Jul 9, 2015

Satisfying a New Generation of Rose Lovers By Jasmina Dolce

Roses are a timeless crop. While today’s roses may not necessarily be the ones your grandmother planted, roses seem to have a special place in the heart of every gardener – young and old.

Today, breeders are keeping up with the younger consumer’s need for a pretty rose that is easy to maintain. Today’s gardener wants success but may not have the time (or patience) to devote to a high-maintenance crop.

In the June issue of GPN, Lauren (Tuski) Snyder – a recent recipient of the GPN/Nexus Intern of the Year award and enthusiastic horticulturist – shared her thoughts on the new generation of roses and the breeding behind them. “These rose varieties satisfy a nostalgic want for the classics while also accomodating a 21st century, overly full schedule,” she says.

Here are some of the new roses highlighted in Snyder’s article, “Not Your Grandmother’s Roses.” To read the article in full, click here.

Flower Carpet (Anthony Tesselaar Plants)

Celebrating its 20th year, Flower Carpet roses are power performers in the garden. They are known for being very disease resistant and boast bright blooms all summer long – no deadheading is necessary.

Romantica (Star Roses & Plants)

The Romantica series was bred to combine the best features of the English rose – form and fragrance – with the habit of modern roses. What resulted is an exquisite garden specimen. The double flowers are reminiscent of a peony.

Miracle/’Bokrammi’ (Plants Nouveau)

‘Bokrammi’ was specifically bred for cut-flower quality rosehips. Bubblegum pink petals and a bright white center demand attention without taking over the garden – at only 3 feet high and wide.

Veranda (Greenheart Farms)

For the plant enthusiast who has the desire but not the space, the Veranda series is the answer. Vintage-looking blooms atop a compact plant make it the ideal solution for limited landscapes and container gardens.

Oso Easy (Proven Winners)

Great in containers and in the garden, the Oso Easy series’ self-cleaning habit makes it an all-star utility player. Little to no pruning is required, and tidy, mounded habits ensure that they stay manageable. Pictured is ‘Oso Easy Lemon Zest’, which was recently honored with the Award of Excellence by the American Rose Society.

Do you produce rose crops? If so, which ones are some of your favorites and/or best sellers? Shoot me an email and let me know!

– Jasmina