Wild Flower is an English
Graham Thomas has apricot
reddish brown hips in clusters rose that has single flowers
buds that open to pale yellow
of three to seven. which are creamy yellow with
blossoms.
R. Harrisons Yellow reaches intense fragrance.
Golden Celebration has me-
6 feet tall, with good green fo- dium yellow, very double
liage. One of earliest to bloom, Hedge Roses
These roses generally die back to flowers.
it is covered with 1-inch Wife of Bath has pale pink
semi-double fragrant yellow ground in severe winter, so close
pruning in spring is all that is blossoms with strong myrrh
flowers. This is another R. fragrance.
foetida variety. necessary.

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Meidiland Roses R. gallica var.
Bonica has soft pink double officinalis is the
flowers and blooms continu- Red Damask
ously. Rose or Rose of
White Meidiland, Scarlet Provins and is
Meidiland, and Pink Meidi- also known as
land are all heavy bloomers the apothecary
and require only light pruning rose. The oldest
in spring to remove winter of old garden
damage. roses it appears
in the ancestry
Old-Fashioned Shrub Roses of most other
Deciding which roses to grow is a personal choice, but those grown
Rosa Belinda, a hybrid musk roses. Plants in Kentucky should be hardy in zone 6 or lower.
rose, originated in 1936 in are compact
England and grows to 4 feet (3 to 4 feet tall), with dark to edges of petals which gives it
tall with mid-pink semi-dou- medium green foliage and its a carnation-like appearance.
ble slightly fragrant flowers. semi-double red blooms have The fragrant flowers are pro-
It flowers continuously and a spicy scent. duced in summer, with some
foliage is deep green. This rose R. La Reine Victoria (also late blooms. It originated in
grows in a wide range of soils called Reine Victoria) is a France in 1890, requires good
and conditions and would be Bourbon rose that originated soil and should be mulched
good for hedges or containers. in France in 1872. It is a tall, and watered in dry areas. It
R. eglanteria (R. rubiginosa) slender shrub, grows to 6 feet may develop rust and mildew.
was introduced prior to 1551 and flowers along the entire R. Rosa Mundi is also known
and called the sweetbriar length of its canes. Flowers as R. gallica versicolor or R.
rose. This species rose and its are cupped, rose pink, and fra- gallica variegata. It has been
hybrids have apple-scented grant. It repeats flowering but around since the 16th century,
foliage. Plants may reach 8 to is prone to black spot. grows to 4 feet tall, has matte
12 feet tall. Small pink flowers R. Madame Hardy, is another green foliage and few thorns.
appear in late spring or sum- damask rose having the char- Flowers are all different, with
mer, followed by an abundant acteristic green button eye in combinations of light red,
crop of colorful hips. This rose the center of its white bloom. pink, and white, with promi-
tolerates poor soils and shade. A profuse bloomer in early nent yellow stamens. It blooms
R. foetida bicolor is a species summer and one of the best in summer only and is tolerant
rose introduced before 1590. ivory-white old-fashioned ros- of poor soils.
The five-petaled flower has es. It was developed in France R. Salet originated in 1854 in
brilliant scarlet red on its up- in 1832. France. It is a moss rose with
per surface and butter yellow R. Petite de Hollande, is a double clear-pink fragrant
on the underside. Centifolia rose that originated flowers. It forms a bush 4 feet
R. Frau Dagmar Hartopp is in 1800 in the Netherlands. It tall by 3 feet wide with repeat
a hybrid rugosa rose known is a compact shrub that can flowering in autumn. Salet
since 1914. It has large single grow to 5 feet high by 3 feet requires regular watering and
fragrant pink flowers and a wide and produces many small mulching for optimum flower-
compact growth habit (to 3 pink fragrant flowers with ing in hot, dry summers.
feet tall). In autumn, it has dark centers. It tolerates poor R. White Rose of York has
crimson hips which are the soils, requires full sun and been known since the 15th
size of small apples and col- only blooms in summer. century or earlier. Other
orful foliage. It is extremely R. Roger Lambelin is a names are Maxima, Jaco-
hardy and tolerates tough shrubby hybrid perpetual rose bite Rose, and Great White
conditions. that grows to 4 feet tall. The Rose. This alba rose is one of
double flowers are deep scarlet the largest shrub roses, grow-
with a narrow white line on ing to 7 feet tall or more and
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5 feet wide. Foliage is coarse Climbers
and grey-green. Flowers are
creamy white and fragrant Modern Roses that Serve as
Climbers
doubles. It tolerates poor soils
New Dawn (light pink
and is suitable as a hedge.
flowers)
Fragrant Roses White Dawn (white flowers)
Most wild species of roses are Coral Dawn (coral flowers)
fragrant, some more than others. Altissimo (seven-petaled red
Damask, musk, cabbage, rugosa, flowers)
French, and bourbon roses are the Dortmund (single red flowers
most fragrant. If true rose perfume with light eye)
is important in your choice of what William Baffin (deep pink)
to grow, try some of these highly Ramblers that Serve as Climbers
perfumed species. Dorothy Perkins (rose-pink
Rosa x damascena var. bifera flowers)
The UK Arboretum and State Botanical Garden
(Autumn Damask or Quatre has a display of 2,000 rose cultivars. Excelsia (red flowers)
Saisons). These bloom twice, Chevy Chase (dark red
once in spring and again in R. gallica (French rose) is a flowers)
fall. Most cultivars are semi- semi-double flower known as May Queen (light pink
double pink flowered and the apothecary rose, whose flowers)
are deliciously fragrant. The oil and petals were once trea- Etain (orange-pink flowers)
following varieties are recom- sured for potpourris. American Pillar (dark pink
mended: Rose du Roi, Rose R. gallica var. officinalis has flowers with white eye)
de Rescht, Quatre Saisons, recommended varieties in-
Jacques Cartier, and Mar- cluding Belle Isis, Charles de Shrub Roses with 4- to 12-foot
quise Boccela. Mills, and DAguesseau. Canes that Serve as Climbers
R. x centifolia (cabbage roses). Bourbons were originally a Alchymist (double apricot
The distinct fragrance of cab- cross between R. chinensis and flowers)
bage roses is desirable. Rec- Autumn Damask rose. The Sally Holmes (pure white
ommended varieties include: following cultivars resulted flowers)
DeMeaux, Fantin Latour from crossing original bour- Zephirine Drouhin (Bourbon
and Petite de Hollande. bons with French rose and rose with bright cerise flowers)
R. x centifolia Muscosa (moss damask hybrids: Madame Frau Karl Druschki (hybrid
roses) have a scent similar to Isaac Pereire, Bourbon Queen, perpetual with pure white
that of cabbage roses. and Zephirine Drouhin. flowers)
R. x alba (albas) roses have a Modern roses, which re- Knock Out roses are easy to
refined light damask scent. ceived the James Alexander grow and do not require spe-
Recommended varieties in- Fragrance Medal as listed by cial care. They are the most
clude: Maidens Blush, Koe- the American Rose Society, disease-resistant roses on
nigin von Danemarck, and include Crimson Glory, Tif- the market, but rose rosette
Felicite Parmentier. fany, Chrysler Imperial, Sut- disease and some black spot
R. rugosa (rugosas) roses have ters Gold, Granada, Fragrant problems have been reported.
a strong damask scent with Cloud, Papa Meilland, and Kordes roses also are offered
hint of clove or cinnamon that Double Delight. (Sunsprite is as disease-resistant roses.
lasts all day. Recommended a fragrant floribunda. French Black spot is a problem in
varieties include: Sarah Van Lace also is fragrant. Many cultivars that are selected for
Fleet (deep pink flower) and floribundas are fragrant.) garden use as well as outdoor
Blanc Double du Coubert Fragrant hybrid tea roses in- cut-rose production.
(paper white flower). clude Mister Lincoln, Pink
Perfume, La France, Will
Rogers, and Oklahoma.

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Buying Roses low growers as border or edg-
Roses are classified in three ing, container plants (protect
grades. Look on the rose tag for one roots from freezing in winter)
of the following numbers. A No. 1 rock garden plants
plant is usually 2 years old. It was screen or hedge plantings
budded (grafted to the understalk) background planting for other
two years prior to being dug. The flowers or shrubs
plant was regularly pinched and camouflage plantings to draw
pruned, producing two or more very attention away from unsightly
strong canes. Canes are cut back areas
when plants are harvested for sale. terraced plantings on a steep
A No. 1 plant also is 2 years slope
old, but has one strong and one climbing plants on fences, gar-
smaller cane. den structures, or homes, or
A No. 2 plant has several small used as screens for privacy
canes. But, take heart: A No. 2 When deciding where to plant
plant can be grown into No. 1 roses in your yard, you must un-
derstand their needs and potential.
quality with patience and care.
Consider the height, growth habit
Many newer cultivars are rooted
(spreading, bushy, upright, tall,
cuttings (on their own roots, not
short), and color of the cultivar
grafted) and avoid some of the
you have chosen. Most roses can
problems associated with budded
be spaced 2 to 4 feet apart. Shrubs
or grafted roses.
and old-fashioned roses should
be 4 to 6 feet apart, and climbers
Rose Society along fences should be 8 to 10 feet
If you plan to devote a lot of time
apart. Most important, roses need
and effort to growing roses, con-
good drainage and sunshine.
sider joining the American Rose
Full sun is best for your roses,
Society (P.O. Box 2612, Mill Valley,
although six to eight hours is suf-
Calif. 94942; (415) 381-5055). The
ficient (preferably morning sun).
members expertise is an invaluable Good drainage in your soil is a
guide in selecting plants to grow. must. If your soil doesnt drain well
If you dont want to join the soci- naturally, enhance its porosity by
ety, the All America Rose Selections adding abundant organic matter
(AARS) has been active for several or small pea gravel, or grow your
years and chooses several outstand- roses in a rose bed.
ing roses annually. When you buy Almost any soil type is fine for
a rose labeled AARS, you will get a growing roses as long as it is well-
quality, tested plant that hopefully drained and well-aerated. When
will perform well in your site. Not all water is added to the planting hole, When planting roses, consider the height,
growth habit and color of the cultivar.
AARS winners tolerate Kentuckys it should drain freely and certainly
weather extremes and fluctuations. should be gone in two hours.
If heavy soil needs to be modi-
Roses in Landscaping fied, use one-half to one-third na-
Roses may be appropriate almost tive soil and one-half to two-thirds
anywhere you use other shrubs in fully composted organic matter
the landscape, as indicated by the (well-rotted manure, leaf mold,
following examples. compost) to increase aeration,
foundation plantings drainage, and water-holding capac-
massed plantings in beds ity. The entire planting area should
(especially miniatures and have similar soil modification, not
floribundas) just the planting holes.
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Soil pH should be 6 to 6.8. A Care After Planting
soil test submitted to your county Adequate rose care includes
Extension agent will determine watering, pruning, mulching, and
whether lime and fertilizer are disbudding.
needed to produce attractive roses
on the site you have selected. Watering and Fertilizing
Roses perform best when they
Planting are well-watered. Rainfall often
The most appropriate time to does not meet the plants needs.
plant roses is early spring, when the Add water when the upper 1 to 2
plants are not leafed out and the inches of soil is dry.
ground is not frozen. Follow these Thorough, deep watering is best.
Figure 1. Position plant in planting
planting steps. Dig the planting hole hole. Make sure the bud union is at Overhead sprinkling is the most
to accommodate roots and keep the soil line. The bud union is evident convenient, but wet foliage may
budded area at the soil line. This is by a swelling of the stem area where promote disease. Drip irrigation
usually 15 to 18 inches deep. the bud was inserted and healed. Any systems that are on the market are
growth from the rootstock below the
Incorporate superphosphate into easy to install, use water efficiently,
bud union is called sucker growth and
your soil (to provide slowly avail- should be removed down to its base. and do not cause wet foliage. If you
able phosphorus) at a rate of three use overhead watering, water in
to four pounds per 100 square feet the morning or early afternoon so
or one heaping tablespoon per foliage will be dry by evening.
plant. Fertilizers with an analysis such
Spread out the roots of the rose as 5-10-5 or 4-12-4 are commonly
plant over a cone of soil located packaged as rose fertilizers; how-
in the center of the planting hole. ever, 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 12-12-12, or
This will prevent air pockets from other garden fertilizers may be
forming around the roots. used. High-nitrogen turf materials,
Make sure the budded area is at such as 25-10-10 or 33-0-0, should
the soil line. This prevents undesir- be used sparingly.
able suckering from the rootstock In a rose bed, apply about one-
(the plant portion below the graft- fourth of a cup of 12-12-12 (or
ed bud). Also, if the budded area is correct amount of other fertilizer
buried in the soil, roots will form Figure 2. Tamp soil around roots. analyses) per bush. Spread fertil-
on the scion (the grafted portion), izer evenly and scratch it into the
and the desirable characteristics of soil surface. Application should be
the rootstock (e.g., hardiness and made to wet soils, before rain or
disease resistance) will be lost. watering.
Add half the soil backfill and Fertilize first in spring after
gently firm soil around roots with danger of frost is past and prun-
hands to ensure root-to-soil con- ing is completed. Then fertilize
tact. Water as you add backfill. every four to six weeks until early
Fill the planting hole to within August. Shrubs that bloom once
1 to 1 inches of the original soil should be fed only in mid-April.
surface.
If tender roses are planted in Pruning
the fall, mound compost around Spring Pruning
and over the plant to a height of Remove all dead wood and any
12 to 18 inches by Thanksgiving. Figure 3. Add water gradually to canes that are diseased, broken,
This helps protect the bud union. planting hole.
or injured in any way. Prune to
Remove the protective mound in improve the shape of the plant and
the spring (mid-April) after growth to permit air movement through
starts.
8
it by removing branches that Cutting and Disbudding Encouraging Healthy Plants
cross through the center of the Do not allow newly planted or
plant or rub other branches. Also Disbudding weak roses or stems to flower pro-
remove suckers from the rootstock Remove axil buds on hybrid teas fusely early in the season. Remove
and thin, weak growth. Gener- to increase the vigor of one main flower buds along with the stem
ally, pruning back to one or two flower stem. Axil buds of floribun- down to the first or second five-
outward-facing buds or branches das and grandifloras generally are leaflet leaf when the bud is less
per cane encourages growth to the not disbudded. than the size of a pea until the fall
outside and creates an open, vase- Dead Heading of the first season. Sacrifice a few
shaped bush. It also allows good air Try to dead head twice a week. blossoms to establish a healthy
circulation to reduce fungal dis- Carefully cut to an outside-facing, plant.
eases. Do not prune healthy shoots five-leaflet leaf from the top of the
of climbers until after flowering. plant. You want to keep the bush Winter Protection
All cuts should be clean and at a height where flowers can be Many modern and old-fashioned
smooth, so make sure the pruning appreciated. Discontinue dead shrubs or climbing roses are quite
shears are sharp. Place a drop of heading in mid-September to allow hardy and do not need extra winter
white glue (e.g., Elmers) on top of bushes to store energy for winter. protection. Hybrid tea and grandi-
each cut stem that is larger than Some shrubs, old-fashioned flora roses may be injured during
one-quarter of an inch. Glue helps roses, and climbing roses bloom severe winters or during fluctua-
reduce borer infestation into the only once. Since flower removal tions in temperature. Mulching is
cane. will not encourage new flowers to a good start for rose protection to
form, spent blooms need not be moderate temperature extremes.
Additional Summer Pruning The best form of winter protec-
Continue pruning during the removed. Red to orange rose hips
form after flowers fade, and these tion for garden roses is to mound
growing season to remove spindly the base of each plant with com-
shoots, suckers, diseased stems, can be harvested for jams, teas,
etc., or left for birds. post that drains well. The mound
insect-ridden areas, and other of compost should be 12 to 18
types of worthless wood. Summer Cutting Rose Flowers inches high. Dont scrape soil from
pruning is as important as initial Allow at least two five-leaflet around plants or you may injure
spring pruning. leaves to remain on the new shoot roots. Dont use leaves, grass clip-
Prune climbers after bloom. when you cut a rose. Future stems pings, manure, or other materials
Remove one or two old canes, will arise from buds in axils of that would remain wet since these
thin dense growth, and cut back remaining leaves. can promote disease. If these mate-
remaining canes to keep the plant rials are composted and become a
within bounds. crumbly mix, they are appropriate
winter coverings.
Mulching
Mulches help control weeds,
keep roots cool, reduce the need
for watering, and make the plant-
ing more attractive. Apply 2 to 3
inches of aged sawdust, wood bark,
or other organic materials. Placing
a few sheets of newspaper under
the mulch increases the effects
of mulching. Dont place mulch
against the stem; keep it about 6
inches away.

When cutting, allow at least two five-


leaflet leaves to remain on the new shoot.

9
discard the flower bloom to the from growing them? Probably not.
first five-leaflet leaf, and use the A large part of having healthy roses
wood of the remaining flower stem with less care is to follow good cul-
(4 to 6 inches long) for cutting tural practices and choose plants
propagation. Cuttings should have resistant to pest problems.
at least two leaves (nodes). Remove Good cultural habits start with
the bottom leaf and leave the top providing adequate water during
leaf. Dip the base of the cutting, the growing season. Proper loca-
including the bottom nodal area, in tion and spacing of bushes in the
a rooting hormone (e.g., Hormodin garden permits good air circula-
11, Hormex, Rootone). tion and helps cut down on insect
Stick cuttings into individual and disease problems. Proper
containers and cover them with pruning also aids in good air cir-
plastic to reduce evaporation from culation. Canes should be pruned
the soil and transpiration from the to an outside bud so the center of
plant. Containers of cuttings can the plant is more open. And finally,
be placed in a cold frame or other good sanitation habits, such as
protected spot out of direct sun- picking up fallen leaves and debris
Growers wishing to produce more roses can do light. Roots should develop in 10 to from the bed, go a long way toward
so with cuttings.
20 days if rooting hormone is used. cultivation of strong, healthy rose
Mounding should be done after During winter months, keep bushes.
plants have lost their leaves from plants in place and cover them While perfect, blemish-free rose
several hard frosts, usually around with compost for added protection bushes are a goal of every gardener,
Thanksgiving. Rake and discard from low temperatures. Ideal tem- one must realize that roses are
old leaves since many disease-caus- peratures for holding rose cuttings hosts to a myriad of insects and
ing organisms overwinter in them. over winter are 25F to 35F. Roots diseases. Gardeners must estab-
Canes may be pruned back to 18 can freeze at low temperatures, lish their own levels of acceptable
inches to make mounding easier. and composted leaves added over damage from pests and work from
Mounds should be carefully re- tops of plants and pots reduce ex- this perspective. Many homeown-
moved in the spring after danger of treme fluctuations in temperature. ers are satisfied with less than
frost is past. Dont be too anxious, In a normal year, rooted cuttings perfect roses and can accept some
because new tender shoots can can be planted into permanent pest damage. This seems like the
be injured by a light freeze. Keep locations in early April, before new most environmentally responsible
some straw or mulching material spring growth appears. attitude.
handy to cover plants in case of Miniature roses are propagated When chemical means are
late frost. commercially by tissue culture. necessary to control rose problems,
If you wish to experiment with remember liquid sprays are gen-
Propagation rooting cuttings of miniatures for erally more effective than dusts,
Roses can be propagated by the your own use, take 2- to 3-inch especially for disease control. Wet-
following methods: cuttings, bud- cuttings. These cuttings should table powders and flowables are
ding, and grafting. Homeowners include more than two nodes. Re- better than emulsifiable concen-
wishing to produce more roses move half the leaves from the lower trates which can cause leaf burn.
for their own use can do so with end of the stem, and dip this sec- Use a surfactant to help the spray
cuttings. Sometimes roses grown tion of stem into rooting hormone. stick to leaves. Try to spray early in
on their own roots are not as hardy Handle the cuttings the same as the day to avoid the heat. Spraying
as they are when budded to a very regular roses described above. lower leaf surfaces as well as upper
hardy rootstock. ones is essential.
Cuttings can be taken from Pests of Roses A key to growing good roses is
early June to mid-August when Is concern about all the care identifying pests, including dis-
new growth normally hardens. In required to keep roses healthy and eases and insects. Some common
selecting wood for cuttings, choose free of insects and diseases suf- pests associated with roses are
a shoot that has bloomed, cut and ficient reason to keep homeowners listed here.
10
Diseases Plant roses in areas where there Powdery Mildew
is good air movement and where Leaves, buds, and even canes
Black Spot the sun hits them as early in the develop a white or gray cottony-
Black spot is probably the worst morning as possible for rapid dry- or dusty-looking layer of mildew
enemy of the rose grower. As the ing of foliage. Avoid overhead wa- fungus growth. Some cultivars are
name suggests, the disease causes tering of roses. Cleanliness around more susceptible than others. Se-
dark circular spots with irregular the plant is essential since the vere infection may cause stunting,
margins mainly on the upper sur- fungus overwinters in dead leaves curling, and leaf drop. The disease
faces of leaves. Spots enlarge until and infections on the cane. Pick off is more prevalent in high humidity.
the leaf turns yellow and drops all infested leaves, if possible. Rake As a result, it becomes most severe
from the plant. The disease gener- and dispose of fallen leaves in the on roses close to ponds, streams,
ally occurs from mid-May to early fall, as the fungus will overwinter or other warm, damp situations.
August and is most severe in wet in debris and spores will re-infect Under these conditions, powdery
seasons and on poorly ventilated the following season. Do not add mildew may also be noticed on
plants. A wet leaf surface encour- these diseased leaves to a compost other susceptible plants in the
ages disease development and pile. Regular application of a good landscape. The powdery mildew
spread. fungicide is important, especially fungus of dogwoods or zinnias, for
Control: Select resistant variet- on susceptible selections. A pre- example, does not go to roses and
ies whenever possible. As a general ventative spray program is recom- vice versa.
rule, grandifloras and polyanthas mended for susceptible varieties.
are more resistant to black spot Begin sprays at 7-10 day intervals
than hybrid teas and floribundas. starting with early growth. Spray
Additionally, some cultivars are before predicted rainy periods
more resistant or susceptible than whenever possible. Suggested fun-
others. gicides are included in Table 1.

Table 1. Fungicides for Rose Black Spot Management


Protectant Fungicide1 Product Names
captan Captan
chlorothalonil Daconil, Spectro*
mancozeb Dithane, Duosan*, Fore, Zyban*
maneb Maneb
Systemic Fungicides2 Product Names
azoxystrobin Heritage
fenarimol Rubigan Downy mildew infected leaves on Knock Out
kresoxym-methyl Cygnus roses.
Jean L. Williams-Woodward, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
myclobutanil Eagle, Immunox, Systhane
propiconazol Banner Maxx Control: Spray weekly when the
pyraclostrobin Insignia disease first appears, using fungi-
tebuconazol Bayer Advance Disease Control cide products containing fenari-
thiophanate-methyl Duosan*, Spectro*, Topsin-M, Zyban*
mol, myclobutanil, propiconazole,
or mancozeb + thiophanate-meth-
triadimefon Bayleton, Strike
yl. Growers favoring an organic
trifloxystrobin Compass approach may wish to try baking
triflumazole Terraguard soda and oil sprays for disease
triforine Funginex, Triforine control. Such products should be
1
Protectant Fungicides (Fungicide on plant surface prevents infections) tested on a few plantsfirst to de-
2
Systemic Fungicides (Fungicide may penetrate plant tissue) termine whether they are effective
*
Products that are a mixture of systemic and protectant fungicides. and are not injurious to the plants.

11
Frequent applications and thor- and prevent cane injury. Cut out plant. Badly infected plants should
ough coverage are important. and destroy infected canes well be dug up, including all roots,
below the lowest point of infec- removed from the garden and
Botrytis Flower Blight
tion. Disinfect tools after each cut destroyed. Remove and destroy
In wet seasons, flower buds may using a 10-percent bleach solution multiflora roses growing near the
turn brown and decay due to infec- to prevent spreading the fungus. A garden.
tion by the Botrytis fungus. Under good spray program for black spot
continuously moist conditions, control may also help control stem Other Viruses
the diseased buds and flowers may cankers. Rose mosaic is the most com-
become covered with fuzzy gray mon virus disease on roses in
fungal spores. Rose Rosette Disease Kentucky. Foliar symptoms vary
Control: Cut off and destroy in- Rose rosette is a virus disease but frequently include one or more
fected flower buds to reduce spore that causes stunted plants, shoot of the following: chlorotic line pat-
production and disease spread. proliferation, distorted shoots and terns, ring spots, mottling, and yel-
Some of the fungicides used for leaves, and excessive thorns. The lowing of veins. This disease is not
black spot management will also rose rosette virus is transported known to adversely affect flower
suppress Botrytis. from diseased to healthy plants by production, but foliar symptoms
tiny leaf curl mites. The disease are unsightly. Infected plants are
Rust and Other Leaf Spots
is frequently found on multiflora less vigorous and, as a result, more
Compared to other fungal dis- roses which may be growing near- sensitive to winterkill than healthy
eases, rust occurs less freqently on by as a weed. Rosette symptoms plants.
roses in Kentucky. Rust is easily may first appear on one or a few Control: Do not plant roses that
recognized on infected leaves and branches, but the disease becomes have virus symptoms. Remove and
stems by the spots with raised systemic, invading all parts of the discard infected plants.
pustules containing reddish-brown plant. Infected plants produce few
or orange spores. Cercospora leaf blooms and become a source of in- Crown Gall
spot is becoming more of a rose oculum for nearby healthy plants. Crown gall is caused by a bac-
problem in the southeastern part Control: Cut out infected canes, terial pathogen that resides in
of the country. This disease causes remove them from the rose garden soils. Galls or swellings appear on
circular gray spots on leaves and and destroy them. Watch carefully lower stems or roots as spherical
can sometimes be mistaken for to be sure that the disease does or lumpy growth up to 1 inch in
black spot disease. not spread to other parts of the diameter.
Control: Many of the fungicides
used for black spot management
will also control rust and Cerco-
spora leaf spot.
Stem Canker
Fungi enter through wounded
stems and improperly pruned
canes. Weak, poorly growing
roses, including plants weakened
by black spot, also are susceptible
to infection. In late winter or early
spring, small purple-tinged or
white spots on the stem develop
into large brown patches. Infected
canes grow poorly or die as dead
areas caused by canker enlarge and
girdle the stem.
Control: No specific fungicides
are available for treatment of stem
Leaves are reddened by rose rosette disease.
canker. Maintain vigorous plants James W. Amrine Jr., West Virginia University, Bugwood.org

12
Control: If planting a new rose be shaken into a bucket of soapy
into soil where a crown gall-in- water. Protect roses during peak
fected plant had previously grown, Japanese beetle flight by covering
pretreat cuttings or liners with them with cheesecloth or other
Galltrol-A or Norbac 84. Where fine netting. Do not place Japanese
crown gall is found, destroy heavily beetle traps near roses; this can
infected plants. Prune out and de- actually resulted in more damage
stroy galls on plants that are worth from additional beetles that are at-
saving. Disinfect tools between tracted by the lures.
cuts with a 10-percent bleach Insecticides can be used for
solution. Apply Gallex to exposed beetle control. However, the plants
galls. Plant disease-free roses in are still attractive to beetles so new
new beds where crown gall has not individuals will continue to arrive.
previously occurred.
A rose is infested by a colony of aphids. Caterpillars and Sawflies
Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org Larvae of several species of cater-
Insects pillars and leaf-feeding of sawflies
Beetles feed on rose foliage. Damage varies
Aphids Several beetle species feed on depending on the pest species.
Several species of aphids can roses but the Japanese beetle is the Some may feed on tender leaf tissue,
infest roses during the cool weeks key pest. It prefers cultivars with leaving only veins, others may con-
of spring and early summer but light colored, fragrant blooms. sume entire leaves. A few caterpil-
they naturally disappear during The beetles eat entire flower petals lars use silk to secure a portion of a
hot dry weather. Colonies of these and skeletonize leaves, devastating rolled leaf to form a tunnel in which
small green to red-brown sap feed- roses during July and August. they live and feed. Sawflies feed on
ing insects can be found on fast Handpicking beetles when they the lower leaf surface, leaving only
growing tissueshoots, stems, or first appear in July keeps them the thin epidermis which soon dies
developing buds. A few aphids will from attracting other individu- and turns brown. Light to moderate
not harm plants and will provide als. It is best to do this early in the leaf-feeding, while unsightly, should
food for natural enemies but aphid morning when the beetles are slug- not have a major impact on plant
numbers can increase rapidly. A gish. On small plants, beetles can health.
moderate to large aphid infesta-
tion causes a build-up of honey-
dew (sugar-rich liquid waste) and
black sooty mold growth on leaves
and stems. High aphid numbers
can distort or kill buds, or reduce
flower size. Overuse of fertilizer
may favor the buildup of aphid
populations.
Control: Regular forceful sprays
of water, supplemented by applica-
tions of an insecticide if needed,
can keep aphids at an acceptable
level without disrupting natural
control. Evaluate control about 5
to 7 days after treatment and make
another application if live aphids
are still present.

Japanese beetles feed on a rose.


The Dow Gardens Archive, Dow Gardens, Bugwood.org

13
Table 2. Common names of insecticides labeled for control of insects and mites on roses*
Insecticide
(common name) Aphids Beetles Caterpillars Mites Sawflies Thrips
acephate X X X X X
carbaryl X X
malathion X X X
azadiractin (neem) X X X X X
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) X
canola oil X X X
insecticidal soap X X X X X
acetamiprid X X X
dinetofuran
imidacloprid X
pyrethrins X X X X X
bifenthrin X X X X
cyhalothrin X X X X
cyfluthrin X X X X
cyhalothrin X X X X
permethrin X X X X
spinosad X X X X X
* Solid lines separate insecticides into groups with similar characteristics and effects on target pests

Early feeding damage by small few leaves are damaged and plant before plants are adversely af-
stages of these insects is easy to health is not affected. Control is fected. Firmly tap or shake rose
overlook. Most feeding is done not recommended because damage foliage over a piece of white paper.
during the last few days of larval is minimal and the bees are impor- The presence of tiny moving dark
development and appears suddenly. tant pollinators. flecks on the paper is a good
Weekly inspection of plant foliage indication that mites are present.
Mites
should allow detection of problems If possible, use a small hand lens to
before significant damage occurs. Spider mites, about the size confirm the diagnosis.
Small numbers of caterpillars or of the period at the end of this Spider mite infestations are
sawflies can be removed by hand- sentence, live on the underside of usually associated with dry, dusty
picking. Many insecticides labeled leaves and use their needle-like conditions. Applications of broad
for roses will control caterpil- mouthparts to feed on the con- spectrum insecticides (such as
lars and sawfly larvae. However, tents of individual cells. At first carbaryl and pyrethroids) may
Bt insecticides are not effective this causes scattered tiny white reduce numbers of natural enemies
against the caterpillar-like sawfly spots (stippling) on leaves. As that normally help to regulate mite
larvae. Apply treatments as soon as feeding continues, infested leaves infestations. Miniature roses and
skeletonizing damage appears and can be bleached white then brown. plants near sidewalks are very sus-
live insects are present. Ultimately, they curl dry and fall ceptible to build-ups of mites.
off. Heavily infested leaves may be Overhead irrigation or hos-
Leafcutter Bees covered with fine silk produced by ing of leaves about twice a week
Leafcutter bees cut circular discs the mites. can reduce mite numbers and
from leaf edges and use the pieces Early detection of mite infesta- keep humidity high enough for
to line their nests. Usually only a tions can allow remedial action mite-attacking fungi to provide

14
natural control. Insecticidal soaps,
summer spray oils, and products
containing neem may be used for
control. Success requires thorough
coverage to the undersides of the
leaves and at least two applica-
tions about 7 days apart. Follow-
up applications are needed to kill
mites that were in the egg stage
during the first treatment. Use the
white paper technique to look for
A female thrips feeds on a Knock Out rose leaf.
surviving mites about 2 days after Andrew Derksen, FDACS/DPI, Bugwood.org
treatment.
The eriophyid mite Phyllocoptes
fructiphylus is associated rose ro- to prefer fragrant, light-colored
sette disease which causes witch- blossoms and less problematic on
es broom. Mite control is not an cultivars with sepals that tightly
effective means of dealing with the enclose buds until they open.
disease. Windbreaks may reduce the in-
flight of thrips from other sources.
Thrips
Frequent removal and disposal of
Thrips are tiny (one-twentieth of
spent blooms also may help to re-
an inch), elongate yellow to black
duce problems. Thrips remain deep
insects that typically live in flow-
inside blooms so they are difficult
ers. Feeding damage from their
to control with insecticides. Thor-
rasping mouthparts causes symp-
ough spray coverage and repeated
toms ranging from small scars or
applications may be needed to
brown streaks on petals to dis-
reduce damage.
torted petals or leaves. Thrips seem

Where trade names are used, no endorsement is intended, nor criticism implied of similar products not named.
The Arboretum
State Botanical Garden of Kentucky
The Arboretum celebrates nature, fosters an understanding of relationships between
humans and their natural world, provides cultural opportunities, serves as a center for
environmental and horticulture education, research, and urban forest renewal while
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY AND LEXINGTON-FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT emphasizing conservation issues.

The Arboretum boasts one of the most diverse collections of roses in the eastern US. Visit www.ca.uky.edu/arboretum/ for more information.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work,
Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, M. Scott Smith, Director, Land Grant Programs, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Lexington, and
Kentucky State University, Frankfort. Copyright 2012 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educa-
tional or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include this copyright notice. Publications are also available on the World Wide Web at www.ca.uky.edu.
Issued 3-2012 All photos unless indicated otherwise are 2012 Photos.com, a division of Getty Images

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