Dealing With Rose Bushes

Roses are classified according to the way they grow. One of the predominant ways is in bushes. Rose bushes are self-supporting and grow their flowers mainly at the top of the plant. They can be as small as just a few inches and as tall as up to 6 feet. There is every possibility that your rose bushes can be as radiant as the sun, given the right care.

Several types of rose bushes include:

Floribunda A mix of the Hybrid Tea and Polyantha, this bush with clusters of flowers is ideal for growing a rose bed. Floribunda roses were introduced to the mass public by Jackson & Perkins during the 1939 World's Fair in New York. They have gained in popularity due in part to the fact that they are easier to cultivate and more disease resistant that Hybrid Teas.

Grandiflora Characterized by tall stems holding clusters of flowers, this rose bush is a cross between the Floribunda and Hybrid Tea.

Hybrid Tea Considered to be the most popular rose bush, the Hybrid Tea is known for its long stems and roses which have a distinctive cone center. This classic looking rose is ideal for making bouquets.

Miniatures These scaled-down versions of larger flowers, such as Floribundas or Hybrid Teas, generally average 1-2 feet in height. They can be grown in rock gardens and even indoors. Often they are planted as edgings for rose beds or as borders.

When gardening with rose bushes, clear away all dead and weak branches at the beginning of spring. Continue to prune regularly to stimulate new flower growth and prevent the bush from tangling. In colder climates, the bush should be protected from winter by mounding the base with soil, tying canes together to prevent wind-damage and covering with a perforated protective cylinder.

Author: Ken Austin