R O S E S ---- Part 1

Title: Roses
Author: Jerome Gautier
Publisher: Flammarion
Year: 2006

It consists of two books, i.e. The Art of the Rose and The Most Beautiful Roses.
The first book tells about the origin of the rose, China as the cradle of roses, old roses, roses of today, and the extended rose family. It explains kinds of roses range from China, Greece, Rome, Middle East, Turkey, France, and Denmark. It also gives some tips of how to plant and grow roses.

Please see the followings:

Different Ways of Planting

The correct way of plating a rose depends on whether tit has bare roots or is sold in a clump or container. In either case, to ensure success, it should be planted in earth that is neither too heavy nor too light and that is neutral or slightly acidic. Ensure the sun exposure is suitable for the particular variety, which can range from full sunlight to partial shade, or even full shade in some cases. The only precautions to take care as follows:
- for soil with a high content of lime, use roses that have been grafted on Rosa canina or R. luxa;
- do not replace an old rosebush with a new one in the same location;
- most roses do not enjoy sunlight beating down on them;
- do not plant anything at the foot of a fully-grown hedge.

Roses with bare roots

Bare-roots roses are sold from late fall to early spring. To ensure they take care correctly, plant them at the end of fall, except in very cold climates or where the soil is particularly heavy when it is best to wait until spring. If possible, choose a fine day to plant. Never plant when there is heavy rain or when there is a risk of frost. If your roses arrive during a cold spell, keep them well protected from the cold. They will keep for ten days in their original packaging provided they are stored in an unheated area away from the cold (a cellar or veranda for example). Beyond ten days, unwrap them and plant in a temporary trench, having first packed round the roots with peat or fine river sand that is not too alkaline.

Planting early helps the roots take hold.

To be sure of getting the variety or varieties you want, place your order at the end of the summer. But do not be in a hurry to plant; bare-root roses should not be planted before mid-to late fall. If you are creating a bed of roses, did a deep trench on mid-fall and bury a generous dose of rose feed or well-decomposed cow pat. Avoid using garden compost which could introduce diseases. For isolated plants, dig a hole 1.5 ft. (40 cm) wide and deep for each plant so that the roots can spread freely. Prepare the base of the hole and add some starter fertilizer before adding a fine layer of soil about 4 in. (10cm) deep. If necessary, enrich the soil that is used to pack around the roots of the plant.

Plant the graft point so it is barely covered.

Before planting the rose, begin by refreshing the roots by pruning them lightly and removing any damaged parts. Once the roots have been prepared and fertilized, place the rose in the center of the hole. Position it so the graft point is buried about 1 in. (2.5cm) under the surface. Hold it in the position as you continue to backfill the hole with the enriched earth or a special planting soil. Water copiously directly after planting, even if it is raining.

Correct planting distances.

Intervals between plants vary according to variety.
- For bushes, 15-19 in. (40-50), or 23-27 in. (60-70cm) for particularly exuberant varieties;
- One and a half to two yards for shrubs;
- Three to five yards for climbers

Pruning after planting

The following rose types may be pruned hard:
- Bush roses (to 6in./16cm above ground)
- Standards (to four or six buds)
- Weepers (keeping the stems about 6in./15cm long)
- Ramblers (23-31 in./60-80cm from the ground)
It is not necessary to prune:
- Miniatures
- Shrubs
- Climbers

Two special cases:
- The “climbing” rose

To brighten up a wall of the façade of your home with a climber, install a support such as a trellis or metal wire before planting, as it will be difficult to do so once the rose is in place. Make sure the hole is sufficiently far from the wall, (at least 12-15 in./30-40cm) so the plant gets the full benefit of the rain. This is particularly important if the wall is east facing. When planting, spread the roots away from the wall so they do not get overheated.