No-Work Roses

Roses have a reputation for being difficult under Florida growing conditions. New pests like the Sri-Lankan weevil and thrips are causing more difficulties. Many roses must be grafted on ‘Fortuniana’ root stock to avoid root knot nematodes which prevent the uptake of water and nutrients to the plants. The universally used ‘Doctor Huey’ root stock is not effective against the Florida nematodes.

Old roses offer resistance to many old and new pests. China roses do not need to be grafted and can be grown by cuttings. China rose favorites like pink, 7-8 foot ‘Old Blush’, red, 7-8 foot ‘Louis Phillippe’, white, 4-6 foot ‘Ducher’ multi-colored, 8-10 foot ‘Mutablis’, red, 3-4 foot ‘Martha Gonzales’light pink changing to dark pink, 4-6 foot ‘Archduke Charles’ are good choices.

Polyantha roses are smaller growing than most of the China roses. They can get some black spot but seem to resist most insect pests. Pink very double blooms change to white on fragrant, 4-6 foot ‘Clotilde Soupert’, light pink blooms on 4-5 foot, ‘The Fairy’, this rose has newer forms with red and dark pink blooms. Pink blooms on 3-4 foot, ‘Caldwell Pink’, coral pink flowers on 6 foot ‘La Marne’. All do well here.

Tea roses are one of the parents of hybrid teas but most are disease free. Most tea roes are in the 6-7 foot size range and must be grafted. They make good cut flowers and offer soft colors to enjoy. Double flowering ‘Duchesse de Brabant’ is very fragrant and shell pink, yellow changing to pink blooms on thorn-less ‘Mrs. Dudley Cross’, and 8-10 foot deep rose, very double ‘Mrs. B. R. Cant’.

These roses all require full sun, good drainage, and good air movement to do well.  They should be watered in the morning only to minimize any possibility of fungal diseases.