Roses have an ancient history, and some older varieties are rarely seen. Gregg Lowery, owner of Vintage Gardens in Sebastopol, California, sells many varieties you won't find anywhere else in the United States. His collection includes more than 2,500 varieties collected and imported from all over the world. Spontaneous mutations, or sports, sometimes arise among roses -- for example, climbing forms of bush roses. For centuries, gardeners have known that the best time to propagate roses is when they're in bloom and the wood is at the perfect stage for taking cuttings. Keep prepared cuttings in bright indirect light. Collectors of old roses have various methods for increasing their collections. Some knock on doors and ask the history of the plant, then politely ask for a cutting. Gregg and his partner, Phillip, who call themselves "rose robbers," help themselves to cuttings here and there. Gregg grafted the climbing miniature rose 'Nozomi' (which has the habit of a groundcover) onto a rootstock of the climber 'Silver Moon'. The result is a weeping standard rose. A Calendar of Rose Tasks Spring - Carefully remove winter protection.
- Prune, removing dead, diseased and injured wood.
- Fertilize.
- As new leaves start to show, begin a fungicidal spray program.
Summer - After the first flush of bloom has faded, fertilize again.
- Keep an eye out for aphids, and wash them off with a strong jet of water from a hose-end sprayer.
- Remove any leaves that show signs of blackspot or powdery mildew. Maintain your spraying program every week to 10 days.
- Water as needed.
- If plants become disfigured from disease, prune them back severely. The subsequent growth won't be as strong, but the bushes will produce new leaves and blooms.
Fall - Don't fertilize. New growth is too tender to make it through the winter months.
- Let some faded flowers form hips. These are attractive to migrating birds in winter and signal the plants to go dormant.
Winter - Water to prevent winter drying.
- Prune slightly to prevent breakage from wind.
- Clean the area surrounding the roses, removing old mulch and fallen leaves to prevent fungus diseases next spring.
- Apply appropriate winter protection.
RESOURCES :
Vintage Gardens Antique Roses
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