The rating of the roses

THE GARDEN FANATIC

“There is nothing more difficult for a truly creative painter than to

paint a rose ...”

-- HENRI MATISSE

“Your next-door neighbour ... is [about] roses that are better

than yours.”

-- G. K. CHESTERTON

The Greek poet, Sappho, described the rose as the “queen of

flowers” nearly 2,600 years ago. To her east, Confucius noted the

exquisite rose gardens of the Imperial Palace. Today’s roses owe

their heritage to these forebears, mostly five-petaled native roses

of the northern latitudes.

The five rose classifications that were once considered the

ultimate in perfection, have been superseded by new hybrids. But

these old garden roses, called antique roses, still remain in the

gardens of old homesteads and are enjoyed by many gardeners today.

Included are the alba, centifolia, damask, gallica and moss roses.

Renewed garden interest for antique roses has increased through

knowledge and availability.

The “modern” era of rose-growing began in 1867, with the

introduction of the first hybrid tea, “La France.” Roses introduced

before that year are now considered antique roses. Among today’s

modern favorites are the hybrid tea, floribunda, grandiflora,

polyantha, shrub and miniature roses.

Although roses are sold throughout the year, the best time (as

Catharine knows) to make your rose selections is now! Roses go

through a period of dormancy (except for this winter in Laguna) from

December until late February. During this time, roses are sold as

bare-root, with a much greater selection available at your favorite

nursery, because these plants require less care and space. In

addition, you will save money on bare-root roses and they are easier

to plant!

Purchase bare-root plants from a reputable nursery, as cheap roses

from other outlets are rarely a bargain, and require as much care as

good ones. Plants are rated according to standards established by the

American Assn. of Nurserymen, with each grade designated by a number:

1, 1 1/2, and 2. No. 1 grade are the best, generally the only grade

you will find at a nursery. No. 1 1/2grade are inferior in quality,

and No. 2 grade are strictly a gamble. Take the Plant Man’s advice,

and stick with the No. 1 grade.

Your favorite nurseryperson can introduce you to new roses, older

favorites (which cost less because their patents have expired),

fragrant roses, roses that will tolerate some shade, roses that will

grow with your perennials and roses that will grow well wherever you

live. See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI owns Landscapes by Laguna Nursery, 1540 S.

Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. He is married to local artist

Catharine Cooper and has three cats. He can be reached at (949)

497-2438, or by e-mail at [email protected].