Tips On Growing English Roses

The English rose is a special type that has been developed by the David Austin Rose company in England. It combines the character of the historical rose which had a distinctive flower and strong scent with the ability to re-bloom throughout the season. I came across an article by Kathy Woodard on The Garden Glove website which describes how to grow English roses and includes some stunning photos.

English roses are perhaps the perfect compliment to any garden, but to a garden with cottage style most of all. By many gardeners? accounts the ?perfect? rose, these roses were bred by Englishman David Austin (they are also called David Austin Roses) to combine the positive re-blooming attribute of the modern tea rose with the vigor, form and intense fragrance of the old world roses. And did he ever succeed! Romantic and soft, cupped blooms with many petals and arguably the most intoxicating fragrance anywhere in a garden, these plants are easier to grow than traditional tea roses, and are more of a landscape shrub rather than a fussy and finicky rose. There are varieties that can be grown as climbers and as container plants for small gardens, and the shrub varieties combine well with other plants and flowers in a mixed border. There are pinks, whites, yellows and reds available with many subtle nuances in between. So be prepared for a new gardening obsession as we teach you how to grow English roses, the best varieties we love, (and where to get them!) and tips for having the greatest success in all areas of the country. Photos by ?David Austin?.

How to Plant
Most English roses grow well in zones 5-9, but a few can be grown down to zone 4. Plant them in the fall or early spring for bare root, or anytime but the hottest months of the year for potted roses. Add compost to your planting hole, and plant with the graft union (the big bump at the base of the plant) 2-3 inches under the ground level in cold weather areas. This will help protect the root system in the winter. If you live in an area with poor drainage, add as much organic matter as possible and plant with the graft union at ground level. Water well, and mulch?with a 2 inch thick layer of bark or other organic mulch. Photo below is ?Harlow Carr?.

Water
Newly planted roses will need to stay moist the first season, so they may need water every other day. Once established, a regular moderate watering schedule for your climate will work well.