SolveYourProblem
Roses Article Series
What
To Know about Heirloom Roses
What
exactly are heirloom roses? Heirloom
roses (also called old or antique) are all the types of roses
that were in existence prior to 1867 when the first hybrid
tea rose was introduced in France. The heirloom roses became
less popular with gardeners because they did not repeat blooms
as the new roses did. Even today, many gardeners still see
these old roses as somehow inferior to modern roses. Heirloom
roses only produce blossoms for two to four weeks during the
early summer, whereas modern roses bloom several times during
the season. When heirloom roses bloom, though, they do so in
abundance and the smell is simply intoxicating.
If you’re considering adding heirloom roses to your garden
(and you should), here are three important things to know before
planting your first one.
1. Heirloom Roses are Diverse and Hardy
Heirloom roses come in an astounding array of colors, sizes,
fragrances and flower forms. There are varieties of every shape
and size so they can easily fit into your garden space whether
you want short or tall plants or even climbing roses. With
the number of different species, you’ll definitely find an
heirloom rose to suit your personal tastes.
Heirloom roses are particularly hardy plants. They are easy
to care for and for centuries they thrived even without the
use of pesticides. You can also grow heirloom roses in northern
climates. Not all heirloom roses are suitable for northern
climates, but if you do your research you’ll find that many
species are hardy enough to endure the long winter months of
the Northern United States and Canada. Some of the hardiest
varieties are Alba or White Roses, Cent folia or Cabbage Roses,
Damask, Gallica, Spinosissima or Scotch Brier Roses, and Bourbon
Roses. Damask roses are the least hardy of this group, but
they are also the most fragrant and the blooms range in color
from white to deep maroon. These roses have a long history
of being used in the production of rose oil. Gallica is the
most popular specifies of heirloom roses with a pleasant but
not overpowering fragrance.
2. They’re Easy to Take Care Of – Really!
Caring for heirloom roses is no different really than caring
for the more modern roses. To really thrive, heirloom roses
need four things: sun, soil, drainage, water and proper air
circulation. Your heirloom roses should be planted in a spot
where they will guarantee at least six hours of sun per day.
In terms of soil, you can start with a good quality garden
soil and then mix in manure and compost to increase the nutrient
levels. The roses should be watered regularly, but the key
is proper drainage so the rose can have what it needs and the
rest can drain away. Your roses need proper drainage – rose
like most plants will not thrive if they are in wet, soggy
soil for a lot of time. Unlike hybrid roses, heirloom roses
should not be crowded together. They need room to grow and
breathe. Most heirloom roses either do not need pesticides
or they have an aversion to them. You will rarely have to use
pesticides on your heirloom roses and if you do, you should
use them sparingly. Pruning should be done in the spring to
remove dead or diseased wood – but don’t prune just for the
sake of pruning! Heirloom roses really require no more attention
than any other plants in your garden.
3. They’re Worth the Effort
Even now you might still be asking yourself, why put in all
this effort for a plant that will only bloom for two to four
weeks? After providing the essentials that any other plant
requires, they really take care of themselves and do not require
a lot of attention. They truly are captivating plants with
brilliant blooms and an intoxicating fragrance, and though
heirloom roses may have lost favor with some gardeners, there
is a long legacy or history attached to these plants. For centuries
they enchanted royals with their sweet smell and many painters
sought to capture the beauty of their short-lived blooms on
canvas. You too can experience the profound beauty of heirloom
roses by planting a one in your garden next spring. # # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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