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Three Things to Know about Heirloom Roses |
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Written by Chrissy S.
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Monday, 09 October 2006 |
Not Your Grandma's Heirlooms: Three Things to Know about Heirloom Roses
What precisely, are heirloom roses? Heirloom roses (sometimes referred to as old or antique) are all the varieties of roses that were known prior to 1867 when the first hybrid tea rose was developed in France. The heirloom roses became less desirable to gardeners because they did not repeat blooms as the new roses did. Even today, many gardeners still see these antique roses as somehow inferior to modern roses. Heirloom roses only show blossoms for two weeks to a month at the beginning of summer, whereas modern roses bloom several times throughout the season. When heirloom roses bloom though, they do so in abundance and the scent is no less than heavenly.
If you're considering including heirloom roses in your garden (and you should), here are three essential things to be aware of before planting your first one.
1. Heirloom Roses are Diverse and Hardy
Heirloom roses come in an abundant variety of colors, sizes, fragrances and flower types. The choices available in every shape and size guarantee that you will find an appropriate fit for your garden, whether you are looking for short or tall plants or even climbing roses. With the number of different species available, you'll definitely find an heirloom rose to satisfy your personal tastes.
Heirloom roses are essentially hardy plants. They are easy to look after and we know that for centuries, they thrived even without the use of pesticides. You can even grow heirloom roses in northern climes. Not all heirloom roses are suitable for colder climates, but if you do your research you'll find that many species are hardy enough to endure the long winters found in Northern United States and Canada. Some of the hardiest varieties are Alba or White Roses, Cent folia or Cabbage Roses, Damask, Gallica, Spinosissima or Scotch Brier Roses, and Bourbon Roses. Damask roses are the least hardy of these, but they are known for their lovely scent and the blooms range in color from white to deep maroon. These roses have long been utilised for the extraction of rose oil. Gallica is the most popular type of heirloom rose with a soft and pleasant fragrance.
2. They're Easy to Take Care Of Really!
Tending to heirloom roses is the same really , as that for the newer roses. To really thrive, heirloom roses require four things: sun, soil, drainage, water and necessary air circulation. Your heirloom roses should be planted in an area where they can get at least six hours of sun daily. In regard to soil, you can start with a high quality garden soil and then add in manure and compost to increase the amount of nutrients. The roses should be watered regularly, and as long as you have allowed for proper drainage, you can't over water. The rose can take what it needs and the excess will drain away. Your roses need proper drainage. A rose, like most plants will not thrive if they are in wet, muddy soil for a long time. Unlike hybrid roses, heirloom roses don't like to be too close together. They need room to flourish and breathe. Most heirloom roses either do not need pesticides or they may react badly to them. You will seldom have to use pesticides on your heirloom roses and if you do, use them in small measure. Pruning should be done in the spring to get rid of dead or diseased wood but don't prune just for the sake of pruning! Heirloom roses really need no more attention than any other plants in your garden.
3. They're Worth the Effort
Even now, you might still be wondering why you should put all this effort into a plant that will only bloom for such a short time. Remember though, that once they get the essentials that any other plant needs, they really take care of themselves and do not require a lot of attention. They truly are captivating plants with bright blooms and a heady fragrance, and though heirloom roses may be out of favour with some gardeners, there is a rich history connected to these plants. For hundreds of years they enchanted royals with their sweet perfume, and many artists have attempted to capture the glory of their fleeting blossoms on canvas. You too can experience the profound beauty of heirloom roses by initiating one into your garden next spring. |