The rose is renowned for being the public’s favourite flower, writes Gillian Taylor, yet they are often underused in larger planting schemes in the UK.
Travelling through northern Europe, I see examples of roses thriving in many commercial sites. They are often found in urban areas, along road edges, on roundabouts and in parks, where their colour adds greatly to the enjoyment of these spaces.
As we are in bare root buying season, let’s look at some that you might be persuaded to consider.
What makes the perfect landscape rose?
• Easy maintenance – self-cleaning blooms so no deadheading required, minimal pruning input
• Health – excellent disease resistance so no need to spray
• Long season of flowering
• Good colour, form and foliage
In other words a reliable, robust plant that provides maximum visual impact.
Here is a selection that fulfils all the criteria, and that I can vouch for from personal experience.
Rose Flower Carpet
Asking Jo Davey of Wharton’s Roses (wholesale producers) for her top pick it was no surprise she named the Flower Carpet series – the world’s number one groundcover rose with millions sold worldwide since the launch of the popular Pink version in 1988 .
Flowering continuously from early June to December in many colours and attractive to pollinators, they tick all the boxes. I bought 30 this year for a client on the recommendation of Oliver Goold from Henry Street Roses and have been impressed with their outstanding performance.
Rose Lancashire
Thomas Proll from Kordes Rosen chose this as his number one landscape rose. Bright double cherry red flowers are produced continuously , on a vigorous and superbly healthy plant. A real showstopper, this rose works well in modern designs , contrasting well against hard landscaping. Highly recommended for health by Trevor White Roses, it is widely available to buy.
Rose Centre Stage
Recommended by Marilyn Stevens of the British Association of Rose Breeders (BARB) this is an extremely low-growing variety perfect for use as ground cover or in large planters. The small leaves are a deep green but are usually hidden due to the numerous soft pink flowers covering the plant.
Rose The Fairy
I was delighted to see this rose in mass planting in Swedish parks last summer. Bred in the 1930s, she still performs well today. Masses of small pink double flowers cover a spreading shrub. Perpetual flowering and with excellent health, she is definitely one to consider.
Rugosa Roses
This group is a favourite of mine and should be more widely considered in all situations. Robustly healthy, deer resistant, low maintenance and with fragrant flowers followed by colourful hips, what’s not to like? There are many fine examples – top picks are Scabrosa, Fru Dagmar and Hansa.
You may notice I have not included any yellow choices – very much a ‘Marmite’ colour for the public so to avoid alienating half of them it is best avoided unless specifically requested.
For more information:
Whartons Roses www.whartons.co.uk
Kordes Rosen www.rosen.de
BARB www.rosesuk.com
Henry Street Rose Sales www.henrystreetnursery.co.uk
Trevor White Roses www.trevorwhiteroses.co.uk
Chichester Trees and Shrubs Ltd www.ctsplants.com