COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, LEXINGTON, KY, 40546

ID-118

S. Bale and R. Durham, Horticulture; T. Phillips, Plant and Soil Sciences; L. Townsend, Entomology; N.A. Ward, Plant Pathology

oses have many landscape uses. They can be placed as accent plants or used to form or ground cov- ers.R They offer a rainbow of colors and a variety of forms and fragrances, and their sizes range from miniatures to tall climbing plants. Roses may be grown under many cli- matic and soil conditions and, with care, thrive and pro- duce flowers for many years.

Rose Classifications Hybrid teas are nearly always Classification lines and grada- double-flowered, but some are tions are not clear since roses are semi-double-flowered or single- highly crossbred, so a functional flowered. In most cases, the flowers system is used to classify them. are borne singly. Buds are usually How roses are used depends on long and pointed. Hybrid teas grow their growth habits (as bushes, from 2½ to 5 feet tall, and their hedges, shrubs, climbers) and stems tend to be long, making flowering characteristics (number them excellent for flower arrange- of flowers per stem, single versus ments. double flowers, fragrance). The Hybrid teas do not produce as following classifications are based many flowers as some other Roses are used differently based on their types. They also do not form a growth habits and flowering characteristics. on the functional uses of outdoor roses. strong bush, but many canes arise from the plant base. They vary in Bush Roses hardiness and frequently need win- Bush roses are self-supporting ter protection. Many are fragrant. and grow upright. They bear Floribundas are probably the flowers primarily at the top of the most popular class of roses world- plant. Some types of bush roses are wide because of their profuse landscape or shrub roses, hybrid blooming. Their relatively large teas, floribundas, grandifloras, and flowers are borne in clusters. Flori- miniatures. bunda stems are shorter than those Landscape or shrub roses of hybrid teas, making them less gained popularity with the phe- suitable for flower arrangements. nomenal success of Knock Out® and The plants are bushier in appear- generally are lower-maintenance ance than hybrid teas and ideally than other modern roses. Knock are planted in groups of three or Out® has a pedigree of floribundas more. Fifty plants massed in a bed and a shrub rose ‘Carefree Beauty.’ create a real show.

Agriculture and Natural Resources • Family and Consumer Sciences • 4-H Youth Development • Community and Economic Development EXTENSION old wood, so in winter and early spring removes potential flowers. The beauty of old roses is in large, well-established plants, not tightly pruned, little bushes. Polyanthas and Hybrid Polyanthas This group fits somewhere between old-fashioned roses and modern floribundas. They were -de rived mainly from crossed with tea and China roses. They are hardy and flower freely in clusters with individual flowers that are small and low-growing. These roses are not as popular as Roses come in a variety of colors, forms, fragrances, and sizes. they were in the early 1900s. Ground Cover Roses Grandifloras are vigorous plants to be considered a miniature, but with the free-flowering, cluster- still distinct from or Ground cover roses have vigor- ing characteristic of floribundas hybrid tea types. ous canes that crawl outward and and the perfect form of hybrid only slightly upward. They form Heritage or Old-Fashioned Roses teas. Their flowers are larger than a broad carpet, almost prostrate those of floribundas but not quite Old (OGR) is the or slightly mounded. Some bloom as large as those of hybrid teas. The American Rose Society designation only in spring; others are ever- plant is taller than floribundas and for rose types that existed before bloomers. hybrid teas (5 to 6 feet tall) and 1867, when the first David Austin Roses makes a good background plant. was released. Modern rose classifi- English hybridizer David Aus- Flower colors are not quite as vivid cations include hybrid teas and any tin developed a new line of roses as those of hybrid teas, but they other class that was created in 1867 that combines the hardiness and provide a mass of color for garden or afterward. disease resistance of old-fashioned decoration and have individual Heritage or old-fashioned roses roses with certain characteris- stems long enough for cutting. have irregular growth habits. They tics (repeat blooming and double are extremely hardy and often Miniature roses (patio roses) flowers with fragrance) of modern are compact, well-branched, dense resistant to diseases and insects. tea roses and floribundas. Da- plants with leaves and flowers that An ordinary garden can turn into vid Austin roses range in height complement their small size. They a wonderland of color and form by from 3 to 8 feet; most are bushy flower profusely, and many are adding some old roses. Many are and upright growers. They can be hardy. Miniatures are used as both also incredibly fragrant. considered low-maintenance roses garden and indoor plants. Since Damasks, albas, centifolias, and require little spraying. They miniature roses have come on the gallicas, mosses, and species are tend to be more winter hardy than market, everyone—even people spring-blooming old roses. Hybrids most hybrid tea varieties, but many who live in apartments or on small of some old roses bloom repeat- Austin varieties are susceptible to lots—has room for roses. For each edly and may be pruned any time blackspot. small plant, a soil volume of one- of the year (as with modern roses). eighth of a cubic foot (6-by-6-by-6 Repeat-flowering OGR classes Meidiland Roses include: China, tea, Portland, and inches) is all that is required. A full These roses were created by the hybrid perpetual roses. Varieties cubic foot of soil is better for larger House of Meilland in and that bloom once a year should not miniatures and patio roses. Mini- are sometimes sold as “flower- be pruned until after they bloom flora roses are a new classification ing shrubs” rather than “roses” by for roses that have flowers too large in spring. Such varieties bloom on

2 companies in this country. They For some ideas, the rose ‘Singing in the Rain’ are easy to grow, hardy, relatively listed below are hardy in Kentucky. ‘Cary Grant’ disease-resistant (though canker They were selected because of low ‘Princess de Monaco’ is a problem), tolerant of heat, maintenance and some pest resis- ‘Carla’* and not bothered excessively by tance. This is not an endorsement ‘Cayenne’* Japanese beetles. They are consid- of these roses, but simply an effort ‘Duet’* ered low-maintenance roses. They to get you started since there are so ‘Electron’* grow 1½ to 5 feet tall and are good many from which to select. ‘First Prize’* plants for massing or hedges. The UK Arboretum & State ‘Granada’* Botanical Garden has a display of ‘Miss All American Beauty’* Tree Roses 2,000 cultivars. Some of the fa- ‘Portrait’* A tree rose is any rose grafted vorites at the Arboretum are in the ‘Pristine’* to a tall trunk. Tree roses are not a following list of cultivars. ‘Proud Land’* class of roses but a distinct garden The following list is primarily for ‘Sutter’s Gold’* form; however, most tree roses are the beginner. More experienced Floribundas the bush type. They need special rose growers can recommend winter protection and careful many more cultivars worth trying. ‘First Edition’* (orange blend) pruning. (Cultivars marked with an asterisk ‘Betty Prior’ ‘Iceberg’ (white) Climbers are resistant to black spot disease.) The website www.helpmefind. ‘Pleasure’ (pink) Vigorous roses that produce com/roses is a helpful database for ‘Eye Paint’ (red blend) long, supple canes (6 to 20 feet rose selection. ‘French Lace’ (white) long) should be trained on sup- ‘Interama’ (dark red) ports such as fences, buildings, Bush Roses ‘Summer Fashion’ (yellow blend) arbors, or any stable structure. ‘Showbiz’ (red) Hybrid Teas Weave the canes in and out of the ‘All That Jazz’ (coral-salmon) structure or use soft ties to hold ‘Brigadoon’ ‘Sun Sprite x 2’* the canes in place. Some climbers ‘Double Delight’ (red blend) Grandifloras are everblooming; others bloom ‘Olympia’ (red) once a year. ‘Headliner’ (pink blend) ‘Angel Face’* A serious problem with climbers ‘Mr. Lincoln’* (red) ‘Betty Prior’* is cold hardiness. Climbers bloom ‘Sheer Bliss’ (white) ‘Carousel’* on canes produced the previous ‘Perfect Moment’ (pink) ‘Europeana’* summer. Canes that suffer winter ‘Peace’* (yellow blend) ‘Gene Boerner’* dieback produce no blooms. Some ‘Pink Peace’* (pink blend) ‘Ivory Fashion’* people resort to growing once- ‘Summer Dream’ (apricot blend) ‘Montezuma’* blooming ramblers, shrub roses, ‘Dainty Bess’ (single, light pink) ‘Prominent’* and some modern roses as climb- ‘Pascali’* (white) ‘Queen Elizabeth’* ers. Check the cultivar list that ‘John F. Kennedy’ (white) ‘Razzle Dazzle’* follows for ideas. ‘Elina’ (medium yellow) ‘Rose Parade’* ‘Madame Violet’ (lavender) ‘Queen Elizabeth’* (medium pink) Cultivar Selection ‘Marijke Koopman’ (medium pink) ‘Camelot’ (medium pink) Deciding which roses to grow is ‘Touch of Class’ (pink blend) ‘Pink Parfait’* (pink blend) a personal choice. Everyone has in- ‘Hoagy Carmichael’ (red) ‘Love’ (red blend) dividual preferences. When you see ‘Folk Lore’ (orange blend) ‘Tournament of Roses’ (medium roses you like, jot down the culti- ‘Dublin’ (medium red) pink) var name and make sure it is hardy ‘Elegant Beauty’ (yellow blend) ‘Sonia’* (pink blend) in Zone 6 (or zones with lower ‘Garden Party’ ‘Shining Hour’ (white) numbers). If it is, find a source and ‘Color Magic’ ‘White Lightnin’ (white) get your order in early. ‘Tiffany’* ‘The Fairy’* ‘Tropicana’* ‘Red Gold’*

3 Shrub Roses • R. ‘Nevada’ plants reach a • R. ‘Simplicity’ is 4 to 5 feet tall (Modern and Species) height and spread of 5 to 7 and has bright pink flowers. A • Rosa ‘Austrian Yellow’ reaches feet. The creamy white single white cultivar, ‘White Simplic- heights of 6 feet and has but- to semi-double flowers bloom ity,’ and other colors (purple, ter-yellow flowers that bloom in May and early June and red, yellow) are also available. in late May and early June. then intermittently through- This rose is hardy and disease- This selection ofR. foetida is out the summer. resistant, requiring little care. • R. ‘Nymphenburg’ is a hybrid ideal for background planting. Patio Roses • R. ‘Austrian Copper’ is a sport musk rose that reaches 6 feet (genetic modification) of ‘Aus- in height and produces long- Small in size, between miniature trian Yellow,’ (see comment lasting double pink flowers on and floribunda, patio roses are 2 above) with beautiful copper- arching branches. The main to 4 feet tall and bloom all sum- red flowers. It reaches a height bloom is in May and early June mer long. These roses drop petals of 4 to 6 feet. Petals are copper and blooms lightly thereafter. easily so don’t require dead head- colored on the upper side and • R. rugosa is a hardy, salt- ing (removal of faded flower heads). yellow on the reverse side. resistant everblooming They are excellent as low border • R. ‘Bloomin’ Easy’ reaches 4 to rose recommended for urban plants, hedges, foundation plant- 5 feet tall, has red flowers, and planting. Fragrant flowers are ings, or planted in large masses for is hardy and disease resistant. pure white, yellow, pink, or color. They may die back to the • R. ‘Carefree Wonder’ and magenta. The fruit or hip is ground in winter but since they are ‘Carefree Delight’ are mound- bright red and about the size not grafted, they come back and forming and reach 5-foot- of a cherry tomato. Leaves are bloom well. high by 4-foot-wide. Plants wrinkled and leathery. Good Recommended varieties include: have rich pink flowers with cultivars include ‘Frau Dag- ‘Red Rascal’ (red), ‘Amorette’ a creamy reverse and bloom mar Hartopp,’ ‘Grootendorst (white), ‘Pink Pollyanna’ (pink), during most of the summer. Supreme,’ and ‘Blanc Double and ‘Baby Love’ (yellow single, sold Excellent pest and disease re- de Coubert.’ ‘Pink Grooten- as a shrublet variety) sistance also is shown by these dorst’ is a 6-foot cultivar with David Austin Roses rounded habit and frilled dou- cultivars. • ‘Othello’ has fragrant dark ble pink blooms that are ideal • R. ‘Champlain’ is a hybrid crimson flowers. for cutting. Kordesii shrub rose with • ‘The Squire’ has delicate pale • R. sericea var. pteracantha is double, deep-red flowers and pink blossoms with a strong a rose with small white single a light fragrance. Plant forms myrrh fragrance. flowers and only four petals. neat 3-foot mounds. • ‘Abraham Darby’ has apricot- The foliage is beautiful—min- • R. glauca grows up to 6 feet yellow flowers with a fruity iature and fernlike. Stems are tall but is easily kept inbounds fragrance. large with wing-like thorns with pruning. Plants have soft- • ‘Fair Bianca’ has pure white that are deep red and semi- textured bluish-gray foliage flowers with myrrh fragrance. transparent. It reaches 6 feet tinged with red and are almost • ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ has large, fra- in height and is often sold as thornless with reddish-brown grant rich pink blooms. R. omiensis var. pteracantha bark. Flowers are mauve-pink, • ‘Heritage’ has fragrant, clear or ‘Wingthorn rose.’ about 1½ inches in diameter, shell-pink blossoms. • R. ‘Wild Flower’ is an English and followed by handsome • ‘Graham Thomas’ has apricot rose that has single flowers reddish brown hips in clusters buds that open to pale yellow which are creamy yellow with of three to seven. blossoms. intense fragrance. • R. ‘Harrison’s Yellow’ reaches • ‘Golden Celebration’ has me- 6 feet tall, with good green fo- Hedge Roses dium yellow, very double liage. One of earliest to bloom, These roses generally die back to flowers. it is covered with 1½-inch • ‘Wife of Bath’ has pale pink semi-double fragrant yellow ground in severe winter, so close pruning in spring is all that is blossoms with strong myrrh flowers. This is another R. fragrance. foetida variety. necessary.

4 Meidiland Roses • R. gallica var. • ‘Bonica’ has soft pink double officinalis is the flowers and blooms continu- ‘Red Damask ously. Rose’ or ‘Rose of • ‘White Meidiland,’ ‘Scarlet Provins’ and is Meidiland,’ and ‘Pink Meidi- also known as land’ are all heavy bloomers the apothecary and require only light pruning rose. The oldest in spring to remove winter of old garden damage. roses it appears in the ancestry Old-Fashioned Shrub Roses of most other Deciding which roses to grow is a personal choice, but those grown • Rosa ‘Belinda,’ a hybrid musk roses. Plants in Kentucky should be hardy in zone 6 or lower. rose, originated in 1936 in are compact and grows to 4 feet (3 to 4 feet tall), with dark to edges of petals which gives it tall with mid-pink semi-dou- medium green foliage and its a carnation-like appearance. ble slightly fragrant flowers. semi-double red blooms have The fragrant flowers are pro- It flowers continuously and a spicy scent. duced in summer, with some foliage is deep green. This rose • R. ‘La Reine Victoria’ (also late blooms. It originated in grows in a wide range of soils called ‘Reine Victoria’) is a France in 1890, requires good and conditions and would be Bourbon rose that originated soil and should be mulched good for hedges or containers. in France in 1872. It is a tall, and watered in dry areas. It • R. eglanteria (R. rubiginosa) slender shrub, grows to 6 feet may develop rust and mildew. was introduced prior to 1551 and flowers along the entire • R. ‘Rosa Mundi’ is also known and called the sweetbriar length of its canes. Flowers as R. gallica versicolor or R. rose. This species rose and its are cupped, rose pink, and fra- gallica variegata. It has been hybrids have apple-scented grant. It repeats flowering but around since the 16th century, foliage. Plants may reach 8 to is prone to black spot. grows to 4 feet tall, has matte 12 feet tall. Small pink flowers • R. ‘Madame Hardy,’ is another green foliage and few thorns. appear in late spring or sum- damask rose having the char- Flowers are all different, with mer, followed by an abundant acteristic green button eye in combinations of light red, crop of colorful hips. This rose the center of its white bloom. pink, and white, with promi- tolerates poor soils and shade. A profuse bloomer in early nent yellow stamens. It blooms • R. foetida bicolor is a species summer and one of the best in summer only and is tolerant rose introduced before 1590. ivory-white old-fashioned ros- of poor soils. The five-petaled flower has es. It was developed in France • R. ‘Salet’ originated in 1854 in brilliant scarlet red on its up- in 1832. France. It is a moss rose with per surface and butter yellow • R. ‘Petite de Hollande,’ is a double clear-pink fragrant on the underside. Centifolia rose that originated flowers. It forms a bush 4 feet • R. ‘Frau Dagmar Hartopp’ is in 1800 in the . It tall by 3 feet wide with repeat a hybrid rugosa rose known is a compact shrub that can flowering in autumn. ‘Salet’ since 1914. It has large single grow to 5 feet high by 3 feet requires regular watering and fragrant pink flowers and a wide and produces many small mulching for optimum flower- compact growth habit (to 3 pink fragrant flowers with ing in hot, dry summers. feet tall). In autumn, it has dark centers. It tolerates poor • R. ‘’ has crimson hips which are the soils, requires full sun and been known since the 15th size of small apples and col- only blooms in summer. century or earlier. Other orful foliage. It is extremely • R. ‘Roger Lambelin’ is a names are ‘Maxima,’ ‘Jaco- hardy and tolerates tough shrubby hybrid perpetual rose bite Rose,’ and ‘Great White conditions. that grows to 4 feet tall. The Rose.’ This alba rose is one of double flowers are deep scarlet the largest shrub roses, grow- with a narrow white line on ing to 7 feet tall or more and

5 5 feet wide. Foliage is coarse Climbers and grey-green. Flowers are Modern Roses that Serve as creamy white and fragrant Climbers doubles. It tolerates poor soils • ‘New Dawn’ (light pink and is suitable as a hedge. flowers) Fragrant Roses • ‘White Dawn’ (white flowers) Most wild species of roses are • ‘Coral Dawn’ (coral flowers) fragrant, some more than others. • ‘Altissimo’ (seven-petaled red Damask, musk, cabbage, rugosa, flowers) French, and bourbon roses are the • ‘Dortmund’ (single red flowers most fragrant. If true rose perfume with light eye) is important in your choice of what • ‘William Baffin’ (deep pink) to grow, try some of these highly Ramblers that Serve as Climbers perfumed species. • ‘Dorothy Perkins’ (rose-pink • Rosa x damascena var. bifera The UK Arboretum and State Botanical Garden flowers) (‘Autumn Damask’ or ‘Quatre has a display of 2,000 rose cultivars. • ‘Excelsia’ (red flowers) Saisons’). These bloom twice, • ‘Chevy Chase’ (dark red once in spring and again in • R. gallica (French rose) is a • flowers) fall. Most cultivars are semi- semi-double flower known as • ‘May Queen’ (light pink double pink flowered and the apothecary rose, whose • flowers) are deliciously fragrant. The oil and petals were once trea- • ‘Etain’ (orange-pink flowers) following varieties are recom- sured for potpourris. • ‘American Pillar’ (dark pink mended: ‘Rose du Roi,’ ‘Rose • R. gallica var. officinalis has flowers with white eye) de Rescht,’ ‘Quatre Saisons,’ recommended varieties in- ‘Jacques Cartier,’ and ‘Mar- cluding ‘Belle Isis,’ ‘Charles de Shrub Roses with 4- to 12-foot quise Boccela.’ Mills,’ and ‘D’Aguesseau.’ Canes that Serve as Climbers • R. x centifolia (cabbage roses). • Bourbons were originally a • ‘Alchymist’ (double apricot The distinct fragrance of cab- cross between R. chinensis and flowers) bage roses is desirable. Rec- ‘Autumn Damask’ rose. The • ‘Sally Holmes’ (pure white ommended varieties include: following cultivars resulted flowers) ‘DeMeaux’, ‘Fantin Latour’ from crossing original bour- • ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ (Bourbon and ‘Petite de Hollande.’ bons with French rose and rose with bright cerise flowers) • R. x centifolia ‘Muscosa’ (moss damask hybrids: ‘Madame • ‘Frau Karl Druschki’ (hybrid roses) have a scent similar to Isaac Pereire,’ ‘Bourbon Queen,’ perpetual with pure white that of cabbage roses. and ‘Zephirine Drouhin.’ flowers) • R. x alba (albas) roses have a • Modern roses, which re- • Knock Out® roses are easy to refined light damask scent. ceived the James Alexander grow and do not require spe- Recommended varieties in- Fragrance Medal as listed by cial care. They are the most clude: ‘Maiden’s Blush,’ ‘Koe- the American Rose Society, disease-resistant roses on nigin von Danemarck,’ and include ‘Crimson Glory,’ ‘Tif- the market, but rose rosette ‘Felicite Parmentier.’ fany,’ ‘Chrysler Imperial,’ ‘Sut- disease and some black spot • R. rugosa (rugosas) roses have ter’s Gold,’ ‘Granada,’ ‘Fragrant problems have been reported. a strong damask scent with Cloud,’ ‘Papa Meilland,’ and • Kordes roses also are offered hint of clove or cinnamon that ‘Double Delight.’ (‘Sunsprite’ is as disease-resistant roses. lasts all day. Recommended a fragrant floribunda. ‘French Black spot is a problem in varieties include: ‘Sarah Van Lace’ also is fragrant. Many cultivars that are selected for Fleet’ (deep pink flower) and floribundas are fragrant.) garden use as well as outdoor ‘Blanc Double du Coubert’ • Fragrant hybrid tea roses in- cut-rose production. (paper white flower). clude ‘Mister Lincoln,’ ‘Pink Perfume,’ ‘La France,’ ‘Will Rogers,’ and ‘Oklahoma.’

6 Buying Roses • low growers as border or edg- Roses are classified in three ing, container plants (protect grades. Look on the rose tag for one roots from freezing in winter) of the following numbers. A No. 1 • rock garden plants plant is usually 2 years old. It was • screen or hedge plantings budded (grafted to the understalk) • background planting for other two years prior to being dug. The flowers or shrubs plant was regularly pinched and • camouflage plantings to draw pruned, producing two or more very attention away from unsightly strong canes. Canes are cut back areas when plants are harvested for sale. • terraced plantings on a steep A No. 1½ plant also is 2 years slope old, but has one strong and one • climbing plants on fences, gar- smaller cane. den structures, or homes, or A No. 2 plant has several small used as screens for privacy canes. But, take heart: A No. 2 When deciding where to plant plant can be grown into No. 1 roses in your yard, you must un- derstand their needs and potential. quality with patience and care. Consider the height, growth habit Many newer cultivars are rooted (spreading, bushy, upright, tall, cuttings (on their own roots, not short), and color of the cultivar grafted) and avoid some of the you have chosen. Most roses can problems associated with budded be spaced 2 to 4 feet apart. Shrubs or grafted roses. and old-fashioned roses should Rose Society be 4 to 6 feet apart, and climbers along fences should be 8 to 10 feet If you plan to devote a lot of time apart. Most important, roses need and effort to growing roses, con- good drainage and sunshine. sider joining the American Rose Full sun is best for your roses, Society (P.O. Box 2612, Mill Valley, although six to eight hours is suf- Calif. 94942; (415) 381-5055). The ficient (preferably morning sun). members’ expertise is an invaluable Good drainage in your soil is a guide in selecting plants to grow. must. If your soil doesn’t drain well If you don’t want to join the soci- naturally, enhance its porosity by ety, the All America Rose Selections adding abundant organic matter (AARS) has been active for several or small pea gravel, or grow your years and chooses several outstand- roses in a rose bed. ing roses annually. When you buy Almost any soil type is fine for a rose labeled AARS, you will get a growing roses as long as it is well- quality, tested plant that hopefully drained and well-aerated. When will perform well in your site. Not all When planting roses, consider the height, water is added to the planting hole, growth habit and color of the cultivar. AARS winners tolerate Kentucky’s it should drain freely and certainly weather extremes and fluctuations. should be gone in two hours. Roses in Landscaping If heavy soil needs to be modi- fied, use one-half to one-third na- Roses may be appropriate almost tive soil and one-half to two-thirds anywhere you use other shrubs in fully composted organic matter the landscape, as indicated by the (well-rotted manure, leaf mold, following examples. compost) to increase aeration, • foundation plantings drainage, and water-holding capac- • massed plantings in beds ity. The entire planting area should (especially miniatures and have similar soil modification, not floribundas) just the planting holes. 7 Soil pH should be 6 to 6.8. A Care After Planting soil test submitted to your county Adequate rose care includes Extension agent will determine watering, pruning, mulching, and whether lime and fertilizer are disbudding. needed to produce attractive roses on the site you have selected. Watering and Fertilizing Roses perform best when they Planting are well-watered. Rainfall often The most appropriate time to does not meet the plants’ needs. plant roses is early spring, when the Add water when the upper 1 to 2 plants are not leafed out and the inches of soil is dry. ground is not frozen. Follow these Figure 1. Position plant in planting Thorough, deep watering is best. planting steps. Dig the planting hole hole. Make sure the bud union is at Overhead sprinkling is the most to accommodate roots and keep the soil line. The bud union is evident convenient, but wet foliage may budded area at the soil line. This is by a swelling of the stem area where promote disease. Drip irrigation the bud was inserted and healed. Any usually 15 to 18 inches deep. growth from the below the systems that are on the market are Incorporate superphosphate into bud union is called sucker growth and easy to install, use water efficiently, your soil (to provide slowly avail- should be removed down to its base. and do not cause wet foliage. If you able phosphorus) at a rate of three use overhead watering, water in to four pounds per 100 square feet the morning or early afternoon so or one heaping tablespoon per foliage will be dry by evening. plant. Fertilizers with an analysis such Spread out the roots of the rose as 5-10-5 or 4-12-4 are commonly plant over a cone of soil located packaged as rose fertilizers; how- in the center of the planting hole. ever, 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 12-12-12, or This will prevent air pockets from other garden fertilizers may be forming around the roots. used. High-nitrogen turf materials, Make sure the budded area is at such as 25-10-10 or 33-0-0, should the soil line. This prevents undesir- be used sparingly. able suckering from the rootstock In a rose bed, apply about one- (the plant portion below the graft- fourth of a cup of 12-12-12 (or ed bud). Also, if the budded area is correct amount of other fertilizer Figure 2. Tamp soil around roots. buried in the soil, roots will form analyses) per bush. Spread fertil- on the scion (the grafted portion), izer evenly and scratch it into the and the desirable characteristics of soil surface. Application should be the rootstock (e.g., hardiness and made to wet soils, before rain or disease resistance) will be lost. watering. Add half the soil backfill and Fertilize first in spring after gently firm soil around roots with danger of frost is past and prun- hands to ensure root-to-soil con- ing is completed. Then fertilize tact. Water as you add backfill. every four to six weeks until early Fill the planting hole to within August. Shrubs that bloom once 1 to 1½ inches of the original soil should be fed only in mid-April. surface. Pruning If tender roses are planted in the fall, mound compost around Spring Pruning and over the plant to a height of Remove all dead wood and any 12 to 18 inches by Thanksgiving. Figure 3. Add water gradually to planting hole. canes that are diseased, broken, This helps protect the bud union. or injured in any way. Prune to Remove the protective mound in improve the shape of the plant and the spring (mid-April) after growth to permit air movement through starts.

8 it by removing branches that Cutting and Disbudding Encouraging Healthy Plants cross through the center of the Do not allow newly planted or Disbudding plant or rub other branches. Also weak roses or stems to flower pro- remove suckers from the rootstock Remove axil buds on hybrid teas fusely early in the season. Remove and thin, weak growth. Gener- to increase the vigor of one main flower buds along with the stem ally, pruning back to one or two flower stem. Axil buds of floribun- down to the first or second five- outward-facing buds or branches das and grandifloras generally are leaflet leaf when the bud is less per cane encourages growth to the not disbudded. than the size of a pea until the fall outside and creates an open, vase- Dead Heading of the first season. Sacrifice a few shaped bush. It also allows good air Try to dead head twice a week. blossoms to establish a healthy circulation to reduce fungal dis- Carefully cut to an outside-facing, plant. eases. Do not prune healthy shoots five-leaflet leaf from the top of the Winter Protection of climbers until after flowering. plant. You want to keep the bush All cuts should be clean and at a height where flowers can be Many modern and old-fashioned smooth, so make sure the pruning appreciated. Discontinue dead shrubs or climbing roses are quite shears are sharp. Place a drop of heading in mid-September to allow hardy and do not need extra winter white glue (e.g., Elmer’s) on top of bushes to store energy for winter. protection. Hybrid tea and grandi- each cut stem that is larger than Some shrubs, old-fashioned flora roses may be injured during one-quarter of an inch. Glue helps roses, and climbing roses bloom severe winters or during fluctua- reduce borer infestation into the only once. Since flower removal tions in temperature. Mulching is cane. will not encourage new flowers to a good start for rose protection to moderate temperature extremes. Additional Summer Pruning form, spent blooms need not be The best form of winter protec- Continue pruning during the removed. Red to orange rose hips form after flowers fade, and these tion for garden roses is to mound growing season to remove spindly the base of each plant with com- shoots, suckers, diseased stems, can be harvested for jams, teas, etc., or left for birds. post that drains well. The mound insect-ridden areas, and other of compost should be 12 to 18 types of worthless wood. Summer Cutting Rose Flowers inches high. Don’t scrape soil from pruning is as important as initial Allow at least two five-leaflet around plants or you may injure spring pruning. leaves to remain on the new shoot roots. Don’t use leaves, grass clip- Prune climbers after bloom. when you cut a rose. Future stems pings, manure, or other materials Remove one or two old canes, will arise from buds in axils of that would remain wet since these thin dense growth, and cut back remaining leaves. can promote disease. If these mate- remaining canes to keep the plant rials are composted and become a within bounds. crumbly mix, they are appropriate Mulching winter coverings. Mulches help control weeds, keep roots cool, reduce the need for watering, and make the plant- ing more attractive. Apply 2 to 3 inches of aged sawdust, wood bark, or other organic materials. Placing a few sheets of newspaper under the mulch increases the effects of mulching. Don’t place mulch against the stem; keep it about 6 inches away.

When cutting, allow at least two five- leaflet leaves to remain on the new shoot.

9 discard the flower bloom to the from growing them? Probably not. first five-leaflet leaf, and use the A large part of having healthy roses wood of the remaining flower stem with less care is to follow good cul- (4 to 6 inches long) for cutting tural practices and choose plants propagation. Cuttings should have resistant to pest problems. at least two leaves (nodes). Remove Good cultural habits start with the bottom leaf and leave the top providing adequate water during leaf. Dip the base of the cutting, the growing season. Proper loca- including the bottom nodal area, in tion and spacing of bushes in the a rooting hormone (e.g., Hormodin garden permits good air circula- 11, Hormex, Rootone). tion and helps cut down on insect Stick cuttings into individual and disease problems. Proper containers and cover them with pruning also aids in good air cir- plastic to reduce evaporation from culation. Canes should be pruned the soil and transpiration from the to an outside bud so the center of plant. Containers of cuttings can the plant is more open. And finally, be placed in a cold frame or other good sanitation habits, such as protected spot out of direct sun- picking up fallen leaves and debris Growers wishing to produce more roses can do light. Roots should develop in 10 to from the bed, go a long way toward so with cuttings. 20 days if rooting hormone is used. cultivation of strong, healthy rose Mounding should be done after During winter months, keep bushes. plants have lost their leaves from plants in place and cover them While perfect, blemish-free rose several hard frosts, usually around with compost for added protection bushes are a goal of every gardener, Thanksgiving. Rake and discard from low temperatures. Ideal tem- one must realize that roses are old leaves since many disease-caus- peratures for holding rose cuttings hosts to a myriad of insects and ing organisms overwinter in them. over winter are 25°F to 35°F. Roots diseases. Gardeners must estab- Canes may be pruned back to 18 can freeze at low temperatures, lish their own levels of acceptable inches to make mounding easier. and composted leaves added over damage from pests and work from Mounds should be carefully re- tops of plants and pots reduce ex- this perspective. Many homeown- moved in the spring after danger of treme fluctuations in temperature. ers are satisfied with less than frost is past. Don’t be too anxious, In a normal year, rooted cuttings perfect roses and can accept some because new tender shoots can can be planted into permanent pest damage. This seems like the be injured by a light freeze. Keep locations in early April, before new most environmentally responsible some straw or mulching material spring growth appears. attitude. handy to cover plants in case of Miniature roses are propagated When chemical means are late frost. commercially by tissue culture. necessary to control rose problems, If you wish to experiment with remember liquid sprays are gen- Propagation rooting cuttings of miniatures for erally more effective than dusts, Roses can be propagated by the your own use, take 2½- to 3-inch especially for disease control. Wet- following methods: cuttings, bud- cuttings. These cuttings should table powders and flowables are ding, and . Homeowners include more than two nodes. Re- better than emulsifiable concen- wishing to produce more roses move half the leaves from the lower trates which can cause leaf burn. for their own use can do so with end of the stem, and dip this sec- Use a surfactant to help the spray cuttings. Sometimes roses grown tion of stem into rooting hormone. stick to leaves. Try to spray early in on their own roots are not as hardy Handle the cuttings the same as the day to avoid the heat. Spraying as they are when budded to a very regular roses described above. lower leaf surfaces as well as upper hardy rootstock. ones is essential. Cuttings can be taken from Pests of Roses A key to growing good roses is early June to mid-August when Is concern about all the care identifying pests, including dis- new growth normally hardens. In required to keep roses healthy and eases and insects. Some common selecting wood for cuttings, choose free of insects and diseases suf- pests associated with roses are a shoot that has bloomed, cut and ficient reason to keep homeowners listed here.

10 Diseases Plant roses in areas where there is good air movement and where Leaves, buds, and even canes Black Spot the sun hits them as early in the develop a white or gray cottony- Black spot is probably the worst morning as possible for rapid dry- or dusty-looking layer of mildew enemy of the rose grower. As the ing of foliage. Avoid overhead wa- fungus growth. Some cultivars are name suggests, the disease causes tering of roses. Cleanliness around more susceptible than others. Se- dark circular spots with irregular the plant is essential since the vere infection may cause stunting, margins mainly on the upper sur- fungus overwinters in dead leaves curling, and leaf drop. The disease faces of leaves. Spots enlarge until and infections on the cane. Pick off is more prevalent in high humidity. the leaf turns yellow and drops all infested leaves, if possible. Rake As a result, it becomes most severe from the plant. The disease gener- and dispose of fallen leaves in the on roses close to ponds, streams, ally occurs from mid-May to early fall, as the fungus will overwinter or other warm, damp situations. August and is most severe in wet in debris and spores will re-infect Under these conditions, powdery seasons and on poorly ventilated the following season. Do not add mildew may also be noticed on plants. A wet leaf surface encour- these diseased leaves to a compost other susceptible plants in the ages disease development and pile. Regular application of a good landscape. The powdery mildew spread. is important, especially fungus of dogwoods or zinnias, for Control: Select resistant variet- on susceptible selections. A pre- example, does not go to roses and ies whenever possible. As a general ventative spray program is recom- vice versa. rule, grandifloras and polyanthas mended for susceptible varieties. are more resistant to black spot Begin sprays at 7-10 day intervals than hybrid teas and floribundas. starting with early growth. Spray Additionally, some cultivars are before predicted rainy periods more resistant or susceptible than whenever possible. Suggested fun- others. gicides are included in Table 1.

Table 1. for Rose Black Spot Management Protectant Fungicide1 Product Names captan Captan chlorothalonil Daconil, Spectro* mancozeb Dithane, Duosan*, Fore, Zyban* maneb Maneb Systemic Fungicides2 Product Names azoxystrobin Heritage fenarimol Rubigan Downy mildew infected leaves on Knock Out® kresoxym-methyl Cygnus roses. Jean L. Williams-Woodward, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org myclobutanil Eagle, Immunox, Systhane propiconazol Banner Maxx Control: Spray weekly when the pyraclostrobin Insignia disease first appears, using fungi- tebuconazol Bayer Advance Disease Control cide products containing fenari- thiophanate-methyl Duosan*, Spectro*, Topsin-M, Zyban* mol, myclobutanil, propiconazole, triadimefon Bayleton, Strike or mancozeb + thiophanate-meth- yl. Growers favoring an organic trifloxystrobin Compass approach may wish to try baking triflumazole Terraguard soda and oil sprays for disease triforine Funginex, Triforine control. Such products should be 1 Protectant Fungicides (Fungicide on plant surface prevents infections) tested on a few plantsfirst to de- 2 Systemic Fungicides (Fungicide may penetrate plant tissue) termine whether they are effective * Products that are a mixture of systemic and protectant fungicides. and are not injurious to the plants.

11 Frequent applications and thor- and prevent cane injury. Cut out plant. Badly infected plants should ough coverage are important. and destroy infected canes well be dug up, including all roots, Botrytis Flower Blight below the lowest point of infec- removed from the garden and tion. Disinfect tools after each cut destroyed. Remove and destroy In wet seasons, flower buds may using a 10-percent bleach solution multiflora roses growing near the turn brown and decay due to infec- to prevent spreading the fungus. A garden. tion by the Botrytis fungus. Under good spray program for black spot Other Viruses continuously moist conditions, control may also help control stem the diseased buds and flowers may cankers. Rose mosaic is the most com- become covered with fuzzy gray mon virus disease on roses in fungal spores. Rose Rosette Disease Kentucky. Foliar symptoms vary Control: Cut off and destroy in- Rose rosette is a virus disease but frequently include one or more fected flower buds to reduce spore that causes stunted plants, shoot of the following: chlorotic line pat- production and disease spread. proliferation, distorted shoots and terns, ring spots, mottling, and yel- Some of the fungicides used for leaves, and excessive thorns. The lowing of veins. This disease is not black spot management will also rose rosette virus is transported known to adversely affect flower suppress Botrytis. from diseased to healthy plants by production, but foliar symptoms Rust and Other Leaf Spots tiny leaf curl mites. The disease are unsightly. Infected plants are is frequently found on multiflora less vigorous and, as a result, more Compared to other fungal dis- roses which may be growing near- sensitive to winterkill than healthy eases, rust occurs less freqently on by as a weed. Rosette symptoms plants. roses in Kentucky. Rust is easily may first appear on one or a few Control: Do not plant roses that recognized on infected leaves and branches, but the disease becomes have virus symptoms. Remove and stems by the spots with raised systemic, invading all parts of the discard infected plants. pustules containing reddish-brown plant. Infected plants produce few Crown Gall or orange spores. Cercospora leaf blooms and become a source of in- spot is becoming more of a rose oculum for nearby healthy plants. Crown gall is caused by a bac- problem in the southeastern part terial pathogen that resides in Control: Cut out infected canes, of the country. This disease causes remove them from the soils. Galls or swellings appear on circular gray spots on leaves and and destroy them. Watch carefully lower stems or roots as spherical can sometimes be mistaken for to be sure that the disease does or lumpy growth up to 1 inch in black spot disease. not spread to other parts of the diameter. Control: Many of the fungicides used for black spot management will also control rust and Cerco- spora leaf spot. Stem Canker Fungi enter through wounded stems and improperly pruned canes. Weak, poorly growing roses, including plants weakened by black spot, also are susceptible to infection. In late winter or early spring, small purple-tinged or white spots on the stem develop into large brown patches. Infected canes grow poorly or die as dead areas caused by canker enlarge and girdle the stem. Control: No specific fungicides are available for treatment of stem Leaves are reddened by rose rosette disease. canker. Maintain vigorous plants James W. Amrine Jr., West Virginia University, Bugwood.org

12 Control: If planting a new rose be shaken into a bucket of soapy into soil where a crown gall-in- water. Protect roses during peak fected plant had previously grown, Japanese beetle flight by covering pretreat cuttings or liners with them with cheesecloth or other Galltrol-A or Norbac 84. Where fine netting. Do not place Japanese crown gall is found, destroy heavily beetle traps near roses; this can infected plants. Prune out and de- actually resulted in more damage stroy galls on plants that are worth from additional beetles that are at- saving. Disinfect tools between tracted by the lures. cuts with a 10-percent bleach Insecticides can be used for solution. Apply Gallex to exposed beetle control. However, the plants galls. Plant disease-free roses in are still attractive to beetles so new new beds where crown gall has not individuals will continue to arrive. previously occurred. A rose is infested by a colony of . Caterpillars and Sawflies Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org Larvae of several species of cater- Insects pillars and leaf-feeding of sawflies Beetles feed on rose foliage. Damage varies Aphids Several beetle species feed on depending on the pest species. Several species of aphids can roses but the Japanese beetle is the Some may feed on tender leaf tissue, infest roses during the cool weeks key pest. It prefers cultivars with leaving only veins, others may con- of spring and early summer but light colored, fragrant blooms. sume entire leaves. A few caterpil- they naturally disappear during The beetles eat entire flower petals lars use silk to secure a portion of a hot dry weather. Colonies of these and skeletonize leaves, devastating rolled leaf to form a tunnel in which small green to red-brown sap feed- roses during July and August. they live and feed. Sawflies feed on ing insects can be found on fast Handpicking beetles when they the lower leaf surface, leaving only growing tissue—shoots, stems, or first appear in July keeps them the thin epidermis which soon dies developing buds. A few aphids will from attracting other individu- and turns brown. Light to moderate not harm plants and will provide als. It is best to do this early in the leaf-feeding, while unsightly, should food for natural enemies but morning when the beetles are slug- not have a major impact on plant numbers can increase rapidly. A gish. On small plants, beetles can health. moderate to large aphid infesta- tion causes a build-up of honey- dew (sugar-rich liquid waste) and black sooty mold growth on leaves and stems. High aphid numbers can distort or kill buds, or reduce flower size. Overuse of fertilizer may favor the buildup of aphid populations. Control: Regular forceful sprays of water, supplemented by applica- tions of an insecticide if needed, can keep aphids at an acceptable level without disrupting natural control. Evaluate control about 5 to 7 days after treatment and make another application if live aphids are still present.

Japanese beetles feed on a rose. The Dow Gardens Archive, Dow Gardens, Bugwood.org

13 Table 2. Common names of insecticides labeled for control of insects and mites on roses* Insecticide (common name) Aphids Beetles Caterpillars Mites Sawflies Thrips acephate X X X X X carbaryl X X malathion X X X azadiractin (neem) X X X X X Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) X canola oil X X X insecticidal soap X X X X X acetamiprid X X X dinetofuran imidacloprid X pyrethrins X X X X X bifenthrin X X X X cyhalothrin X X X X cyfluthrin X X X X cyhalothrin X X X X permethrin X X X X spinosad X X X X X * Solid lines separate insecticides into groups with similar characteristics and effects on target pests

Early feeding damage by small few leaves are damaged and plant before plants are adversely af- stages of these insects is easy to health is not affected. Control is fected. Firmly tap or shake rose overlook. Most feeding is done not recommended because damage foliage over a piece of white paper. during the last few days of larval is minimal and the bees are impor- The presence of tiny moving dark development and appears suddenly. tant pollinators. “flecks” on the paper is a good Weekly inspection of plant foliage Mites indication that mites are present. should allow detection of problems If possible, use a small hand lens to before significant damage occurs. Spider mites, about the size confirm the diagnosis. Small numbers of caterpillars or of the period at the end of this Spider mite infestations are sawflies can be removed by hand- sentence, live on the underside of usually associated with dry, dusty picking. Many insecticides labeled leaves and use their needle-like conditions. Applications of broad for roses will control caterpil- mouthparts to feed on the con- spectrum insecticides (such as lars and sawfly larvae. However, tents of individual cells. At first carbaryl and pyrethroids) may Bt insecticides are not effective this causes scattered tiny white reduce numbers of natural enemies against the caterpillar-like sawfly spots (stippling) on leaves. As that normally help to regulate mite larvae. Apply treatments as soon as feeding continues, infested leaves infestations. Miniature roses and skeletonizing damage appears and can be bleached white then brown. plants near sidewalks are very sus- live insects are present. Ultimately, they curl dry and fall ceptible to build-ups of mites. off. Heavily infested leaves may be Leafcutter Bees Overhead irrigation or hos- covered with fine silk produced by ing of leaves about twice a week Leafcutter bees cut circular discs the mites. can reduce mite numbers and from leaf edges and use the pieces Early detection of mite infesta- keep humidity high enough for to line their nests. Usually only a tions can allow remedial action mite-attacking fungi to provide

14 natural control. Insecticidal soaps, summer spray oils, and products containing neem may be used for control. Success requires thorough coverage to the undersides of the leaves and at least two applica- tions about 7 days apart. Follow- up applications are needed to kill mites that were in the egg stage during the first treatment. Use the white paper technique to look for A female thrips feeds on a Knock Out® rose leaf. surviving mites about 2 days after Andrew Derksen, FDACS/DPI, Bugwood.org treatment. The eriophyid mite Phyllocoptes fructiphylus is associated rose ro- to prefer fragrant, light-colored sette disease which causes “witch- blossoms and less problematic on es’ broom.” Mite control is not an cultivars with sepals that tightly effective means of dealing with the enclose buds until they open. disease. Windbreaks may reduce the in- Thrips flight of thrips from other sources. Frequent removal and disposal of Thrips are tiny (one-twentieth of spent blooms also may help to re- an inch), elongate yellow to black duce problems. Thrips remain deep insects that typically live in flow- inside blooms so they are difficult ers. Feeding damage from their to control with insecticides. Thor- rasping mouthparts causes symp- ough spray coverage and repeated toms ranging from small scars or applications may be needed to brown streaks on petals to dis- reduce damage. torted petals or leaves. Thrips seem

Where trade names are used, no endorsement is intended, nor criticism implied of similar products not named. The Arboretum celebrates nature, fosters an understanding of relationships between e Arboretum humans and their natural world, provides cultural opportunities, serves as a center for State Botanical Garden of Kentucky environmental and horticulture education, research, and urban forest renewal while UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY AND LEXINGTON FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT emphasizing conservation issues.

The Arboretum boasts one of the most diverse collections of roses in the eastern US. Visit www.ca.uky.edu/arboretum/ for more information.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, M. Scott Smith, Director, Land Grant Programs, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Lexington, and Kentucky State University, Frankfort. Copyright © 2012 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educa- tional or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include this copyright notice. Publications are also available on the World Wide Web at www.ca.uky.edu. Issued 3-2012 All photos unless indicated otherwise are © 2012 Photos.com, a division of Getty Images