Rose Shopping                                                                      Mid-Atlantic

Rose shopping is tough. Of course you want a pretty one, but every rose is pretty. So, you narrow it down to pink. Do you know how many pink roses there are? Here are some other things to consider.

Rough and Tough
If you don't like spraying or otherwise coddling your roses, look for disease-resistant varieites. AARS winning roses are a great choice when you are looking for an easy to grow rose. Humid or rainy conditions invite all sorts of disease problems, so look for varieties resistant to common diseases, such as black spot and rust.

Location, Location, Location
Full sun is best, good air circulation is absolutely necessary in this region, and decent soil and average moisture are givens. Space is also a consideration; choose a small variety for a small space. A rose needs room to grow to its full mature size without crowding.

The "Short" List
Some roses inevitably sell out early so consider the many possibilities, including First Light, Knock Out, Bonica, Carefree Wonder, Carefree Delight.

Note that live plants may not exactly match a catalog photo. So, if possible, view rose varieties growing in your region. Examine flower color (blue-pink vs. orange-pink) and foliage color (blue, olive, dark or light green.) Is the habit rangy like a climber, vase-shaped, or rounded?

Now, you may insist you're looking for rose with small, pink blooms, but if something else entirely calls out to you, who can resist? You may have to make room for two new roses. Or three. You're only human.