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.
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Books
If you're looking for that one particular rose or just want to know some basic information about roses, then the Combined Rose List (compiled and editied by Beverly R. Dobsom & Peter Schneider; available for $24 from www.combinedroselist.com or Peter Schneider, Box 677, Mantua, OH 44255) is an invaluable reference. Updated and published each year, the Combined Rose List includes synonyms and code names, color and horticultural classification, breeder, year of introduction, major awards won, fragrance notation, and patent/trademark status on over 13,500 rose species and varieties. Each rose is also keyed to every nursery that offers it, with over 320 mail-order nursery sources fully listed with contact information.
If you've ever wondered about companion planting, here's a fun book that explores the topic in detail. Roses Love Garlic: Secrets of Companion Planting with Flowers, by Louise Riotte (Garden Way Publishing, 1998; $15), describes how flowers help or hinder vegetables and other flowers. The book suggests companions for many commonly grown annuals and perennials, plus it discusses the medicinal uses, history, and folklore of many plants.