History of the modern rose

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 classifications of roses that were once considered the

ultimate in perfection have been superseded by new hybrids.

But these old garden roses, called antique roses, 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 interest in 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, if not

more care than 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 roses are the best, generally the

only grade you will find at a nursery. No. 1 1/2 grade roses are

inferior in quality, and No. 2 grade roses are strictly a gamble.

Take the Plant Man’s advice, and stick with the No. 1 grade.

Before you buy, you’ll need to consider more than just flower

color. 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, most importantly, roses that will grow

well, wherever you live, in Laguna and beyond. See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of 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 plantm@lagunanursery.com.