It was just Christmas, then National Championship season (Go Dawgs!), and now Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! I’m giving you fair warning to pick up a thoughtful gift in time.
Why not a rose bush? They last a lifetime (certainly longer than a bouquet of long-stem roses), and grow prolifically IF established properly at the time of planting. And when selecting the type, size, and color you’d like, I encourage you to think outside the box, and perhaps stray from picking out a Knock Out rose. NOT that anything is wrong with this sturdy plant; as a matter of fact, mine had plenty of blooms up until and just after Christmas this year! But with Knock Outs being ubiquitous throughout the urban landscape, rose rosette disease seems to get to them more quickly. But handling that disease is a whole ‘nother discussion.
Pike Nursery joined me on the radio show last week to share many varieties that you may want to consider. Also, check out my ‘Green and Growing WSB’ Facebook page for a video on how to prune rose bushes.
- Hybrid Tea: Most well-known, large, perfectly formed blooms with high centers on long single stems.
- Floribunda: Clusters of blooms on a stem. Slightly smaller flowers. Growth habit is shorter than hybrid tea.
- Grandiflora: Cross between Hybrid Tea and Floribunda. Similar size to hybrid tea, flower clusters like floribunda
- English: Also known as David Austin® roses. Blooms are large with many ruffled petals – vintage look. Very popular but need a little more maintenance than others.
- Climbing: Sprawling growth habits perfect for arbors, trellises, and fence lines. Needs less pruning.
- Shrub: A large, diverse category, but all are hardy, easy-care, repeat bloomers. Ideal for hedges and ground covering. Knock Out and Drift series are popular shrub roses.