The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Small Home Landscaping

If you can accommodate only a few it is necessary that you choose the type carefully. There are three main types of bush roses: hybrid teas, hybrid polyanthas, and floribundas—exclusive of the climbers. These flower pretty well through the season, depending on the region. Where summers are hot, the heat of late July and August tends to slow up flowering, though growth still continues. As the heat abates, flowering begins again and continues until late autumn. How much they flower depends upon the care in watering, fertilizing and pest control given during the summer.

Of the three types named, Horibundas grow the largest, some as large as medium shrubs in the more favorable regions. Where sub-zero temperatures are the rule, they die partly back. But this in itself is a form of pruning.

Polyanthas generally make solid bushes with flowers carried in large clusters, but the individual flowers are small on some varieties. These bloom a long time and they are pretty hardy.

The best cut flowers are obtained from the hybrid teas. These are not as hardy as the others and they demand more care in the selection of soil and site. They vary in their growth, too. It is a matter of selecting the varieties that do best in your own locality. An examination of those growing near you is the best way to select suitable varieties.

Roses are planted in spring or fall. In northern regions, spring is the best time. When planting, set the rose plant so that the joint or knuckle is slightly below the soil level. Spread the roots out fully, firm the soil around them—then give a good watering.

Hybrid teas are set 2 feet apart, as are floribundas. The polyanthas should be 18 inches apart, very dwarf polyanthas 12 inches.

When planting is done in spring, the new rose plants are pruned back to about 12 inches of the ground. This gives the plants a good start. All will flower the same season they are set out or pruned. Pruning is done every spring, but not as severely as at first. Vigorous-growing plants are cut back to about 2 feet. Some of the weaker hybrid teas may have to be cut to a foot. At pruning time, remove all weak stems and all diseased or dead ones.