Regional Growing Guide: Upper South
Hot, hazy and humid describes much of the year in this region, where roses commence their first peak of bloom by Mother's Day, then continue budding out and blooming through December. While most of the rain comes during winter and early spring, fierce afternoon thunderstorms, nor-easters and even hurricanes may blow through during summer months. The soil may be acidic or sandy: amending with lime helps balance the pH, while compost provides nutrients and improves drainage. The best roses are heat tolerant and resist black spot: new roses often offer improved repeat blooming as well.
The Right Rose
The key aspect with choosing the "right" roses is a matter of expectations. Perhaps more than with any other garden plant, to really enjoy growing roses, you need a clear idea of what you want. Because there are thousands of varieties, with a broad spectrum of plant size, growth type, and flower color and form, it really helps to know exactly what role you want roses to play in your garden. You also need to know what level of care you're willing to provide, as well as what level of "perfection" you want and at what price.
One of the best ways to decide which roses to plant is to visit as many private and public rose gardens as possible to see what kinds of roses appeal to you as well as which individual varieties stand out. Talk to as many rose gardeners as possible, too. Of course one person will tell you that XYZ rose is great, and the next person says it's awful. Still, you'll eventually see some trends.
Favorites, Old and New
Recently, a garden magazine had an article with roses recommended by gardeners from different areas of the country. It was interesting that even with the thousands of roses from which to choose, two names showed up as being good for disparate parts of the country. They were 'Carefree Delight' and 'Knock Out'.
'Carefree Delight' is a 3-foot shrub rose in bloom all summer long with vivid pink, semi-double flowers with a light fragrance followed by lots of rose hips in the fall. 'Knock Out' boasts disease-resistant foliage and continually blooming, single to semi-double cherry-red flowers on a 3-foot shrub.
Evaluate your needs carefully, then look for a rose that fits the bill. You'll be glad you did!