Roses: Varieties We Are Growing

Such a classic and one of the most loved flowers. The rose is tied up in so much history, symbolism and folklore. It still remains as a staple in the cutting garden and we are branching out and experimenting more and more in the Bloom garden. Roses come in a huge variety of sizes, shapes, colour and scent so it’s worth looking at your garden and what you want from your plant. There is a massive choice when it comes to good cut flowers, so have a little read before you buy.

Varieties above (from left to right): Queen of Sweden, White Cloud, Open Arms, Desdamona, Darcy Bussell, Margaret Merril.

We have chosen two climbers for the season this year to grow around a garden arch. These are ‘Open Arms’ and ‘White Cloud’. We want them to create a beautiful entrance to the back of the garden. We’ve got lots of new plants to try this year and I’m really excited about learning more about caring for these beautiful flowers.

You can buy roses as potted plants, or as ‘bare-roots’ in their dormant season (autumn- early spring). The latter are cheaper to buy and tend to grow faster in their first season. Feeding is essential for roses if you want them to keep producing flowers throughout the season. Seaweed feed and comfrey tea do a good job, and they appreciate a good mulch after they’ve been pruned in later Winter.