Regional Growing Guide: Middle 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'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.
Roses for Dummies (Wiley Publishing, 2000; $21.99), by Lance Walheim, is an excellent reference for the advanced rosarian as well as the novice. His recommendations for which rose to plant and, more importantly, which not to plant, are invaluable.
There is a section of color photos of the different types of roses: hybrid teas, shrub roses, climbers, floribundas, grandifloras, and miniatures. There also is a section on what makes roses fragrant, which is very interesting reading. There is a large section on the cultivation of roses in containers, as well as the basics, such as pruning, fertilizing and watering. Over all, Roses for Dummies is a great source of information to keep on hand if you love roses!