Selecting the right rose for your landscape is central to success of your landscape design. There are three questions one must answer before selecting the right specimen.
Which rose Class will achieve the desired design effect?
Some rose classes have distinct characteristics which make them more or less suitable as landscape ornamentals.
For example, if in previous decisions (the "how" and "why" decisions) the gardener planned to grow a rose up and over an arch, a tall-growing Tea would afford a better view of the rose as it arched over the top of the structure. Teas are famous for their "nodding" blooms, and, as the garden visitor passed under the arch, he or she would be greeted by the full face of the bloom. Conversely, a Hybrid Perpetual or Hybrid Tea with their upward-facing, full blooms might be a better choice if the rose were to be viewed from eye level. And if the rose were to be grown up the back and over the top of an arbor or pergola, then a Species or true Climber might be the best choice. In this case, blooms are not necessarily desired along the vertical growth, but rather across the top of the arbor - where the growth is trained horizontally.
If the rose is to be used as a background splash of color, a modern Floribunda or an "antique" Polyantha with their massive bloom sprays, might be a better choice. However, if the rose is to be placed in front of other landscape plantings, then the obvious choice is a Miniature or a low-growing China. But if the rose was to be used as a hedge, then a modern Shrub or an old Rugosa with its propensity to sucker might be the better choice.
Or if the rose is to be used in a special needs garden, a "thornless" Bourbon or Species rose might be a good choice for visually impaired garden visitors. A highly scented Gallica would also make an excellent choice for these types of gardens if care were taken to ensure the prickly canes were out of harm's way. And if growing roses as an herb, then roses producing the highest attar and best hips like various roses in the Species, Damask, Gallica and Bourbon Classes might be the best choice.
Which rose color is best in this landscape location?
Color choice is essential to any successful landscape design. In roses, the variety of available colors makes the choice easy. But even the best can make a mistake.
 |
 |
 |
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Mark Whitelaw's Rose Gardening topic, please visit the Discussions page.