Roses for the
Desert Antique rosesDo you want wonderful lush plants capable of surviving under dire conditions? Antique roses thrive while forgotten in historic cemeteries and neglected behind ancient castles. You can trim them with hedge trimmers. Feed them once a year. Plant them in a desert garden plagued by drought and searing temperatures. They make perfect partners for busy gardeners and rose lovers who live in challenging climates. A variety of antique roses will grow for you in almost any climate, even the hot dry deserts of the southwest. In Arizona, where delicate hybrid roses often have a short life span or require constant care, my roses are almost seven years old and virtually carefree. Admittedly, there were some failures but those that adjusted look better every year. One tried and true technique is to pick a plant with a history of growing in a climate similar to yours. Then, let the plant decide. Most growers offer some history for each plant and tell you the location of their farm. Of course, you must provide proper care during the first year after planting; just don't take extraordinary measures if the plant seems doomed to fail. If it dies, try a different plant. In the end, the survivors become strong and carefree. Antique roses are also referred to as old roses. In the world of rose experts, the classifications for roses are numerous. The Guide to Old Roses by The Antique Rose Emporium (© 2000) uses the following categories in their table of contents; Found, old European, China, Noisette, Bourbon, Tea, Hybrid Perpetual, early Hybrid Tea, Species, Polyantha, Floribunda, Rugosa, Shrub, Hybrid Musk and Climbing. Nature cross-pollinated plants for centuries before man took an interest. So in many cases, a mystery exists rather than a pedigree. The mysteries surrounding the origins of old roses make them as interesting as they are durable. One example, Sweetbrier Rose, is a species rose originating sometime prior to 1551. She is an English native many people recognize from the literature of Chaucer and Shakespeare. Most antique roses originated in Europe and the Orient. Their colors are sometimes softer than hybrids and the flower forms vary. Some are very large; others are very compact. Some stems are smooth and thornless; others are thickly covered in large spikes. The oldest and those that evolved naturally are the most durable but there are selections to suit any gardener's taste. Since the first year determines the future of the rose, begin with good organic planting soil. Be sure to avoid adding too many supplements and spraying with chemicals. A mix of good mulch with your soil, or a high quality planting soil, is best. If the grower specializes in old roses and offers guidelines, follow the instructions. Even organic pesticides and soaps may not agree with these independent plants. Antique roses don't appreciate too much attention and may be killed by kindness, especially during their first year. Water deeply and regularly through the first summer and protect when necessary during the first winter. Feed young roses gently with generic plant foods. Avoid commercial rose foods with systemic pesticides designed for the high maintenance roses of more recent generations. In the southwest, plant in December and January to avoid the early heat waves. Purchase from growers that will ship your roses based on the date you request. Growers who specialize in old roses offer the best plants and the best advice. You'll find some in the web sites listed with this article. Other places don't seem to understand the planting seasons of the southwest. The care and plant characteristics vary so check the information on specific plants you like. Some bloom on old wood and some bloom on new wood, which determines whether you can prune your plants and when. Also, look for information on size. A rambling Mermaid is enormous and won't fit in a patio pot but a petite Martha Gonzales will. Where the rose originates makes a difference. If the rose was discovered and continues to be propagated in a climate similar to yours, it will adjust more quickly. One reason antique roses have stamina and endurance is because many of them are not grafted. They grow on their own roots. Over time, they adapted to various climates and developed natural resistance to disease and insects. I expect the plants in my yard to survive neglect, pets, children, heat and drought. On top of all that, I want colorful plants that bloom all year and do not demand constant care. They must be non-toxic and exist without toxic treatments since even some natural and organic feed and pesticide is toxic to children and pets. Old roses satisfy all of those demands. Fourteen roses have met the test of time and temperature endurance in my desert garden. Heat-reflecting brick walls and concrete surround my urban plot, which measures only ten feet by thirty feet. Yet, two Lady Banks, two Martha Gonzales and one each of Trier, Mermaid, Betty Prior, New Dawn, Old Blush, Lafter, Fairy, Sweetbriar Rose, Scarlet Red Meidiland and Graham Thomas create a scented garden room along the south side of my home.
If you like unique plants, old rose families include a few unusual members too. One is the Swamp Rose, which actually does like swampy terrain and grows well near ponds. Another unique plant is the Green Rose, which literally produces a green flower with a spicy aroma. For other unusual plants, check the catalogs and rose web sites. You never know when a new old rose will appear. Avid rose rustlers continually search for previously unknown roses to salvage and propagate. Their new discoveries are referred to as "found" roses. If you love to travel and play detective, this may be a perfect new hobby for your free time now that you have a picture perfect rose garden without the drudgery.
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