Gardening with jonathan Shaw

Each year as winter settles over New En- associate well with the other in my gland the latest catalogues appear in my garden; they are easy to care for; and for mailbox, featuring the newest and gaudiest sheer power they have few equals. hybrid teas and floribundas. Several of these The rose family (), of which the grow in my own garden, but over the years I rose genus is only a part, contains many have replaced them with species roses and garden-worthy . These include bush roses. Species roses are the wild roses and tree - apples, pears, and raspber- that grow naturally throughout most of the ries - as well as other woody plants, such as northern hemisphere, and shrub roses are for shadbush (Amelanchier) and flowering the most part primary hybrids or selections quinces /Chaenomeles and herbaceous pe- of species roses. Neither group is commonly rennials, such as lady’s mantle (Alchemilla)/ grown in gardens but both should be, for in and meadowsweet (Filipendula).( . addition to bringing diversity and a refresh- Depending on which authority is recog- mg natural grace to a garden, they need nized, the number of rose species is between much less spraying and maintenance than 150 and 300. Like certain other genera, the most cultivated roses. Spraying roses is a genus Rosa poses a challenge to botanists. chore that I have gradually come to dislike, a Many of the species are not distinct, because dislike mixed of equal parts of laziness and a they hybridize easily both in the wild and in fear of casually used chemicals. Summer cultivation. Others have been so long asso- pruning is also not part of my work ethic, ciated with humans that their origins are no and with wild roses I can forget summer longer certain. This may explain why pruning. taxonomic problems abound and why the What have I lost in abandoning hybrid teas most recent monograph on roses (Rosarum and floribundas? The roses I grow tend to be Monographia or A Botanical History of tall, five feet and up; most bloom only once; Roses by John Lindley) is 163 years old. the color range, particularly in the reds, is The latest edition of Bean’s Trees and limited; and most have single . What Shrubs (1973-1980), prepared with the assis- have I gained? My species and shrub roses tance of Graham Thomas, a horticultural authority on shrub roses, estimates the number of valid species at no more than 150 Rosa helenae var. flora plena Al Bussewitz photo but lists only 82 primary entries. Alfred 4

Rehder in his Manual of Cultivated Trees Colonizers: Rosa pimpinellifolia, 3 to 5 and Shrubs 1940) lists 38 species. feet high, will quickly spread to stabilize Wild roses are found only in the temperate large areas or fill in spaces between other zone of the northern hemisphere. None are shrubs. will do the same but found south of the equator. With few excep- with larger canes and more "rugged" . tions they bear single, five-petaled flowers, Rosa nitida is the lowest of the colonizers, a and the colors tend to be mauve, white, compact 18 inches. or with a few pink, yellow, just displaying Hedges and Windbreaks: Rosa rugosa will flowers of brilliant red. There are no blues. perform this function, as will R. hugonis. Some are so-called roses enormous, climbing There are others, but few so tough. that can grow 20 feet in a year. Others are Canopies and Archers: These are roses low shrubs, prostrate or up to a foot and a whose canopies spread widely but not dense- half high. ly and can be underplanted. Rosa moyesii is Landscape Uses magnificent in this way, providing high shade for bulbs and low perennials beneath Species roses have far more potential land- its own spectacle of brilliant geranium-red uses than tea roses or floribun- scape hybrid flowers and scarlet hips. das. Some are adapted to extremely harsh Summer and Fall Foliage: Throughout the sites where few similar plants will grow. growing season the leaves of R. glauca Pourr. They are for the most part medium to tall (R. rubri folia ) are a pale reddish purple, a shrubs and therefore can be placed in shrub flower arranger’s delight, and R. alba and borders or wherever a shrub will thrive. The several others have foliage of a lovely gray- suckering species will fill gaps between green color. In the fall the leaves of most other shrubs, and the taller species will per- species roses are inconspicuous, but mit bulbs and smaller plants to thrive be- R. nitida exhibits shades of neath their branches. The so-called climbing deep purple-red, as do several other American roses. species can be trained into trees and draped Flower Color and Size: For reds over nearby shrubs or tip pruned to form pure R. for R. or shrubs. Species roses-are graceful, easily moyesii, pure yellows primula R. The flowers of roses are placed near other shrubs, and do not require hugonis. species and of medium size. For a formal setting. In traditional rose gardens single generally those who like their flowers small and species roses can provide diversity, stature, there is no more rose and grace. abundant, graceful than R. ’Persetosa’ A few species roses prefer wet sites; others elegantula (R. farreri), known as the bit which is require dry, almost arid positions; and some threepenny rose, tolerate semishade. This adaptability has covered in early June with single pale pink not been utilized extensively in gardens. The flowers, each no more than a half-inch in di- following are some of the landscape uses of ameter. species roses. : Rose fruits, commonly known as Groundcovers: Rosa wichuraiana is often hips, are among the greater assets of the used in this fashion, the trailing canes lying species: one-inch red marbles on R. rugosa, flat upon the ground. two-inch orange-scarlet vases on R. moyesii, 5

(Eurosa or true roses). The first of these con- tains a single (or perhaps two) species. Al- though the flower is said to be striking, the is rarely found in botanical or private gardens because it is so lacking in vigor and so difficult to grow. The second subgenus, Hesperhodos, includes several species from the western United States. These, too, are rarely found in cultivation, primarily be- cause their characteristics are unspectacu- lar. The third subgenus, Platyrhodon, con- tains only one species, R. roxburghii. It is a marvelous tall shrub, and for convenience it has been included below with other roses of similar stature. All remaining species roses are found in the subgenus Rosa, and because it contains 95 percent of the species roses, this subgenus has been further divided into 11 ~or perhaps 10) sections. Species and hybrid roses from eight of these sections appear in my selected list beginning on page 6. Species in the Rosa elegantula ’Persetosa’ other three sections (Chinenses, Drawmgs by Emily Osman Banksianae, and Bracteatae) were not in- cluded because they are not hardy in the Northeast. The eight sections are: and half-inch black, on shining drops Laevigatae, shiny-leaved roses: contains only R. pimpinellifolia. one species, R. laevigata, with large, solitary Fragrance: Flower fragrance is not strong flowers, shmy leaves, and a climbing growth in most species roses, because in roses the habit. Plants with long, flexuous stems; flowers, fragrance is emitted from the petals, and large, white; branches with scattered, hooked prickles; sepals erect, entire, persistent; leaves species roses have more than five pet- rarely usually with 3 leaflets, ; stipules nearly als. Many species are especially outstanding free; styles free. for fragrance, for example, R. eglanteria Synstylae, roses with united styles: contains and R. primula. To pick flowers and leaves most of the roses that are called climbers. This from these roses is to perfume one’s hands section is charactenzed by long canes and white flowers in clusters. Plants or and even the clippers. The scent is strong usually climbmg trailing, with inflorescences; but not many-flowered cloying. branches with hooked prickles; outer sepals pin- The Rosa is divided into four sub- genus nate or entire, deciduous; leaves with 5-9 genera : Hulthemia, Hesperhodos (roses of leaflets, evergreen or deciduous; styles united the west), Platyrhodon (flat roses), and Rosa into a slender column. 6

Pimpinellifoliae, anise-leaved roses: a most and adaptability of species roses and their useful with group many graceful species bearing primary hybrids. All but a few I have grown yellow and white flowers on vigorous bushes. in my own garden or observed in private or Medium to low shrubs with solitary flowers; rose collections. Many of the species branches with straight prickles and bristles; sep- public als entire, erect, persistent; leaves with 7-9 small can be seen in the Arboretum, and others are leaflets, deciduous; styles free. currently being introduced. Gymnocarpae, naked fruited roses: similar to the sectionPimpinelhfoliae, but in this section the apex of the flower axis (which contams the as well as the fruit is seeds) the sepals drops when Species Roses Recommended for the ripe. Northeast Cassiorhodon, cinnamon roses: hardy plants beanng pink or red flowers and distributed throughout the northern hemisphere. Upright R. blanda Ait. Eastern & Central North shrubs; mflorescences usually many-flowered; America. Introduced into cultivation in branches with or scattered straight, mfrastipular 1773. Section Cassiorhodon. Flowers 11/2-2 prickles; sepals entire, erect after flowering, per- sistent ; leaves with 5-11 leaflets, deciduous; inches, solitary or in clusters. Blooms in styles free. early June. Carolmae, Carolina roses: exclusively Amer- This is a native American rose and for that ican roses that are noted for their adaptability and reason alone deserves to be cultivated more habit. often suckenng Upright, strongly often. It about five feet and is al- stolomferous shrubs; inflorescences few- grows high most without thorns. it flowered ; branches with straight, paired prickles; entirely Although to no unusual sepals entire or few-lobed, spreading after flower- has been said have garden ing, soon deciduous; leaves with 7-9 leaflets, de- merit, R. blanda alba, the pure white form, ciduous ; styles free. is lovely in early June, and for health and Caninae, dog roses: contains most of the roses vigor it is unsurpassed. Like other native of , including many hybrids, both wild and plants, it is hardy on the East Coast and dis- cultivated. At one time this section was thought ease resistant. to contain hundreds of species. Plants with up- right or arching stems; inflorescences many- flowered ; branches with numerous, stout, hooked R. ecae Aitch. Afghanistan/Pakistan. Intro- prickles; outer sepals lobed, reflexed after flower- duced in 1880. Section Pimpinellifoliae. ing, deciduous (rarely erect and persistent leaves Flowers 3/a-1 inch, solitary. Blooms in early usually with 5-7 leaflets, deciduous; styles free. June. Gallicanae, French roses: contains only one With the of R. this has species, R. galhca, and is recognized more as a exception foetida, horticultural than a botanical group, because of the brightest yellow flowers of any species its numerous forms and and the long as- rose. It is not vigorous, but one of its hybrids, sociation of R. galhca with humanity. Upright ’Golden Chersonese’ (1967), has preserved with shrubs, few-flowered mflorescences; R. ecae’s color and leaves while in- branches with hooked mixed with bris- dainty prickles its ’Golden Chersonese’ is tles ; sepals often lobed, reflexed after flowering; creasing vigor. leaves with 3-5 leaflets, deciduous; styles free. covered in late May with single bright yel- low flowers. These bloom just above the del- The species on the following list have icate leaves, giving the whole bush an un- been chosen to demonstrate the diversity usually dainty look. 7

R. foetida J. Herrm. Austrian briar rose. Asia. Introduced before 1590. Section Pim- pinellifoliae. Flowers 2-3 inches, usually solitary. Blooms in early June. The flowers of this rose are a deep yellow. Unfortunately, in the eastern United States the plant is susceptible to blackspot, but fungicides, such as benomyl, may be an ef- fective treatment. In its native Iran the dry climate no doubt protects it from fungi at- tacks. Hybrids: Because of its brilliant flowers, ‘ R. foetida has been hybridized frequently, and its genes have entered indirectly into , most modern roses. An older hybrid is x harisonii [’Harison’s Yellow’ ( 1830/], an out- standing rose. It is vigorous, up to six feet high, and sometimes suckers slightly so that it renews itself by finding fresh soil. The flowers are semidouble and a bright yellow, a softer color than that of R. foetida. Its other parent is R. pimpinelli folia. Rosa ecae R. foetida ’Bicolor’ is an outstanding cul- tivar known as the Austrian copper briar. R. eglanteria L. (R. rubiginosa /. Eglantine What a rose! The petals are a brilliant orange rose. Europe. Cultivated prior to 1551. Sec- on the inside and an equally brilliant yellow tion Caninae. Flowers 1’/z-2 inches, solitary on the outside. (An unusual form of this cul- or in clusters. Blooms in mid-June. tivar, with sectored petals, is shown on the This is the sweetbriar or eglantine rose. front cover.) When in flower this rose is visi- The flowers are pale pink and abundant, and ble at several hundred feet. the shrub grows to six or eight feet high. Its greatest asset is its fragrant leaves, which re- R. gallica L. Red rose. Europe/Asia. Culti- lease their fragrance when crushed. It grows vated prior to 1500. Section Gallicanae. wild in Great Britain, and references to its Flowers 11/2-2’/z inches, solitary or in clus- apple fragrance are common in English liter- ters. Blooms in mid-June. ature. This rose has been cultivated for so long Hybrids: Numerous hybrids of this rose that it is difficult to know which is the exist. One of the best, which preserves the species and which the hybrids. The only a shrub fragrant leaves, is ’Gold Bush’ (1954), a wide, member of its section, it is suckering arching shrub with amber semidouble flow- up to four feet high and has unusually large ers. Disease-free leaves make ’Gold Bush’ a (up to 3i/2 inches long) leaflets. special asset in the garden. Hybrids: The selections and hybrids of 8

shrub roses. This is a marvelous rose. In my garden I have three bushes two to three feet apart, forming a dense clump.

R. glauca Pourr. (R. rubrifolia/. Europe. In- troduced in 1814. Section Cassiorhodon. Flowers 1-11/2 inches, in clusters. Blooms in early June. This rose is valued for its foliage, a faintly dusky maroon, resembling in early summer the color of a ripening plum. This unique foliage color enhances its value in the land- scape. Reaching six or seven feet in height, ‘ Rosa gallica the plant branches gracefully and the pink flowers with small white centers unobtru- sively complement the foliage. R. gallica are extraordinarily numerous. In Hybrids: Rosa glauca has one outstanding the mid-19th one listed century nurseryman hybrid (with the species R. rugosa), ’Car- 400 varieties. In my own garden I have minetta’ (1923), which shares R. glauca’s grown many hybrids of R. gallica, two of rosy foliage. From R. rugosa it has inherited which I have found to be especially success- and larger flowers. It is a less ful : and ’Scarlet great vigor ’Tuscany Superb’ (1848) delicate plant than R. glauca but unique Fire’ The former is a and (1952). vigorous nonetheless for its foliage. disease-free shrub about four to five feet high with large maroon-crimson double flowers, set off by a center of bright yellow stamens. R. helenae Rehd. & Wils. Helen’s rose. It is a stunning plant. China. Introduced in 1907. Section ’Scarlet Fire’ is a modern hybrid of R. gal- Synstylae. Flowers 1-1’/z inches, in many- lica, and although it does not resemble its flowered corymbs. Blooms in mid-June. parent it is one of the most outstanding Named by E. H. Wilson for his wife, and shrub roses. The petals are pure scarlet and introduced by the Arnold Arboretum, this the center of each rose is yellow. The flowers handsome rose is difficult to obtain. Like bend in great wands along arching branches those of other roses in section Synstylae, the reaching 8 or 9 feet in height and spreading flowers are white and rather small but com- as much as 10 to 12 feet. The leaves are pensate for their size by their abundance. somewhat susceptible to blackspot, but be- The hips, which are an attractive red, are cause of the plant’s height and vigor the conspicuous in the fall. Like many shrub upper leaves are not affected. (Blackspot roses, this one is sometimes classified as a usually begins on the lower leaves and climber. Since no rose is a true climber branches of most roses and then ascends.)( (roses have no tendrils and do not twine), all This ability to "outgrow" fungus enemies is this means is that R. helenae makes long characteristic of several of the strongest annual growths and will grow beyond six or 9

eight feet high if not pruned at the tip. A par- probably the most popular species rose ticularly lovely variety of this rose, flora grown in the United States. plena, grows in the rose collection of the Ar- nold Arboretum. R. laevigata Michx. China. Cherokee rose. Introduced before 1780. Section Laevigatae. Hemsl. Father rose. R. hugonis Hugo’s Flowers 21/2-3 inches, solitary. Blooms in China. Introduced in 1899. SectionPim- late May. Flowers 11/z pinellifoliae. inches, solitary. Although native to southern China, R. Blooms in late May. laevigata has become naturalized in the This rose to be in It ought every garden. southern United States and has an American forms a shrub six to eight graceful arching name, the Cherokee rose. The flowers are feet The is dense and the high. growth large, white, and fragrant. This very beauti- is delicate. The medium-yellow foliage ful rose is not fully hardy north of the flowers appear in late May in the Northeast Carolinas. , and in most all other roses that years precede Hybrids: For those who would like to cap- I know. It is no wonder that this rose is ob- ture the beauty of this rose in a hardier form, tainable from just about every nursery and is ’Silver Moon’ (1910), a probable hybrid, would be the choice. The flowers are similar Rosa wilmottiae but larger, and the fragrance is very strong. The leaves are a dark, glossy green. The canes are long and thick, and ’Silver Moon’ is best grown as a climber. Because of its ori- gin, it is hardy in New England only along the coast.

R. moyesii Hemsl. & Wils. China. Intro- duced in 1894. Section Cassiorhodon. Flow- ers 11/z-2 inches, solitary or in pairs. Blooms in early June. This is my personal favorite among wild roses, a huge shrub reaching 15 feet high after many years of growth. Its flowers are brilliant red, verging on geranium-scarlet in the selection ’Geranium’ (1938). In the fall the arching branches are covered with un- usual bottle- or vase-shaped hips that are bright red. Because this shrub forms a high canopy, bulbs and other shrubs can be planted underneath, making this rose ideal for the shrub border. Hybrids: There are relatively few hybrids 10

of R. moyesii. Most of these have been and adaptability, this species is an under- created in England, but one of the best is stock for most roses in this country. Mul- ’Eddie’s Crimson’ / 1956/, hybridized by a tifloras may reach a height and width of 10 West Coast nurseryman. It shares all of its feet, and many have in my garden. Approxi- parent’s fine characteristics and, if anything, mately one-quarter of all the multifloras is slightly more vigorous. It has numerous that have seeded themselves in my garden hips that are somewhat less vase-shaped are thornless, a nice Mendelian ratio. The than those of R. moyesii itself. thorny remainder are larger and may have trunks one foot thick at the base. When re- R. multiflora Thunb. Japan. Introduced be- moving one of these roses, I found it neces- fore 1868. Section Synstylae. Flowers 1 inch sary to use a chain saw! The thornless forms or less, in many-flowered panicles. Blooms are best. They are adaptable to all soils and in mid-June. situations and have attractive hips. The hips This is a beautiful Japanese shrub with are the most beautiful feature of this plant. tiny white flowers in large clusters. By fall Many hybrids of this rose have been created, the flowers have been replaced by equally but few duplicate its extraordinary vigor. small red hips, which are excellent in ar- rangements. This plant has been touted as a R. nitida Willd. Eastern North America. In- turnpike barrier. It spreads very easily, as troduced in 1807. Section Carolinae. Flow- birds carry its small seeds a considerable dis- ers 1’/2 inches, usually solitary. Blooms in tance. It has been much used in hybridizing, early June. particularly in the polyanthas and the This is a dwarf rose with attractive au- floribundas. Because of its phenomenal vigor tumn foliage color. Growing to approxi-

’ Hips of (left to right) Rosa moyesii, R. roxburghii, and R. pimpinellifolia (R spmosissima) 111

mately two feet high in the best forms, this plants. It grows best in full sun and is excel- shrub extends rapidly underground, forming lent in dry sites. A superbly adaptable rose, it a low thicket that is covered with deep pink should be planted wherever its special flowers early in the rose season. It is an out- characteristics make it useful. All its vari- standing native rose suitable for both dry eties are outstanding; the one known as al- and damp sites along driveways and highway taica, with cream yellow flowers, is espe- islands and near houses. It is my belief that cially handsome and grows up to six feet this rose will eventually become very com- high. mon in the cultivated landscape. At present Hybrids: R. pimpinellifolia has produced it is rarely seen but deserves to be sought out many outstanding offspring. Most bloom for its special qualities. once only. One of the best is ’Golden Wings’ (1956). This rose resembles a floribunda but R. palustris Marsh. Eastern North America. has much greater vigor. Its medium-yellow Introduced in 1726. Section Carolinae. flowers are large and single, covering the Flowers 1’/2 inches, in corymbs or solitary. bush all summer long. It is somewhat sus- Blooms in mid-July. ceptible to disease, and in my damp Cape This rose is unique in that it grows in wet Cod garden I find it necessary to spray it places, even in sunlit swamps. It also will with a fungicide twice during the summer. grow in ordinary garden soil. The flowers are Another very satisfactory hybrid is ’Stanwell light pink and the leaves are light green and Perpetual’ (1838). All summer this produces shiny. It grows up to six feet high in thickets medium-sized double pink blossoms on a and increases by suckers. Like many other four- to five-foot disease-resistant bush. native plants, palustris is shamefully ne- glected by gardeners. Related species some- R. primula Boulenger. Central Asia. Intro- times grown are R. carolina and R. vir- duced in 1910. SectionPimpinellifoliae. giniana. Like most roses, R. palustris needs Flowers 1-11/2 inches, solitary. Blooms in full sun. late May. This is a lovely yellow rose, and it is the R. pimpinellifolia L. (R. spinosissima). most fragrant-leaved of all roses. The scent Scotch rose. Europe/Asia. Cultivated prior to permeates the air, particularly after rain. 1600. SectionPimpinellifoliae. Flowers 11/2 The leaves are small and delicate and disease inches, solitary. Blooms in late May or early resistant, making this a choice plant. June. A vigorously suckering type of which R. roxburghii Tratt. Chestnut rose. Japan/ there were at one time many dozens of selec- China. Introduced in 1880. Subgenus Platy- tions, the Scotch rose can be found in shades rhodon. Flowers two inches, usually soli- of pale pink, white, and pale yellow, al- tary. Blooms in early June. though the latter may be the result of hy- This Chinese rose is a special favorite of bridization. This rose is usually three to five mine. Named the chestnut rose because its feet high and is thoroughly hardy and adapt- hips are covered with chestnutlike prickles, able. Because it suckers so easily, it must be it forms a stout, round bush 8 feet high and planted where it will not overwhelm smaller 10 feet wide. One specimen in the collection 12

adapts to every soil, from clay to sand. The wild forms bear single flowers of white, pink, or purple-red, while the hybrids broaden the color range and flower form without losing the vigor and adaptability of the parent. The canes are thick and covered with spiny thorns. Like those of many roses that sucker, the canes are almost consistent in diameter throughout their length. Rosa rugosa is unaffected by salt spray, and if the locations where it grows along the coast are an indication it can take some flooding from saltwater as well. Hybrids: All the hybrids are good and be- Rosa roxburghii cause of R. rugosa’s vigor are almost always recognizable. Most do not sucker with the of the Arnold Arboretum has a trunk 10 freedom of their parent, and because they are inches in diameter: this is the variety hirtula. heavyset seem more like stevedores than An attractive feature of R. roxburghii is the like the ballerinas among roses such as ’Gol- peeling bark. The leaflets are large for a rose den Chersonese’. The hybrids are numerous, and their very regular pinnate arrangement and it is difficult to suggest selections. Two is particularly conspicuous. The flowers of hybrids I have grown are particularly out- R. roxburghii are single and pink. This rose standing : ’Blanc Double De Coubert’ (1892) commands respect if only for its impressive and ’Jens Munk’ (1974). The former is a fra- armor. grant double white from the turn of the cen- Hybrids: Of the few hybrids of R. roxburgh- tury which blooms repeatedly throughout ii, the most well-formed and most beauti- the summer. The latter is a recent hybrid ful is ’Coryana’ (1926). It produces large with excellent pink blooms on a dense, dis- single pink flowers in great profusion, set ease-resistant shrub. against attractive foliage. In one garden I vis- ited, a jacket had been draped to dry on R. sericea f. pteracantha Franch. (R. omei- the strong branches of ’Coryana’. ensis China. Introduced in 1890. Section Pimpinelli foliae. Flowers 11/2 inches, soli- R. rugosa Thunb. RussialJapanIChina. Intro- tary. Blooms in late May. duced in 1845. Section Cassiorhodon. Flow- Here is a wild rose whose most attractive ers 21/2-3 inches, solitary or in few-flowered feature is its thorns. A brilliant translucent clusters. Blooms between early June and red during the first year, they are poised mid-June. along the branches like miniature delta- Naturalized all along the east coast of the winged airplanes. The sight of this rose, with United States on dunes to within a few feet the sun shining through its thorns, is spec- of the high tide mark, this is a shrub rose tacular. During the second year the prickles without peer. It is extraordinarily hardy and darken to gray. The four petals, instead of 13

raiana have been created. These are ramblers, thick sprawling bushes three to five feet high that are even more vigorous than R. wichuraiana. The best known is ’Dorothy Perkins’ (1901), which is now found growing in the harshest and most un- likely locations because it roots from the tips of the canes and is therefore easily transplanted. It blooms once in early sum- mer with small pink double flowers. Al- though it is often afflicted by mildew, its vigor is not significantly diminished by the disease. Some years ago ’Dorothy Perkins’ sported a more compact shrub, ’The Fairy’ Thoms of Rosa sencea f. omei- pteracantha (R. (1932). This is a wonderful plant that needs ensis/ no attention at all and has pale pink flowers similar to ’Dorothy Perkins’. the usual five, are a unique feature of this rose. R. willmottiae Hemsl. China. Introduced in Hybrids: A hybrid that may be superior to 1904. Section Gymnocarpae. Flowers one its parent is ’Red Wing’ (date of introduc- inch, solitary. Blooms in early June. tion unknown). This has been selected for its For balance of flower and leaf, there are extraordinary thorns, a luminous red, and its few roses that equal this unaccountably ne- vigor and resistance to disease. glected Chinese rose. Though long admired in England, it is rarely seen in the United R. wichuraiana Crep. Japan. Introduced in States. The pale pink flowers have cream- 1891. Section Synstylae. Flowers 1’/z inches, colored stamens, and the foliage has a in panicles. Blooms in mid-July. fernlike texture. The shrub grows to eight Rosa wichuraiana is the best of the pros- feet and is exceedingly graceful. I know of no trate roses. It is vigorous and adaptable and source of this shrub in the United States at sends out long canes, which sprawl a few present. Discovered in western China near inches above the ground. Like those of other the Tibet border by E. H. Wilson, this rose roses in the Synstylae section, its flowers are merits widespread cultivation. white with a lovely boss of yellow stamens in the center. Wichuraiana is widely avail- Diseases, Insects, and Other Disagreeable able from nurseries and is often extolled as a Matters groundcover. It should be realized, however, that it does not make a thick carpet of leaves Conventional roses - hybrid teas and and should be planted on a mulched site so floribundas - are by necessity pampered that weeds do not come up between the plants. Often ravaged by disease, especially canes. This shrub is also disease resistant. blackspot, most require spraying every 10 Hybrids: Numerous hybrids of R. wichu- days to 3 weeks. Cynthia Westcott, Ph.D., a 14

longtime admirer of roses who made her liv- far more adaptable than most hybrid teas ing as a counselor to suburban rose en- and floribundas, but if the soil is poor some thusiasts near New York City, wrote that manure placed below the roots and separated "possible enemies of the rose are legion. from them by a layer of soil is useful. A large There are 500 insect pests and perhaps half hole obviously is better than a small one. as many bacteria, fungi, and various virus- Throughout the world most commercial caused diseases. Rodents are often a menace roses are grafted. In this country the under- and pets occasionally." In her book, Anyone stock is R. multiflora. Grafting is a commer- Can Grow Roses (1965), 65 pages out of a cial necessity, since it produces large plants total of 199 were devoted to rose diseases in a short time and because it encourages and pests. growth in the many weak commercial roses Conventional roses usually are not long- that would die if they were dependent on lived plants. Failure to spray these roses for a their own roots. Although species roses ob- few months or failure to prune for a year tained from nurseries are the result of grafts, produces scraggy and charmless plants. If they are capable of growing on their own they are without care for a longer period, roots. It is my practice when planting they deteriorate to leafless stems, defoliated species roses and their hybrids to set the by blackspot. For the most part the species graft-point four inches below ground to en- roses listed above are not severely affected courage the rose to grow its own roots. This by insects or diseases. Some are susceptible method leads in the long run to increased on occasion to blackspot or mildew but be- vigor, and if the plant should be damaged in cause of their vigor will outgrow or resist an the future it will send out new shoots from attack. On the rare occasions when below ground. These new shoots will be part blackspot appears, I spray once or twice a of the graft and not the understock. summer with Benlate, a systemic fungicide. In the field of horticulture nothing is more This is necessary for only a few specimens controversial than the pruning of roses. and even then is not necessary every sum- Pruning species roses is not difficult, how- mer. As for pets, the abundant thorns of ever, if one point is kept in mind: these are most species discourage most of them. hardy shrubs and should be treated accord- ingly. This means that after a number of years the very oldest stems should be cut to the ground in early spring in the same way and , Planting Pruning _ that one might renew a lilac or a mock With few exceptions all roses require full orange. No further pruning is necessary ex- or almost full sun. In choice of site, this is cept to cut off dead branches. Since species the first requirement. Ample room for roots roses require many years to develop their is necessary for strong-growing shrub roses. flowering capacity, yearly pruning can be se- Although a suckering species such as R. verely damaging. nitida would do well between the sidewalk There are a few species roses that are and the street, the larger species would find climbers but can be grown as shrubs if de- the location too cramped. With regard to sired. If the canes of these become too long, soil, the species roses and their hybrids are they can be pruned by cutting off the tips. 155

Author’s Note: Other interesting hardy Wyant Roses, Route 84, Johnny Cake Ridge, Mentor, OH 44060. species roses, in the collection at the Arnold Not all roses listed m this article are available from Arboretum, are: the above sources. For further sources consult the cur- rent edition of Combmed Rose List (roses in commerce R. R. koreana aciculans and cultivation, rose registrations smce Modern Roses R R. afzehana longicuspis 8, and hard-to-find roses and where to find them), com- R. agresus R luciae piled and available from Beverly R. Dobson, 215 Ham- R. R. amblyous maly man Road, Irvmgton, NY 10533. R. R. micrantha amurensis An English source, for which an importation permit R. arkansana R. nmdula is required (wnte Permit Unit, USDA, PPQ, Federal R. arvensis R. nutkana Bmldmg, Room 638, Hyattsville, MD 20782), is: Peter R. beggenana R. omissa Beales Roses, Intwood Nurseries, Swardeston, Norwich R belgrandensis R oxyodon NR14 8EA England. R. bella R pendulma "’ R. brunomi R. pisocarpa R. calocarpa R. pomifera R. camna R prattm For Further Reading R carolma R. pruhomciana The are the recent major publications on R. cenufoha R. pteragoms following species and shrub roses: R. cmnamomea R roopae W. ed. Trees and Shrubs R. R rubigmosa Bean, J. 1973-80. 8th Hardy in clmophylla the Bntish Isles London: The fourth R. cornfoha R. scharnkeana Murray. volume contams an of R. corymbifera R schwmkeana updated listing species roses as well as a section Graham Thomas on R. davunca R. sertata by the R. ditnchopoda R. seugera major hybnds. G. 1975. Wild and Old New R. dumahs R. setipoda Edwards, York: Hafner. Like most of the other R elasmacantha R. smo-mlsonu publications in this this is British in and therefore R fedtschenkoana R. spaldmgm list, origin, much of the information needs to be to R R. spmuhfoha adjusted gmaldm American climatic conditions. R hibermca R. tomentosa S. M., and P. M. 1971. The Dictionary of R. highdownensis R. tuscheuca Gault, Synge. Roses m Color. New York’ Grosset and R. hornda R. waitziana Dunlap. color of R. huntn R. webbiana Outstandmg photographs many species and shrub roses as well as teas and R modora R. wintoniensis hybnd flonbundas. R. tundz~lhi R. woodsii M. 1973. Shrub Roses Garden. Lon- R kochiana R zalana Gibson, for Every don : Collms. A most comprehensive and read- able account of shrub roses. Kordes, W. 1964. Roses London: Studio Vista First Nursery Sources for Species and Shrub published m , this is a first-person ac- count the breeder of shrub roses in the Roses by major 20th century. High Country Rosamum, 1717 Downing, Denver, CO Krussman, Gerd. 1981. The Complete Book of Roses 802188 Portland, Oregon: Timber Press Inadequate edit- Joseph J Kern Rose Nursery, Box 33, Mentor, OH mg and layout mar a remarkable book, which has 44060 an excellent section on species roses. The origi- Lowe’s Own Root Nursery, 6 Sheffield Road, Nashua, nal German title, Rosen, Rosen, Rosen, better NH 03062 captures the spmt of the book. Mike’s Roses, 6807 Smithway Drive, Alexandna, VA Shepherd, R. 1978. Repnnt. History of the Rose. New 22307. York: Coleman. This is the major American ref- Pickering Nurseries, 670 Kmgston Road, Pickenng, erence for those who wish to grow species roses Ontario LI V 1 A6 Canada. and their hybnds. First published m 1954, it is Roses of Yesterday and Today, 802 Brown’s Valley not a history of the rose but rather a horticultural Road, Watsonville, CA 95076. and botanical survey of the entire genus. 16

Thomas, G. S. 1956. The Old Shrub Roses. London: Phoenix House. . 1962. Shrub Roses of Today. London: Phoenix House.

. 1965. Chmbmg Roses Old and New. London: Phoenix House Thomas is an authority on shrub roses and for accuracy and a graceful style has no equal. The three works above have been repub- lished several times and contain the most com- prehensive horticultural descriptions of species roses ever published.

Jonathan Shaw, the former director of the New En- gland Wild flower Society, is now director of Bok Tower Gardens, m Lake Wales, Flonda.