ROSA

The gens Rosa is one of the most widely grown and best loved of all plant genera around the world. Since ancient times roses have been valued for their beauty and fragrance as well as for their medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic properties. There are between 100 and 150 species of rose, which range in habit from erect and arching shrubs to scramblers and climbers. The majority of species are deciduous and most have prickles or bristles. They are found in temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern Hemisphere. The leaves are usually comprised of 5 to 9 serrated-edged leaftlets. Flowers, borne singly or in clusters, range from single, usually 5-petalled blooms to those with many closely packed petals. Many are intensely fragrant. Most species and old garden roses flower only once a year but many of the modern cultivars are repeat blooming. Rose fruits (hips or heps) are usually orangey red, but can be dark, lowa and North Dakota have Rosa arkansana as their floral emblem, while R.laevigata is the state flower of Georgia.


CULTIVATION


Roses can be grown in formal and informal settings, in separate beds, or mixed borders, as ground covers, climbing up arches and pergolas, as hedging, and in containers. Most roses require a sunny site and well-drained medium-loamy soil. Roses should be pruned to maintain strong healthy growth and a good shape. Except for the old Tea roses, most roses are very hardy. Propagation is from hardwood cuttings in autumn or softwood cuttings in summer.


Top Tip


When growing roses in containers, place a layer of stones in the pot, use a soil-based potting mix, and be mindful of the growth habit when selecting the pot.