Antique Roses?
Ever heard of heirloom roses and wondered what they are? Heirloom roses are also commonly referred to as ‘old’ or ‘antique’ roses. This is a term used to refer to all the varieties of roses that existed before 1867. This was when the first hybrid tea rose was introduced in France. Heirloom roses slowly became less popular with gardeners because they did not repeat blooms as mush as the new roses did. Even now, many gardeners still think of these old roses as inferior to modern roses. Heirloom roses blossom only for two to four weeks during the early summer, whereas modern roses bloom many times during the same season. When heirloom roses bloom, however, they do so in abundance and the scent is simply intoxicating.
If you’re thinking of adding heirloom roses to your garden (and you should), here are three extremely important things to know before planting your first one.
Heirloom Roses are diverse and strong
Heirloom roses come in an amazing array of colors, sizes, fragrances and flower forms. There are many varieties of every shape and size but they can easily fit into your garden space whether you want short, tall or even climbing roses. With the number of species, you’ll definitely find at least one heirloom rose to match your personal taste.
Heirloom roses are extremely strong plants. They are very easy to care for and for centuries they have thrived even without being sprayed with pesticides. You can even grow heirloom roses in northern climates. But all heirloom roses are not suitable for northern climates. So do your research you’ll find many species that are good enough to endure the long winter months of the Northern United States and Canada. Some of the strongest varieties are Alba or White Roses, Cent folia or Cabbage Roses, Damask, Gallica, Spinosissima or Scotch Brier Roses, and Bourbon Roses. Damask roses are the least hardy of this lot, but they are also the most fragrant and their blooms range in color from white to deep maroon. These roses have been used in the production of rose oil from centuries. Gallica is the most popular species of heirloom roses and has a pleasant but not overpowering fragrance.
They are extremely easy to look after
Caring for heirloom roses is almost the same as caring for the more modern ones. To really thrive, heirloom roses will need five things: sun, soil, drainage, water and proper air circulation. Your heirloom roses must be planted in a place where they will surely get at least six hours of sunlight everyday. Regarding the soil, you can begin with a good quality garden soil and mix in manure and compost to increase the nutrient levels. The roses must be watered regularly, but the key is perfect drainage so that the rose can have what it needs and the rest is allowed drain away. Proper drainage is a must for roses – rose like most plants will not thrive in wet, soggy soil. Unlike hybrid roses, heirloom roses don’t grow well when crowded together. They need room to grow and breathe. Most heirloom roses either need no pesticides or they have an aversion to them. You will rarely need to use pesticides on your heirloom roses and even if you do, you must use them sparingly. Pruning will have to be done in the spring to remove dead or diseased wood – but not just for the sake of pruning! Heirloom roses honestly need no more attention than any other plants in your garden.
They’re well worth the effort
Even now you may still be wondering, why you put in all this effort for a plant that blooms for only two to four weeks? After you provide the essentials that any other plant requires, they almost take care of themselves and do not require a lot of attention. They are completely captivating plants with brilliant blooms and an intoxicating fragrance, and though heirloom roses may have lost popularity among gardeners, there is a lengthy legacy or history attached to these plants. For centuries they hypnotized royals with their sweet smell and many painters attempted to capture the beauty of their short-lived blooms on canvas. You can also experience the profound beauty of heirloom roses by growing one in your garden next spring.