Growing "old garden roses" (also known as heritage or antique roses) involves understanding their specific needs, as they often differ from modern hybrids. Here's a guide:
1. Selection:
- Identify the type of Old Garden Rose: There are many classes, including Albas, Damasks, Gallicas, Centifolias, Mosses, Portlands, Chinas, Teas, and Noisettes. Each has slightly different characteristics and needs. Research which class best suits your climate and preferences.
- Consider your climate: Some old roses are hardier than others. For example, Gallicas are exceptionally cold-hardy.
- Disease resistance: While generally more disease resistant than modern roses, some old roses are more susceptible to blackspot or mildew. Research disease resistance for your area.
2. Planting:
- Timing: Plant bare-root roses in late winter or early spring, when dormant. Container-grown roses can be planted throughout the growing season.
- Location: Choose a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Good air circulation is crucial to prevent fungal diseases.
- Soil: Old roses generally prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay or sandy soil with compost before planting.
- Planting depth: Plant the bud union (the swollen area where the rose is grafted) at or slightly above soil level in warmer climates. In colder climates, bury the bud union 2-3 inches below the soil surface to protect it from frost.
- Spacing: Space roses appropriately according to their mature size.
3. Watering:
- Water deeply and less frequently: Encourage deep root growth by watering thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Avoid overhead watering: Wet foliage encourages fungal diseases. Water at the base of the plant.
4. Fertilizing:
- Minimal fertilization: Old garden roses are generally less demanding than modern roses. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak growth and disease.
- Organic fertilizers: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer. Compost or well-rotted manure are excellent choices.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers: These can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
5. Pruning:
- Timing: Prune old garden roses after they finish blooming, usually in late spring or early summer.
- Light pruning: Old garden roses typically require less pruning than modern roses. Focus on removing dead, diseased, or crossing canes.
- Specific pruning techniques: Pruning needs vary by class. For example, once-blooming roses (like Gallicas and Damasks) are pruned immediately after flowering because they bloom on old wood. Repeat-blooming roses (like Chinas and Teas) can be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage repeat blooming in repeat-flowering varieties.
6. Disease and Pest Control:
- Good cultural practices: Proper spacing, good air circulation, and healthy soil are the best defenses against pests and diseases.
- Monitor regularly: Check plants frequently for signs of pests or diseases.
- Organic controls: Use organic pesticides and fungicides if necessary. Insecticidal soap, neem oil, and copper-based fungicides are effective options.
7. Propagation:
- Stem cuttings: Old garden roses are relatively easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Take cuttings in late spring or early summer and root them in a suitable rooting medium.
- Layering: Another propagation method involves bending a flexible cane to the ground, burying a portion of it, and allowing it to root.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow and enjoy the unique beauty and fragrance of old garden roses.
