When it comes to versatility and dependability among garden plants, roses are in a class of their own. Available in a variety of sizes and beautiful flowers, they offer the added advantage of colorful, aromatic blooms throughout the growing season.
Recognizing these attributes, efforts began as early as 1959, to make the rose the national flower of the United States. It wasn’t until 1986 that the rose was officially recognized as the national flower. This was due to President Ronald Reagan, who signed the resolution and proclaimed the rose as the national floral emblem of the White House. Since June has long been seen as the month for roses, especially with their popularity in weddings, it made sense for National Rose Month to happen in June.
In Colorado, there is a long history of roses growing, dating back millions of years. Evidence of these remarkable plants was uncovered in 1874 by pioneer and homesteader Charlotte Hill, when she discovered a fossilized rose leaf preserved in the Upper Eocene Florissant Formation some 34 million years ago. Now in the Smithsonian, the fossil rose Rosa hilliae is named for her.
Today, Colorado has three native wild roses, including Mountain rose (Rosa woodsii), Prairie rose, (Rosa Arkansas) and Prickly rose (Rosa acicularis) which can be viewed from the plains to elevations up to twelve thousand feet. Wild roses or “species roses” typically have a single, predominately pink flower.
Old Garden Roses or heirloom roses are classified as being cultivated prior to 1867. They have a strong fragrance but only bloom once a year. Cultivated after 1867, Modern Garden Roses are those most familiar to gardeners.
The year 1867 is an important one in rose history, since it marks the debut of the hybrid tea rose. Tall and elegant, hybrid tea roses are by far the most popular rose grown. Available in a wide range of colors, hybrid teas produce individual long-stemmed blooms repeatedly during the season. You can even find hybrid tea roses named for celebrities.
In addition to hybrid teas, modern garden rose varieties include climbers, David Austin, shrub roses, miniature roses, grandifloras and floribundas.
When it comes to growing roses successfully in Colorado, choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sun every day, away from trees, shrubs and perennials that compete for sunlight, space and nutrients. Provide adequate space between rose bushes. They don’t do well when crowded together.
Roses need well-amended soils to establish strong root systems and achieve vigorous growth and bloom potential. Prepare the planting site by adding locally produced organic materials.
Planted now, roses will establish well and provide color to your garden for many seasons to come.
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