Getting to Know Roses
Rose basics for youth gardens

Author: Sarah Pounders

There are more than 150 identified species of roses. Currently there are many thousands of cultivated varieties that have been developed from those wild species roses! That’s a sure giveaway of their perpetual popularity through the ages.

Rose Botany

Roses are grouped in the same family as many important food crops including apples, pears, and strawberries. When these various plants are in bloom, have students take a close look at the blossoms and challenge them to identify patterns that indicate the relationship. Many cultivated rose varieties have been selected to produce multiple sets of petals. See if you can find samples of varieties with simpler blossoms that more closely resemble those of their “cousins.” They can sketch flowers of these plant “cousins” or press specimens for closer observation in the classroom. Try comparing the fruits of roses – called hips—to those of apples and pears. Observe the outer and inner structures for similarities.

Despite the wide range of bloom types, roses tend to have petals in multiples of five. Some bloom only once a year, while others bloom continuously throughout warmer months. As you seek out roses for your garden, choose those that will bloom when students are most likely to be present. Most roses have thorns, but the size and number of thorns also varies. If you’re concerned about kids getting scratched by thorns, look for varieties with fewer thorns that will work in your situation.

Roses that have evolved naturally are known as species roses (also referred to as antique or heirloom roses). Plant breeders have worked with these species roses for thousands of years. By controlling pollination, breeders developed plants with desirable ornamental characteristics, such as larger flowers, fewer thorns, longer bloom times, more fragrance, and a variety of colors. These cultivated roses include hybrid tea roes, floribunda roses, and shrub roses (see "Types of Roses," below for descriptions).

But nature has her own priorities when it comes to selecting plants. In the process of evolution, it’s not necessarily the prettiest or most fragrant plant that makes the grade – hardiness is of utmost importance. This means that species roses tend to be less susceptible to pests and diseases, making them a low-maintenance option for the garden (though some are rampant growers requiring heavy pruning). Species roses are also important to breeders who cross them with other roses to take advantage of their hardy characteristics.

Types of Roses

Meidiland shrub rose 'Nearly Wild' has blossoms that resemble those of species roses.

It's helpful to know some rose terminology before you start looking for plants. Here are some common rose groupings:

Shrub or landscape roses are among the easiest to grow and maintain. They're naturally disease-resistant, grow well in a variety of climates with a minimum of attention, and most of all, feature beautiful flowers that blossom consistently over a very long season. Though they generally have a compact growth habit that requires little pruning, shrub roses adapt well to being trimmed to shape, such as a hedge.

Climbing roses can form dramatic cascades when trained over a fence, pillar, or post. They grow quickly to make an impressive display for arches, trellises, and arbors.

Miniature roses grow just three to 18 inches tall. They’re cold-hardy and very steady bloomers (and very cute, no doubt about it). Their size and blooming habit make them useful in borders, rock gardens, and containers.

Hybrid teas are tall, long-stemmed roses that are the most common sold by florists. They blossom all season long and are ideal for cutting. In the garden, they are often featured as single specimens.

Floribundas are shorter than hybrid teas and bloom more freely, setting clusters of blossoms rather than a single bloom on a stem.

Tree roses grow in a cluster at the top of a stake, and look very elegant. Miniatures grow 18 inches high; patio varieties 24 inches; and full tree roses 36 inches high. Tall ones can frame a doorway or line a path. Smaller varieties can be grown in containers.

Patio roses grow two to four feet tall, bloom all season, and are well suited to growing in containers in small spaces. Their size and dense foliage makes them good for masking building foundations.

The Right Rose for Your Garden

When choosing roses, follow the same rules you do for other plants: search for varieties that are well adapted to your climate and site conditions. If easy maintenance is a goal, choose naturally vigorous and disease-resistant varieties. However, if a student or a group want to grow rose varieties that require more care, they may wish to take them on as a special project. (Some amateur rose competitions offer a category for junior rose growers!)

All-America Rose Selections and the American Rose Society are two groups that test and rate roses on various characteristics. Visit their Web sites for more guidance on choosing the right roses for your youth garden.

Keeping Roses Happy

Roses need... * At least six hours of sun daily (including some morning sun) * Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil * Good air circulation to keep foliage dry to minimize the chance of disease * Proper spacing from large shrubs and trees to reduce competition Standard care includes fertilizing, protection against pests and diseases, and pruning. Most roses need regular watering for good health and abundant bloom.

Roses enjoy many of the same conditions of other flowering perennials, so you can easily add them to established beds if you have room. Since they are woody plants, most require some pruning to maintain their health and appearance. Read Steps to Rose Success for more details on preparing to plant. When you’re ready, read our step-by-step guide to planting.

For more details on how to maintain roses, check out the following Web sites:

Organic Rose Gardening

Gardening with Roses Seasonal Guide

University of Illinois Extension Online Rose Guide

 

 

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