Floribundas, hybrid teas and bush or shrub roses are perhaps the most popularly-grown varieties in our gardens.
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Floribunda rose is the term used to describe the assorted types of varieties usually having smaller flowers and in clusters.
The earlier term used was Polyantha, until hybridists started crossing Polyantha roses with hybrid teas and produced a new form of rose of assorted types. These generally have larger flowers and better formed buds than the old Polyantha roses, though usually not as large as the hybrid teas.
Hybrid tea roses are large-flowered, repeat-flowering types as distinct from the small flowering repeat bloomers (recurrent) such as the floribundas.
Hybrid teas are the varieties that produce large and formal long-bud flowers on good cutting stems, often with only one bloom per stem, and usually on strong base shoots or watershoots producing large clusters.
Originally the earlier types were called tea roses, but later upon the crossing with other types the classification was changed to hybrid tea.
Bush roses of hybrid tea form are the most popular type of roses grown in Tasmania. They are reasonably priced, easily maintained, seldom require staking, don’t catch the wind as much as standards and perform extremely well as cut flowers.
These are used for bedding displays, as specimens or as hedging plants.
The average height varies a great deal according to the soil, climate and the care the roses receive, but would be about 1m to 1.5m in height.
Miniature roses are dainty and lovely and especially suited for low edging or containers. The double, well-formed buds are about pea size and open to about 5cms across. The growth habit is bushy and would average about 40cms in height depending on their cultivation.
Now is the ideal time to visit nurseries and plant centres to choose new season’s varieties of roses while stocks are still in good supply.
When you come to plant your new rose the first thing to do is to choose a position with plenty of sun, good air circulation and protection from hot winds.
Roses prefer good, deep, well-drained heavy loam soil ideally with a pH of between 6.5 and 7.5. Incorporate as much well-composted, organic matter as possible in the soil prior to planting.
Allow approximately 2m spacings for the vigorous growing varieties while those of average vigour can be planted a little closer.
Prune the bush back to plump, outward-facing buds as this opens up the centre of the plant and forms a good framework for the future.
Damaged roots should be cut back to healthy, undamaged wood. Long roots can be shortened a little.
With bare-rooted plants if the roots show signs of being dry, immerse the plant in a bucket of water with some Seasol for about an hour prior to planting.
The planting hole should be large enough to accommodate the rose without restricting its roots. Make sure the graft union, the point where the scion is attached to the rootstock, is placed about 2.5cms above ground level.
Position the plant in the hole and sit the roots on a mound of soil. Spread the roots out so they dangle down.
Backfill by firming the soil down lightly.
Water around the plant slowly so no air pockets are left.
Given love and attention your roses should give you much pleasure for many years.
Diary
August 15: The Launceston Horticultural Society meets at Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston at 8pm. Guest speaker is arborist Frank Rosol. Visitors welcome. Home-made supper, trade table, raffle.
Daily: The Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, Romaine, Burnie. Open 9am to 5pm. Tea room open 10am to 4pm.