There’s been lots of talking about the stunning roses already this year. We have so many varieties of roses to offer this Winter / Spring! We are so excited to offer our customers this amazing selection of roses, and now is the perfect time to plant for strong spring blooms. Get a start on the garden by planting roses now and get fresh, homegrown bouquets for years to come. Here’s a quick run down on our current selection of rose types!
Hybrid Tea Roses
These are by far the most iconic of roses. “Long Stem” roses are almost always Hybrid Tea varieties. Generally, flowers are large, showy, held singly, and atop a long straight stem. Hybrid Teas are however generally the most finicky and problem-prone roses for our hot humid climate. Be prepared to treat for insects and diseases with these roses but your work will be rewarded 10-fold in beauty. Upright plants can grow tall up to 6 feet.
Floribunda Roses
Tighter and more rounded plants than Hybrid Teas the Floribunda roses produce clusters of blooms rather than flowers held singly. Flowers come in a range of shapes and colors and are good choices for a bright show. Floribundas are generally easier to care for than Hybrid Teas.
Grandiflora Roses
These roses have traits of both Hybrid Tea and Floribunda roses producing flowers in clusters as well as singly. A good multipurpose rose for smaller gardens that gives you plenty of color and plenty of blooms that are fit for cutting. Grandifloras are generally easier care than Hybrid Tea.
Climbing Roses
This class of roses grows more like vines than bushes. Stalks can range from 6 – 20 feet long!
Structures like fences or arbors are recommended to support these large growers. In general Climbing roses are very disease and insect resistant but do require more specialized pruning than other roses to get the best blooms out of them. Make sure to ask a professional or do some research on climbing rose pruning to ensure you get the most blooms possible out of these tough garden winners.
Shrub Roses
No doubt the most familiar rose to spot on a nice stroll through your neighborhood (think Knockout and Drift Roses). Shrub roses are generally very easy care, having strong disease and insect resistance. Shrub roses grow tight and full and many don’t even require regular pruning. While these plants won’t give you the traditional dozen roses to cut for Valentine’s Day, they will give you color up to 9 months out of the year while expecting very little from you and your limited time.
Antique Roses
Unlike other rose categories, the term Antique Rose does not describe a specific growth habit or breeding line. This category is used to describe roses that are long-lived, strong varieties that survive in harsh conditions with little or no care. The term “Antique” refers to some of the better-known members of this group that have been around for centuries, and still perform beautifully. Not all Antique Roses are old, some are new introductions, but like their name implies they will stand the test of time. Antique Roses can be tight bushy plants, sprawling brambles, or even climbing vines. The important thing to remember is that Antique Roses are generally the strongest, easiest-to-care-for roses you’ll find.
Previously Written Original TN Content
Rose is a Rose is a Rose is a Rose
Roses on Fortuniana Rootstock in the Blue Pots
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