May 20, 1998

If you ask anyone to name the most beautiful flower ever grown, the answer will likely be the rose. For centuries, mankind has treasured its grace and beauty. The rose is used to symbolize love and romance and is the subject of popular songs and poems. In 600 BC, the rose was named the "Queen of Flowers" by the Greek poetess Sapho. Roses have been cultivated for more than 2000 years for their exquisite blooms and wonderful fragrance.

Some folks think that roses are difficult to grow and that can be true if you don't take a few minutes to learn how to care for them. Roses are not plastic flowers- you can't stick them in the ground and forget about them. Like any other shrub or perennial worth having, they require a little regular attention. Once you get the hang of it, however, you'll be rewarded with a bounty of gorgeous, sweet-smelling flowers.

The first step in growing roses is to buy top quality stock that has been properly cared for. I have never had good luck with rose plants that have their roots in some kind of bag or foil container. I think they do poorly because they are often sold from outside displays where the sun steams the roots in the bag and the wind dries out the foliage. I have much better results with roses that are growing in large 3 gallon containers giving the roots some space and some moisture reserve.

The second step for successful roses is to plant them properly. Most roses are grafted plants and have a large swelling or "knot " where the plant joins the rootstock. This bud union is very susceptible to winter damage and can be killed by our winter weather. Plant the rose deep enough so that the graft is 2 inches below ground level. Deep planting will help protect the union from winter damage.

After planting, mulch the soil around the rose bush with wood chips or bark to conserve moisture and to prevent the soil from splashing up on the leaves when it rains. Observe your roses regularly and treat for any foliar diseases or insects. I'll discuss care and pruning more next week.

Everyone who grows roses has their favorites and I have a few myself. At the nursery, I have the opportunity to observe many varieties side by side. When it comes to fragrance one rose stands out above them all. 'Sunsprite', a bright, long-lasting yellow rose has a heavy sweet scent that lingers in the air. It is the perfect rose to have near the patio or the bedroom window. Each flower is about 3 inches wide and has 25-30 petals.

'Angel Face' was an award winner in 1969 and is still a good performer today. Beautiful ruby buds open to full double lavender flowers edged in royal purple. It has a sweet "old rose" fragrance.

Last year on a garden walk in Peoria I saw the rose 'Sexy Rexy' and was truly impressed. Its soft pink buds and blossoms are held in large clusters above the plant. Each bud opens to a very full, medium-pink ruffled bloom. This rose is absolutely stunning when in full bud and bloom.

In 1965 an award winning rose was named 'Mr. Lincoln'. Today many rosarians use it as the standard for deep red roses. At first glance the petals look as though they are made of velvet. This elegant rose has a rich fragrance and large long-lasting blooms that are slightly ruffled. Like President Lincoln, this rose is tall in stature.

The rose 'Moon Shadow' has blooms that are dusky lavender, actually more silvery than purple. The flowers are very large, often 5 inches across. 'Moon Shadow' has a strong fragrance, reminding me of sweet peas.