Make Use of Shrub Roses

Few rose lovers realize how versatile shrub roses can be. The value and use of the popular bedding type roses are well known but other members of the rose family deserve more consideration for decorative garden purposes.

Under the heading “Shrub Roses” come the species, the old roses and a few moderns. Surely they are far superior to many of the shrubs we have used in the past and it is difficult to understand why their value as landscape material has never been fully appreciated.

The various members of this group hear blossoms of every color known to rosedom – white, yellow, all shades of pink, red, crimson, purple and some interestingly striped and variegated. Practically all are sturdy, hardy shrubs, intensely fragrant and not too particular as to soil or location. In fact there are some that will thrive in swampy locations and others that grow best in soil that would support but few other shrubs.

The wild roses of the world are referred to as species roses so they may be distinguished from the hybrid or garden roses. At one time they were thought to be only of botanical value but over the years the public has become aware of their considerable horticultural value. Like most flowering shrubs the majority bloom but once a year. However, many of them produce an abundance of seed pods. or hips, of various colors thus prolonging their period of attractiveness well into the winter. The freely produced blossoms are usually single and denote a simplicity and beauty that is lacking in most of our modern roses.

The old-fashioned roses are a bit more exacting than the species in their soil requirements but considerably less so than the modern roses. They constitute the link between the roses of the field and those of the modern garden and are ideal for that in-between spot for which the species are too vigorous and the hybrid teas not sufficiently sturdy.

During the past few years we have had several additions to the list of shrub roses – the hybrid musks. hybrid spinosissimas and others of more complex parentage. Some rival the hybrid teas in perfection of blossom, repeating bloom off and on all summer, and are quite hardy and robust.

In these various groups there are many desirable rose family members that could be planted to advantage as background material, used in the border or to form an impregnable and attractive hedge. Several could be placed as specimens in the formal garden.

The species roses offer possibilities in naturalizing and, as most of them will thrive in poor soil and under adverse conditions. they will be found valuable in covering spots where other shrubs could not exist.

Here are a few of the better sorts that are available from nurserymen.

Rose Species

Rosa Carolina is ideal for naturalizing as it spreads rapidly and is attractive in growth, foliage, blossoms (bright pink) and hips. Rosa Nitida is somewhat similar but rarely exceeds two feet in height; the former attains 3 to 6 feet.

Rosa Palustris naturalizes well in swampy locations and reaches 8 feet. The 2-inch pink blossoms are produced over a long period.

Rosa Spinosissima is difficult to surpass as a compact, low growing hedge. It is not particular as to soil. The rather small white blossoms seem to cover the very thorny canes. Hips are black and there are many of them. Naturalizes well or can be kept sheared to a height lower than its normal 3 feet.

Rosa Altaica is a Siberian form of the former and grows to 8 feet. It is exceptionally hardy and produces large white blossoms and black hips on an attractive well-formed plant. Can be grown as a specimen. The rugosa roses, Rosa Rucosa, are very much at home in a wide variety of soils and appear to do equally well in sandy or heavy clay soils. The flowers of the species are quite large, white, pink, or deep rose and are followed by large red hips. Foliage is very heavy and coarse. A long-lived, 6-foot shrub rose.

Rosa Hugonis (Golden Rose of China) is probably the best known of all rose species. The bright yellow blossoms are produced along the arching 6- to 8-foot canes in early May. It definitely prefers a very poor soil. R. PRIMULA is similar in blossom form, color and season but rarely exceeds 5 feet in height. The plant is more rigid in growth and prefers a better soil.

Rosa Rubrifolia, the red-leaved rose, offers a pleasing contrast. The blossoms are small and unimportant but the reddish foliage is interesting. It grows 6 feet high.

Rosa Moyesi is somewhat temperamental in habit of growth. It may be either gorgeous or mediocre but is worth trying. The blood red flowers, attractive foliage and interesting seed hips make it worth the gamble. Under ideal conditions it will attain 10 feet but usually rarely exceeds 6 feet.

Rosa Multiflora resembles the wild blackberry in the size and color of its blossoms but produces so many of them that it is Very desirable and attractive as a large shrub. Many small, red seed hips that persist all winter, or until eaten by the birds, add much to its value. Originally used as an understock, it is now also popular for woodland planting and hedge fencing. Will “turn” cattle, horses, sheep and hogs and forms a good game cover.

Rosa Roxburghii grows to 8 feet. The large, pale pink blossoms are followed by very prickly hips that resemble chestnut burrs. The bark is similar to that of the sycamore. Foliage is very good.

by RE Shepard

Related Articles Of Interest:

• Miniature Roses… The Jewels of the Rose Family
• Choosing and Planting Roses in Your Garden
• Landscaping A Rose Garden – Choosing Roses for Your Landscape
• Climbing Roses You Should Try Them