Once the layout of your garden has been determined, it's time to bring in the roses. Gilmer uses two groundcover rose trees to help anchor her design (figure A). A mature rose tree in a 24-inch box costs about $250. Keep in mind that smaller trees are not only less expensive, but also easier for one person to handle. Gilmer takes advantage of the trellis and fence in the back of this plot by planting climbing roses (figure B). Over time, these plants will become a bower of flowers. Pink and red cutting roses are excellent choices to frame the gravel entry point. Complete list of featured plants (California Region) Fire Meidiland Groundcover Rose Tree (Rosa 'Meipsidue')
Carefree Beauty Landscape Rose (Rosa 'Bucbi')
Charles Aznavour Floribunda Rose (Rosa 'Meibeausai')
Peace Climbing Hybrid Tea Rose (Rosa 'Peace')
Princesse de Monaco Hybrid Tea Rose (Rosa 'Meimagarmic') FYI: - Don't take a rose tree out of its box before planting; just remove the bottom of the box (figure C). Once the tree is in its hole, cut the strapping material to allow the box sides to fall away for removal (figure D).
- Once the tree is in place, make sure the level of the soil in the root ball is equal to the level of the surrounding ground soil.
- Water each plant generously until the soil stops absorbing moisture.
Expert note (Tom Carruth, hybridizer): Modern roses are not grafted as frequently as they used to be because of the growing popularity of on-root production. That is, taking a cutting and having the rose produce its own roots. Modern hybrids are tested for their ability to on-root to help determine the commercial viability of new varieties.
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