Old Garden Roses -- A Proven Winner For Your Garden

 by: Ron King

Old Garden Roses are any of the rose varieties that were recognized prior to 1867, the year in which the first modern rose, the hybrid tea, was introduced.

Major Classes

The major classes of Old Garden Roses are: bourbons, noisettes, portlands, species, centifolias, albas, chinas, damasks, hybrid perpetuals, moss roses, gallicas, and teas.

Often referred to as "Old Fashioned," or "Antique Roses," these roses are the predecessors to some of the most beautiful modern hybrids. Although some are native to the United States, the majority are from Europe and Asia.

Unlike Modern Roses, which are applauded for their vibrant colors, compact buds, and recurrent blooming, Old Garden Roses are usually pastel in color and are single-blooming. Their much anticipated annual blooms have come to symbolize the arrival of summer.

These flowers are true survivors. Most Old Garden Roses are hardy even in the coldest and harshest weather conditions. It sometimes seems as if they can withstand anything. Their versatility can rarely be matched by any other class of rose.

Planting

Like all roses, Old Garden Roses flourish best when planted in a favorable location. They need at least 6 hours in direct sunlight daily. The ideal location for your Old Garden Roses is an open area, away from shade trees. The soil in this area should be well drained and fertilized prior to planting.

Soil preparation is a very important element in growing healthy, beautiful roses. You should add a large quantity of organic material such as manure to the flower bed prior to planting. The fertilizer will enrich the soil and aid in water drainage. It is highly recommended that you prepare your garden soil several months in advance to allow the nutrients to settle. Your Old Garden Roses will prosper in this rich environment.

Once your flower bed is prepared and settled, you're ready to begin planting, a very easy task. Dig a hole about 1 foot in depth and diameter. Remove the plant from its pot. Carefully untangle any loose roots and place the plant directly into the hole. Fill any remaining space with loose soil. You won't need any soil additives at this time.

Be sure to saturate the ground with water. Your new plant will require water on a daily basis for 3 weeks. Any time the ground looks dry, give your plant a quick shower.

Effortless Beauty

Mulch can truly be a rose gardener's best friend. It repels weeds and is great for holding moisture, which encourages your flowers to bloom radiantly in the summer months. Don't worry about diseases unless you see strange spots on the foliage. Although Old Garden Roses are not 100% disease-free, they are known to be highly disease resistant. It is quite rare for a disease to debilitate these plants. They're extremely tough and very self-maintaining.

For a beautiful addition to your rose garden, treat yourself to 1 of these Old Garden Rose varieties. The blooms and their fragrances are sure to please your senses. That is why these roses have withstood the test of time.