Regarding Roses.... According to the old saying, "A rose is a rose is a rose." Or is it? In this five-part workshop on growing healthy, gorgeous roses, host Maureen Gilmer and her guests provide a fun and informative lesson on various types of this ever-popular flower variety, and dispel some of the more common myths surrounding its care and maintenance. Think all roses are fussy, finicky flowers? Think again! Hybrid Teas For a visually stunning introduction to the world's favorite flower, Gilmer begins with the rose type featured in the first of the five episodes: the hybrid tea. It's this type, Gilmer explains, that most people envision when they hear the word "rose." Frequently seen in florists' shops and arrangements, hybrid teas are considered by many to be the best of the modern-day rose varieties. To provide a bit of background on this familiar beauty -- exemplified by the scarlet-tipped gold bloom in figure A -- rosarian Clair Martin of the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, joins Gilmer for a "show and tell" of sorts on hybrid teas. Basic Characteristics Martin describes the hybrid tea as the "quintessential florist's rose" and attributes its popularity to an oversized bloom which generally comes one to a stem (a desirable feature in roses). The stems themselves are generally long and straight, allowing a cutting length of as much as one-and-a-half to two feet. A hybrid tea rose begins as a teardrop-shaped, pointed bud; the flower gains fullness as the petals unfurl and attains its "peak" appearance when the bloom is about half-open (figure B). Though still beautiful when fully opened, the effect isn't quite as striking as it is at this earlier stage. Occasionally, a new shoot will develop multiple buds that branch off to form what's often referred to as a "candelabra" (figure C). Though this type of growth is considered by some to be a flaw of hybrid teas, once the buds have flowered, the cane can simply be cut immediately below the growth, leaving the plant with only single-stem blooms. In the Garden In most gardens where roses are grown, the flowers are generally planted in easy-access areas, allowing stems to be reached and cut without trampling other plants (figure D). Since hybrid teas tend to drop their lower foliage, creating a "naked" area at the base of the plant (figure E), some gardeners solve this problem by planting shorter rose varieties, like floribundas, in front (as seen in the Huntington's rose gardens.) Note: Martin notes that other flowering shrubs -- both annuals and perennials -- also work well for this purpose. Right Rose, Right Place When choosing roses for a garden, says Martin, it's essential to do your homework; not all rose types are suitable for every planting zone. In fact, a number of varieties are not cold-tolerant. For example, 'Double Delight' (figure F) is quite hardy in Southern California, but will freeze even in fairly mild winters. Gardeners in parts of the Midwest and the upper Northeast, for instance, will find that the plant freezes easily and does not come back -- it simply dies. There are, however, many good hybrid teas that will survive cold winters; finding these varieties simply requires a little research. Take a look around your neighborhood or consult the staff at your local nursery to find varieties suitable for your zone. Disease-Resistant? Disease-resistance is another important consideration in selecting a rose. Since hybridizers of hybrid teas have traditionally focused on its impressive bloom size, disease-resistant traits haven't been aggressively cultivated in this variety. Only in recent years, with the growing concern over the use of chemical treatments, has this trait begun to be developed in hybrid teas. It is true, however, that certain hybrid teas are better able than others to fend off maladies, so be sure to note this information when comparing roses. Note: Red roses in general are more susceptible to disease than other colors. But don't let the threat of disease discourage you from growing hybrid teas. As Martin points out, the beauty and lengthy blooming period of these roses arguably justifies the extra work sometimes required to keep them healthy. "How many plants can you plant in your garden that will flower eight or nine months of the year? Hybrid teas will." Color Trends After years of pastels ruling the rose area, brights are back, says Martin. Vibrant yellows and oranges are high on the list of current favorites; 'Alexander' (figure G) is one great example. Striped roses, like the exotic orange and yellow bloom in figure H and the devine 'Sentimental' (figure I) are becoming more common. Martin explains that the colorations of these roses often vary from bloom to bloom: the deep red and cream stripes of 'Sentimental', for instance, will sometimes materialize as a predominantly dark red background with only a few subtle bands of cream. Rare colors, like green, are also gaining popularity in rose circles. 'Mint Julep' (figure J) has a slightly greenish tone with pink accents in cooler weather, but boasts a genuine light green hue in warmer temperatures.
GUESTS :
Clair Martin
Email: cmartin@huntington.org
Curator, Rose and Perennial Gardens
The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
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