<p>By Lyn Hayes, Forsyth County Master Gardener</p>
<p><i>TownLoafer Magazine, Feburary 2008</i></p>
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<p><b>Roses are not just for Valentine&rsquo;s Day.</b> </p>
<p>Roses have been the beauty queen of many a garden since the dawn of time. They envelope the senses with their color and shape as well as the fragrance they share with the world around them.</p>
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<p>The choices for roses increase each year due to selective breeding programs. If you are one who receives gardening catalogs in the mail, you&rsquo;ve probably noticed many new varieties being offered this time of year. Rosarians and other specialists are constantly working to provide us with new varieties that will lend themselves to better adaptability, fragrance, and, of course, color.</p>
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<p>Most of the gardeners who have planted rose gardens will say that they require more focus and effort than many plant choices. However, the beauty of a rose blooming in your own garden is well worth the extra work.</p>
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<p>Since there are so many varieties of roses to choose from, it may be well worth your time to consult with a local extension office, rose society, or garden center to find out what type of rose will do best in your area. To better understand some of the different varieties available, here is a brief description of the major classifications of outdoor roses.</p>
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<b>Hybrid Tea or Large-Flowered</b><br />
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<p>Bush roses are the popular varieties you see most frequently. They have large, shapely blooms that are excellent for cutting and enjoying indoors. They are also suitable to grow in beds and borders with some varieties making wonderful hedges.</p>
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<b>Floribunda or Cluster-Flowered</b><br />
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<p>Bush roses with smaller blooms than Tea roses, however, they bloom abundantly. They make a wonderful impact with color when grown in beds, borders, and hedges.</p>
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<b>Patio or Dwarf Cluster-Flowered</b><br />
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<p>This variety is like a small-scale version of the Floribunda. These roses are specifically used for small spaces in the garden as well as edgings for areas where small growth is desired. Patio roses will easily adapt to container plantings as well.</p>
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<b>Climbers and Ramblers</b><br />
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<p>Just as their name implies, these roses can cover a variety of structures. It is important to choose the proper climber for your location. The difference between a climber and a rambler is not clear cut, because so many rose ancestors are common to many climbing roses. But, in general, climbers tend to have a stiff growth which is good for walls and fences where they can stretch. Ramblers tend to be somewhat droopy and are better suited for low supports such as arches, rope swags, sitting areas, and pergolas.</p>
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<p>Landscape Shrub Roses</p>
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<p>Shrub roses have become very popular in our area due to their resistance to disease, ease of maintenance, and their ability to produce beautiful flowers that bloom over long periods.</p>
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<b>Planting Roses</b><br />
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<p>The best results for planting comes from doing proper research on the roses selected. Regardless of your selection, however, there are some basic rules to follow:</p>
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<p>Roses must receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight. They don&rsquo;t like to be planted under large tress where they must compete for light as well as water from the soil.</p>
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<p>It is suggested that you plant roses at least 5 feet apart for good air circulation. Roses in this area can have difficulty with black spot and powdery mildew. By creating good air movement around your plants, you help your roses avoid these issues.</p>
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<p>And, as always, prep your soil. Roses like soil rich in organic material and with good drainage. Amending your soil with some all purpose fertilizer is also recommended. Refer to the label on the product to insure the proper amount to use. The best blooms are produced with a soil pH of 6.0-6.5. (Check with your local extension office for info on soil testing). I like to rototill the area to insure that the soil is loose and then mix in organic material at this stage. It is important to note that you should not plant roses where the soil is wet or soggy. The use of raised beds is also an option.</p>
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<p>Roses will need to receive nutrients as well as ample water on a regular basis. Mulching at least 1 inch will aid in keeping adequate moisture, as well as providing nutrients. When spreading mulch, keep it from building up around the crown of the plant. You should stop feeding in the fall just prior to the first frost (approximately 6 weeks).</p>
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<p>Container-grown roses will start showing up in nurseries and garden centers in early spring. They can be planted around that same time, only on the condition that you are past the last freeze. They can also be planted in the fall. It is best to plant bare-root roses as soon as you receive them. Refer to the planting guide on the rose you purchase, using caution to not dig the hole too deep as to bury the graft union. This knob-like area needs to be just above the soil level.</p>
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<b>Disease and Pest Control</b><br />
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<p>As mentioned above, powdery mildew or black spot might be encountered. It is best to consult your local extension office or nursery to help aid in solving this issue for your particular area.</p>
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<p>Some of the common pests that might be seen in your garden include aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, thrips, and rose midges. The use of horticulture oil, insecticidal soap, or contact insecticide is recommended.</p>
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<p>The selection of roses can be overwhelming to the beginner, but help is available. Consult your local nurseries, and do your research. To help insure success, choose the varieties that are recommended for your Georgia locale. Good luck with your rose garden, and remember, roses aren&rsquo;t just for Valentine&rsquo;s Day!</p>