Everything's Coming Up Roses
By Jone Tiffany, Anoka County Extension Master Gardener Intern
Roses have existed in gardens throughout the ages. The oldest rose fossil, which was discovered in Colorado, is believed to be 35 million years old. Roses are admired by many and have even been featured in poems and songs. They are also the subject of many questions as home gardeners seek clarity in choosing the right rose for their Zone 4 landscape.
When I was a little girl, I helped my grandma and mom care for their rose gardens, which were comprised mainly of hybrid tea roses. Eventually, I grew roses in my own garden and started my 40-year journey learning to plant and care for them. I believe there is a rose for every garden and gardener.
Since there are more than 300 species of roses, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with choices! While you may be tempted to try several rose varieties at once, their pruning and care needs will vary, so it’s best to stick with one type while you are learning.
Hybrid tea roses were developed in 1867 and are popular because they have the long, straight stems that are perfect for cutting. They require a little more care in colder climates.
Grandiflora roses are a subgroup of hybrid tea roses with floribunda features and three to five blooms per cluster. They require preparation for winter.
Miniature roses are a great choice for smaller areas as they usually get no larger than two feet wide and high. Be sure to pick one that is hardy to Zone 4, and plant it in a sheltered area.
Floribunda roses have the look of grandifloras but are hardier for our climate and require little maintenance. They can be a good choice for hedges.
Shrub roses are also known as rugosa roses. Pick these for an easy-care rose garden. Shrub roses will sprawl and take over if they like where they are planted.
Once you’ve determined the type of rose you want, you can purchase either bare-root or container-grown plants. Container-grown roses are more expensive but will establish more quickly and produce flowers sooner. Bare-root roses are an economical option that will arrive dormant, and you will need to soak their roots overnight before planting.
Roses perform best in a site with rich, well-drained soil. While they like full sun, they prefer a location that gets six hours of morning to early afternoon light versus hot afternoon exposure. Additionally, here in Anoka County it is important to keep roses sheltered from the north winds to help them overwinter more successfully.
Plant roses after the last spring frost, and space them at least two to three feet apart to avoid overcrowding. Site them away from trees or shrubs that may compete for nutrients and water.
Roses can transform your landscape from average to stunning; it’s just a matter of finding the right type to fit your location and gardening style!
Visit the Minnesota Rose Society for more information on planting, care, and diseases: https:/minnesotarosesociety.org
Anoka County Master Gardeners are hosting a guided garden tour on August 17: Feeding the Community: Vegetable Donation Gardening. The tour is free and no registration is required. Visit anokamastergardeners.org for details.