Page 30 - Harnett Life Summer 2021

Summer Roses

If everyone had to absolutely settle on one summer flower, dare By Mack Johnson,
I say it would be a rose. The rose has enjoyed great popularity Extension Horticultural Agent
and lackluster times as well, but with the release of recent flow-
ering cultivars the noble rose seems to be back in the limelight.
A bit of background: hybrid tea roses are long-stemmed cutting trellises. Some bloom only once, while others bloom continu-
roses characterized by big flowers that have high centers with ously. Some have large hybrid tea-type blooms, while others
pointed buds, a large petal count, and good repeat blooming bloom in small clusters.
throughout the summer and fall until frost.
Where is the perfect spot for your rosebush? Plant the shrub
Floribunda roses generally have smaller flowers than hybrid where it will get 6-8 hours of full sunlight each day. The best
teas, but produce more flowers on each stem. Floribundas site is one with full sun early in the morning and late afternoon
are usually low-growing, densely branched bushes which are shade. This allows the leaves and buds to dry early in the day,
suited to many types of landscapes. Colors range from snowy which will discourage diseases. Shade in the afternoon will en-
white to deep crimson. Grandiflora roses are quite hearty and courage the development of good flower color. The area should
produce larger petals but fewer flowers than the floribunda. be relatively open for good air circulation and away from fruit
Although roses can’t grip or attach to a support, the “climbing trees and vegetable gardens to limit insect and disease prob-
rose” sends out long shoots or canes that can be trained over lems.

Page 30 Harnett Life ~ Summer 2021