Benefits of Shrub Roses

If you've always liked the idea of growing roses, but felt they were to fussy to deal with, try shrub roses.

They are a much friendlier choice for the person new to gardening, or the person who just doesn't want to take a lot of time!

Here Are The Benefits of Shrub Roses:

1. Many shrub roses will thrive in conditions that are not suitable for hybrid tea roses

2. They tolerate colder weather than hybrid tea roses and they’ll grow in various climates

3. They require little maintenance so both pruning and upkeep are much easier

4. They have a natural ability to resist disease, so they are less prone to diseases

5. They will rebloom throughout the summer and into the fall

6. They grow in a natural shrub form that is very pleasing

7. They grow well into a hedge

8. They do well when combined with other plants and you can plant underneath them with compact perennials

Now, if you're not sure of the basic differences between a shrub rose and a hybrid tea, here is a quick comparison:

Shrub Roses: have a more informal habit and grow to an average hieght of 5 feet (1.5 m). The flowers are 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) wide, and come in single or semi-double. They are generally repeat flowering and are borne either singly or in small clusters from June to October.

Hybrid Tea and Floribunda Roses: have flowers that are generally double although single forms do exist. A single flower is produced at the end of each stem, when this has died the buds just under the flower head can produce another 3 - 4 usually smaller flowers.

For More Rose Care Information:

Shrub Rose Care and How To Properly Deadhead Roses

How To Prune Roses

For more Gardening Tips and Gardening Advice visit our main gardening website at Weekend Gardener Monthly Web Magazine - www.weekendgardener.net

Have good week!

Growing Gardenias

Hilary, I had a question for you:

My favorite flower is the gardenia; however, I've failed three times now to keep one alive, though one of those I can attribute to an infestation of bugs.

I've read about them and tried to follow the directions of keeping them out of drafts, misting them, and keeping them at a cool but sunny location. Any suggestions?

Eileen Sagraves

Hi Eileen,

Thank you for your question. Well, you know, Gardenias are so tough to grow. If you can get them in just the right place, they will thrive, otherwise - well you know about the otherwise.

It sounds like you are doing all the right things, but in case it might be helpful, here is our information page on gardenias: Gardenia Growing Tips Page

The only other suggestions I have for you are:

1. Provide even watering. They don't like to be too dry or too wet - it has to be just right

2. Rather than misting to provide humidity, I would try a large pebble tray because it gives even humidity over a longer period of time. Misting can sometimes cause problems with gardenias.

3. Make sure your nighttime temperatures are not too hot.

Read the detailed information page above, and let me know how it goes!

For more Gardening Tips and Gardening Advice visit our main gardening website at Weekend Gardener Monthly Web Magazine - www.weekendgardener.net

Have good week!