We love roses at Royal City Nursery as they are undoubtedly one of the most beloved and popular flowers in the world. With their exquisite beauty and captivating fragrance, they have a timeless appeal. Tanya Olsen, third-generation owner of Royal City Nursery and a Professor in the Horticulture Apprenticeship program at Humber College highlights six types of roses you should know about along with some key care and growing tips.
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Thumbnail image with link to ‘A Complete Guide to Roses ’ video on our YouTube channel.
Hybrid Tea Rose
The Hybrid Tea Rose is a classic favorite among rose enthusiasts. Known for its large, elegant flowers, it’s perfect for cutting gardens. The blooms typically grow to about head height and 3 feet wide, making them a stunning addition to any garden. One popular variety is the ‘Miss All American Beauty’, cherished for its vibrant color and long stems, ideal for floral arrangements.
Grandiflora Rose
The Grandiflora rose is recognized for its small clusters of medium-sized roses. These roses can grow to a height of 3-4 feet, making them a striking presence in any garden. The ‘Moonlight Romantica’ rose is a current favorite among gardeners, admired for its delicate beauty and charming fragrance.
Floribunda Rose
The Floribunda Rose is known for its abundant clusters of small roses. These roses typically grow to around hip height, making them a versatile choice for garden borders or containers. The ‘Julia Childs’ variety is a popular choice, prized for its vibrant yellow blooms and continuous flowering throughout the season.
Climber Rose
Climber Roses are a stunning addition to any garden, but they require support such as a trellis or a wall. To prevent them from flopping, it’s important to tie them back carefully. These roses are characterized by their long, slender stems and are perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden.
David Austin Rose
David Austin Roses, also known as English Roses, are a favorite among gardeners for their old-world charm and beauty. These roses are known for their double and triple floral layers, resembling a peony. They come in a variety of sizes, making them suitable for various garden settings.
Shrub Rose
Shrub Roses are a great choice for a low-maintenance garden. These roses are hardy and can withstand harsh conditions, making them ideal up-to zone 4. They produce clusters of fragrant roses that are ready to burst into bloom, adding a touch of elegance to any garden. The blooms of shrub roses tend to be single, adding to their natural and wild beauty.
Planting Roses
When planting your roses, it’s important to pay attention to the graft, which is the ball of the plant where the roots have been placed. The graft is non-GMO & is hardy and disease-resistant. Plant the graft about 2 inches underground to help it withstand winter better.
Pruning Roses
Pruning is essential for rose care, and deadheading is a key practice. Aim to prune down to the third leaf as a general rule of thumb to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Disease and Insect Control
Aphids are a common pest for roses, especially around the buds. They can be challenging to spot as they blend in with the plant’s colour. To control aphids, use an insecticidal soap spray, such as Safers Insecticidal Soap, which is an organic solution. Apply the spray from top to bottom every 7 to 10 days for effective control.
Black spot and powdery mildew are fungal diseases that can affect roses, especially in warmer temperatures. Remove any affected leaves promptly, and for treatment, use a copper-based organic spray like Bordo. Mix the powder with water and spray it on the affected areas. Dispose of any fallen leaves in the green waste to prevent the spread of disease.
Nutrients and Food for your Roses
For healthy roses, use a good quality flower, tree, and shrub soil mixed with 50% new soil when planting or repotting. Once established, feed your roses with a high-quality organic rose fertilizer, ideally with a formulation like 2-10-0, which is higher in phosphorus to promote flower production.
Caring for roses can be a rewarding experience. By following these tips on planting, pruning, and disease control, you can enjoy beautiful and healthy roses in your garden. Our team of experts are always happy to help you in-store if you have any further questions. So sit back, relax, and, dare I say, smell the roses!
About Tanya Olsen:
Tanya is a third-generation garden centre owner and landscape designer.
Teaches Horticulture Apprenticeship at Humber College in Ontario, Canada.
Has a weekly segment on CTV news.
Has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.
YWCA Woman of Distinction.
About Royal City Nursery:
Guelph, Ontario’s only third-generation, full-service garden centre! We specialize in creating custom outdoor living spaces and unique solutions for all your garden, landscape, and seasonal decorating needs! At our new greenhouse, located between Guelph and Cambridge, we are the garden centre of choice for discerning homeowners, landscapers, and designers.
