An introduction to roses

Is there any flower that stirs more positive emotion than the rose? We’ve cultivated them for thousands of years as symbols of love and beauty. The aroma of certain types can bring a smile to the most hardened face.

Most of us would like to have them in our yards but many are temperamental and difficult to grow. Numerous cultivars attract ravenous insects like Japanese beetles, aphids, spider mites and thrips to chew and suck their leaves until plants are unsightly. Many diseases like black spot, powdery mildew, botrytis and mosaic infect them also.

Can some of this be prevented without copious amounts of pesticides? The answer is yes, to some degree. If we have an otherwise ideal environment, they will have greater vigor to withstand and show resistance to other environmental maladies.

So where do most roses grow best? Roses need well drained soils. They also can’t tolerate long periods of dryness without being stressed. Clayey soils are a problem, but so is overly sandy ground. To counteract drainage problems, amend the soil with organic material and sand. Form soil into raised beds. Sandy soils must be infused with organic material to hold more water.

Roses also require full sun for at least six hours per day. Longer periods often result in more bloom. Good morning sun is best since dew will dry more quickly. Water droplets on the leaves for long periods generally promote fungus diseases.

Most rose cultivars are moderate fertilizer consumers, so don’t overdo it. This will result in soft growth more diseases and insect problems. Under fertilizing can stress them too. Observe plants often and pay attention to foliage color.

Some don’t want roses in their landscapes because of the maintenance, especially spraying pesticides. For these folks ‘Knock Out’ and ‘Drift’ cultivars are a possibility. They are more disease and insect resistant and bloom for long periods.

However, you still must prune them, sometimes severely, or they will take over and become unsightly. “Drift’ roses require far less pruning. Another drawback to ‘Knock Out’ types is that blooms don’t last in a vase and most ‘Knock Out’ varieties aren’t very aromatic. Many ‘Drift’ roses aren’t either, but several cultivars such as ‘Coral drift’ and ‘Sweet drift’ are quite fragrant. Blooms aren't ideal for arrangements but probably a little better.

Roses don’t simply provide beauty and pleasing smell. We can use them in other ways. Petals are edible both raw and in cooking but be sure they haven’t been treated with pesticide. They make a great garnish for salads and cakes. Numerous recipes for colorful jellies can be found on the internet. Rose petals are also used in many commercial fragrances.

As for the fruits, some types produce greater and more flavorful yields than others. The rugosa types are best for this. Some of the hips can be nearly two inches in diameter. They are loaded with vitamin C, much more than any type of citrus. Fruit can be mashed up and consumed raw, mixed with applesauce, or made into a delightful jam. Cooking destroys most of the vitamin C.

Medicinally, roses have diuretic and laxative properties. Rose oils are also included in many skin care products. Dozens of unproven claims have been trumpeted throughout history. Fortunately, few side-effects have been found either.