Regional Growing Guide: Coastal and Tropical 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
Here's a myth: You cannot grow anything organically in the South, but most assuredly, you cannot grow roses organically here. Not true in either case, and Liz Druitt proves it with her experience growing roses in hot, bug-ridden Texas. If you are an organic gardener, or want to be, or just want to read an excellent treatment of the issues involved, read The Organic Rose Garden, by Liz Druitt (Taylor Publishing, 1996; $21.00).
Recipes
Tea, Anyone?
As long as you grow your roses organically, why not make your own iced tea? First, fill each cell of an ice cube tray half full of water and freeze. Then put a rose petal or tiny bud in each cell, fill with water and freeze. Let some rose flowers go until they form solid hips, then harvest them. Make a fresh tea infusion with about 2 tablespoons hips in 1-1/2 cups of boiling water. Taste and sweeten if necessary, then chill and serve over rose cubes.