Without a doubt, roses are the best-loved and most widely planted shrubs in the west. With so many varieties to choose from, there's a rose to suit every garden. Some possibilities include shrub, hybrid tea, miniature, floribunda, grandiflora, and climbing roses.
Consider planting shrub roses to add proportion and structure to your garden. Shrub roses range in size from two to six feet in both height and width and are fragrant, showy, hardworking, and serve well as a backdrop for other sun-loving beauties. Some popular varieties that do well in Colorado are Bonica, Frau Dogmar Hartopp, Golden Wings, Graham Thomas, and Hanseat.
Before making a selection, do your homework. Take a stroll through the Dushanbe Tea House garden in Boulder; the garden contains 50 varieties of roses that are hardy for our climate. Or visit the American Rose Society webpage at www.ars.org. Another option for learning about roses is to join the Boulder Valley Rose Society.
Successful rose growing is within everyone's reach with a few guidelines:
- Select varieties suited to your climate
- Buy the best plants available (#1 Grade)
- Locate and plant them properly
- Water thoroughly and deeply, at least 1-2" weekly
- Water during dry winters
- Fertilize moderately as needed
- When necessary, treat for diseases and insects.
Shrub roses are sold as bare roots or in containers. They are available from nurseries, mail order companies, department, and grocery stores. As with anything, you get what you pay for, so be wary of bargain prices.
Take a little time to explore your garden before selecting a planting site. Shrub roses thrive in full sun (at least six hours daily). Provide roses room to grow and protection from the wind. Choose an area that is free of competing tree and shrub roots.
Prepare the planting site by removing large rocks and any dead plant material. Loosen the soil with a spading fork and thoroughly mix in two to three inches of well-composted organic matter. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root system, about 12" deep and 18" across. Next, mix a balanced 8-10-8 granular fertilizer into the soil at the root zone. After your rose is planted, apply a three to four inch layer of mulch to reduce water evaporation.
Bare root shrubs are usually available at local nurseries until May 1. Plant six to seven weeks before the average last frost. Before planting, if the plant appears dry, soak in a bucket of water overnight. Prune any damaged roots, leaving eight to ten inches of healthy root. Form a soil cone at the bottom of the hole. Fan the roots out over the cone with the bud union at or slightly below ground level. Do not pack the soil around the roots, instead allow the water to settle the soil.
Potted shrubs roses are sold during the growing season and can be planted any time after the last frost. Be sure to plant early enough to allow the roots to establish before winter. Carefully remove the plant from the container and place in the hole without disturbing the root ball. Backfill with soil and give it plenty of water.
With Colorado's dry climate and high altitude, few rose diseases persist. It is seldom necessary to use fungicides. The most common diseases are Rose Mosaic Virus, Powdery Mildew, and Rust. To control these diseases:
- Select disease-resistant varieties
- Avoid wounding plants during transplanting
- Provide good soil drainage and ventilation
- Remove and destroy infected leaves and canes during the growing season
- Avoid overhead watering.
Major rose pests in Colorado are aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Check roses weekly. If you spot any pests, try removing the insects with a burst of water. If pests persist, contact a nursery or your local Extension office for advice.
Whether you start small or jump in with both feet, shrub roses will add romance and beauty to your garden. For more information on roses, visit the Colorado State University Extension web site, visit the Boulder County Extension office at 9595 Nelson Rd. in Longmont or call them at (303) 776-4865.
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