Roses

Roses – more info

There’s a rose for every garden from dainty patio roses that are perfect for pots to rampant ramblers that will quickly cover a fence. Some, such rugosa roses, are ideal as hedges while others will produce beautiful hips to give winter interest.

Get the best out of your roses by regular pruning and feeding with rose fertiliser.

Which compost should I get with my roses?

If you are planting into a border, prepare the ground with well-rotted manure or good quality multi-purpose compost. For container growing, use a loam-based John Innes No 3 mixed with multi-purpose compost or well-rotted manure.

How quickly do climbing roses grow?

How quickly a climbing rose grows depends on the variety and the conditions it is grown in. Typically a climbing rose will reach maturity in a couple of years or so. A vigorous variety like ‘Rosa banksiae var. Banksiae.’ can reach 7m (22ft). Short climbers such as ‘Golden Showers’ will grow to around 3m (10ft).

Which roses have the best scent?

There are different types of rose scent, including old rose, myrrh and musk. Their scent is strongest when the flower is in full bloom. Among the best are ‘Scented Double White’, ‘Scentifall Yellow’ and ‘Scented Double Gold’.

Rose colour meanings

Choose your rose colour carefully, especially when buying as a gift. Each rose colour conveys a different meaning, here are some of the most popular:

• Red: love, romance, and beauty.
• Pink: admiration, gratitude and joy.
• Orange: passion, desire, and excitement.
• Yellow: friendship, care, and remembrance.
• White: purity, innocence, and new beginnings.