HISTORY

Throughout history roses were sought after for medicinal reasons.  They have symbolized success and used as badges during the famous War of the Roses between houses of York and Lancaster. Their petals were used to make garlands and adorn banquets.  They were painted for their beauty in collections of oil and still life paintings as well as used in stained glass windows in Medieval churches. Wealthy Romans bathed in rose water and created greenhouses so they could always have access to the rose. Later the monks in monasteries continued to cultivate the rose for medicinal purposes, perfume, and even Communion wine.

Around 1800 Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, established a large collection of over 250 varieties of roses in her gardens in Malmaison, France. She commissioned nurserymen to collect and breed roses as well as had the French painter Redoute' paint them.  Later the China roses were brought to America around 1781 by the Captain of the British East India company.  Soon the Teas arrived and crosses between Chinas, Teas, Damasks and later Musks and Chinas began a line of new roses that is carried on today in our gardens.  With the introduction of the first modern Hybrid Tea in 1867, La France, the modern rose was born.  For many of us, the simplicity, elegance and deep rooted history of the Old Garden Rose continues to delight and charm our gardens as they have for so many years.

ROSES VARIETIES

Bourbons:  Originated in the 1817 in the Indian Ocean on the Ile de Boubon where a natural cross between 'Old blush' and an 'Autumn Damask' occurred. Loved during the 19th century, they are strong vigorous shrubs with cupped quartered flowers that repeat and carry a sweet fragrance.  Their thornless canes grow from 2-15' tall and are trained easily on tripods and pillars.


Chinas:  European traders during the 1700-1800's returned home with R. chinensis, 'Old Blush', that was later cultivated resulting in the creation of many hybrids that we have today.  Their unique ever-blooming characteristic was appealing, so they were crossed with the hardy old European roses which resulted in a new rose breeding process.  Their spicy fragrant flowers are small but sweet. They range from small twiggy bushes to very large upright plants. In the south they grow 2-10' tall.

Gallicas:  These roses date back more that 3,000 years.   Their crimson, lavender, purple and pink blooms are delicately fragrant and are ideal for cutting.  They tolerate poor soil and sucker on their own roots. Rosa gallica officinalis has been grown since the 13th century for its perfumed petals and medicinal use.

Rugosa:  These hardy roses, also known as the Beach Rose, can be seen growing along roads and in sand dunes with high winds and salt spray.  Introduced into the West from Japan and western Asia around 1796 and brought to America in the nineteenth century.  Rugosas are low maintenance, disease free and bear fragrant long lasting blooms.  Their hips add a distinct beauty to the garden and are a good source of vitamin C.  The foliage has a crinkled look that will show off colorful fall colors.

Teas:  Originated in China from a cross between Rosa chinensis with Rosa gigantea. The first Chinas roses brought to Europe in the early 1800's were 'Old Blush' and 'Slater's Crimson China'. They were sent by boats carrying tea crates from England and picked up the tea scent, thus obtaining their name.  Delicate and graceful,  the repeat blooming flowers range from white, cream yellow, and pink. Their sweetly scented blossoms often have a graceful droop to them.  Growth habit is 4-8' tall.

species and hybrids:  Known as the wild roses. All roses are descendants of species roses.  They are found growing naturally in the Northern Hemisphere, the topics and even the arctic areas. There are at least 200 different species known.  Many have stood the test of time and remain with us today reminding us of their place among roses. Their growth habit ranges from bushes to climbers.  Their flowers are once blooming simple with five petals that are followed by attractive hips attracting wildlife.  Some are evergreen and are attractive shrubs year round in the landscape.  Many people are unaware of their natural beauty and uses in the landscape.
 

Ramblers:  Known for their massive display of flowers, this group is derived from several species. Two common ramblers are developed from R. wichuraiana and R. multiflora.  They can be trained to go up poles, around chains, up walls and spread over structures. They flower only once during the season.  
 

Modern Shrubs: Other roses bred after 1867 fall into this category, including the roses David Austin produced, English Roses.   Old Garden Roses were crossed with Floribundas and Hybrid Teas to produce the well known and enchanting English Rose.