Rose Bushes – The Scion of Perfection

A Rose By Any Other Name. Archeologists trace roses back million of years. The ancient Chinese and the French of the 18th century are credited with their cultivation of roses. Today, when it comes to roses, the colors and varieties are virtually endless. Hybridizing roses over the years has made it easier to grow rose bushes in various types of climates. There are very specific species in Rose Bushes which makes it easier to choose the right type for landscape planning. There are hybrid roses, climbing roses, potted rose trees and the more recognizable rose bushes. Growing rose bushes makes a wonderful hobby with the rewards of the most beautiful hues of scarlet, pink, white, golden yellow, even lavender. Growing rose bushes is a fun hobby that relieves stress and enlarges one’s knowledge of different rose species.

Know Your Roses
When choosing roses for your yard, prepare before you buy. You’ll need to know a few things about growing roses before you begin to plant rose bushes. The most important is temperature compatibility with rose bushes. This means accurately assessing the zone in which you are located. Certain rose bushes prefer warm climates while other rose bushes are hardy in colder climates. You’ll need to know the type of soil best suited to the rose bushes you plan to grow. For instance, beach rose bushes grow wild along shore lines and can handle variable temperatures without damage. The climbing rugosa rose bushes may not fair well in subzero temperatures. Yet, both beach and standard species of rugosa grow well in sandy soils.

Roses By Region
If you are not sure of the growing zone in which you are located, check the USDA Plant Hardiness Map. There are 11 zones and subzones listed along with temperatures indicated for hardiness. Certain areas may have more than one hardiness zone. Next check the actual rose bush listings for hardiness to insure your rose bushes will withstand temperature fluctuations.

Roses In Bloom
Rose bushes bloom best in a natural light that most suits their growth. The rule of thumb is that the darker the rose petals, the less sunlight the rose bushes need. Not all rose bushes fair well in full sunlight. Generally, hybrid rose bushes tolerate a good morning or afternoon sun and partial shade. This provides the clue as to where rose bushes should be planted. Another tip is to insure that rose bushes are not planted in an area that receives too much rain or water from downspouts. Rose bush leaves begin to turn yellow and spotted. This is a the first sign of rot. Once rot begins on leaves, without addressing the problem, roots also begin to rot.

Keep The Bugs Away
Aphids can destroy top foliage of rose bushes. Cane borers attack rose canes and erode nutrients from roses. Japanese beetles are another of bugs that are attracted to rose bushes. These insects are seen on rose blooms more easily than cane borers. Cane mold, rust and canker are forms of fungal diseases. All can be avoided with proper care and treatment. Check with your local garden center where you purchase rose bushes for the most applicable sprays, powders and insecticides intended specifically for rose bushes.

That Beautiful Rose Garden
Rose lovers just can’t help venturing into a world of beautiful roses in a formal rose garden. Line the garden with a hedge of rose bushes like Rosa Radcon, a pretty red rose that grows well in zones 4-10. These can grow to a height of 3-4 feet in full or partial sun. Create a wall of pink rose bushes with Rosa Radrazz that grow similarly to rosa radcon. Blaze roses can also grow as climbers or rose bushes when cropped to a specific height. These rose bushes do well in full sun, produce scarlet flowers 2 to 3 inches wide and fair best in zones 4 to 9.