June Birth Flower: Rose

The name rose is derived from the Latin word rosa. According to Greek mythology, a sweet smelling rose with a thorny stem was a symbol of beauty and the flower of Venus. Roses were grown in the Middle East and used as medicines and perfumes. They were even used in celebrations as confetti. The Romans considered roses to be a representation of death and rebirth and often planted them among the graves of their loved ones.

It is believed that the cultivation of roses began 5,000 years ago in China. The oldest rose still planted today was in existence 2,000 years before the birth of Christ. Rosa gallica 'Officinalis' moved from Persia through Turkey to France and finally England. Roses have been used by herbalists as elixirs for various conditions. In the 17th century, kings and queens considered roses legal tender for purchases. William Shakespeare wrote about the 15^th century English civil war, called the War of the Roses, between the House of York represented by the white rose and the House of Lancaster represented by the red rose.

The meaning of the rose depends on its color, though it is generally known to signify love, beauty, honor, faith, and devotion. Roses can communicate different meanings depending on their number and color. A bouquet of roses signifies sincere gratitude, whereas a single rose amplifies the meaning of the color. For example, a single red rose means "I really love you".

• Red - The red rose symbolizes love, romance, beauty and perfection and can be a way to express your love when you can't put your feelings into the spoken word.
• Pink - The pink rose represents perfect happiness, admiration, gentleness, joy and grace.
• Yellow - The yellow rose may be a good choice for a friend, because it represents cheer and happiness. However, some folklore considers yellow to be a sign of jealousy.
• Orange - The orange rose symbolizes enthusiasm, energy, desire, and excitement. It can tell an old friend that you're interested in rekindling your former relationship.
• Lavender -The lavender rose shows your eagerness and compassion to grow and to remind your significant other of your love toward them. Lavender roses also indicate love at first sight.
• White - The white rose represents innocence, purity, charm, and new beginnings. It can also express remembrance for those who have passed.
• Red and white roses together sometimes symbolize unity.

Traditionally, roses have been considered challenging to grow. There are now modern easy-to-grow versions available including disease-resistant varieties. With so many kinds of roses, it can be difficult to choose a favorite type. One interesting method of choosing favorites is to group roses into classes according to their date of introduction:

Species roses--known as wild roses, are those that have grown wild for thousands of years. These wild roses have adapted to modern gardens and usually bloom from spring to early summer.

Old roses--known as "old-fashioned roses" and "heirloom roses" are those cultivated prior to 1867. These are the lush and fragrant blooms in old masters' paintings, poems, and literature. There are hundreds of old rose varieties, many of which are hardy in colder climates.

Modern roses--generally hybrid roses cultivated after 1867, are extremely hardy and disease-resistant, and bred for color, shape, size, and fragrance. Hybrid tea roses, with one large flower on a long cutting stem, are one of the most popular types.

Roses like to grow in beds away from large plants and away from a lawn edge. The roots of many roses do not compete well with those of nearby trees, shrubs, and grass roots. Roses grow best in full sunlight, with a minimum of six hours daily. Roses that grow in partial sun weaken gradually, produce subpar blooms, and overwinter poorly. Roses are tolerant of poor soils, but they produce best in rich, well-drained soil. Slightly acidic soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0 is best for roses. Roses are best planted in the spring or fall. If you live in an area where winter temperatures drop below -10 degrees Fahrenheit, planting in spring is safer than planting in fall.

When purchasing bare-root roses look for plump green plants with smooth bark and healthy, well-developed roots. If you can plant the bare-root roses right away soak the roots for several hours before planting. If you need to delay planting your bare-root plants store them in a cool, dry place until they are ready to plant. Bare-root plants can be planted as soon as the soil is workable in spring.

Roses purchased in containers can be planted throughout the growing season, but it is preferable to plant them in spring. Plants that are already flowering can be placed in the landscape for immediate effect.

After planting is complete, make sure that the plants do not dry out during the establishment or growing period. Do not fertilize until the plant is well established. If you are planning for multiple roses, do not crowd them. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases and allows for better light penetration. Water roses deeply after planting and throughout the growing season as needed. Roses need an inch of water per week throughout the growing season. Avoid frequent shallow sprinklings, which will not reach the deeper roots. Water the soil around the plant rather than the foliage. Wet foliage is more susceptible to fungal diseases. Do not allow the root zone to completely dry out. Conversely, do not let roses sit in water. They will die if the soil is too wet for too long. Mulch can help conserve water, reduce stress, and encourage healthy growth. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around your plants leaving a 4 to 6 inch space between the stem of the rose plant and the mulch.

Pruning can be done once leaf buds appear in early spring. Always wear protective gloves and safety goggles; branches can whip back when released. Deadhead regularly. Removing old flower blossoms encourages the plant to make more flowers instead of using the energy to make seeds. Remove debris around the plant that can harbor disease and insects. Stop deadheading roses three to four weeks before the first hard frost so as not to encourage new growth at a time when new shoots may be damaged by the cold. In the fall, clean up the rose beds to prevent overwintering of diseases. Stop fertilizing six weeks before the first fall frost but continue watering during dry fall weather to help keep plants healthy during a dry winter. Add mulch or compost around the roses after a few frosts but before the ground freezes. This will help retain moisture and may also offer some winter protection. In northeast Pennsylvania, consider growing roses close to the foundation of your home. This provides plants with some degree of winter protection.

Do not hesitate to try growing roses despite their temperamental reputation. It can be easier than you think if you just give them what they need. Your reward will be perfumed, beautiful, and colorful blooms gracing your garden!

~ by Joan Banyas, Penn State Master Gardener Trainee of Luzerne County