Roses

Fossils prove that roses grew millions of years ago. Today, there are more than 12,000 varieties of roses and they remain a favorite among most people. The rose is versatile and comes in a wide variety of colors, heights, and fragrances.

Roses range from antique varieties to hybrid teas. There are climbing roses and miniatures that can grow in the house so you can have fresh flowers all year. There are also, the long stemmed varieties that have been a staple among florists for decades. Low maintenance roses include garden roses and shrub roses. Hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, shrub and miniature roses are long flowering.

Old garden roses are any rose that was here before the introduction of the hybrid tea rose in 1867. The old rose varieties produce flowers once a year, usually in May or June. Old roses are usually pink or red with a loose flower compared to the tight budded hybrid tea roses. The old roses are known for having many blooms and are easy to care for. Most old rose varieties are hardy in winter, are disease and pest resistant, and do not require a lot of maintenance.

Hybrid tea roses are the classic long stemmed rose you order from the florist when you are sending flowers. These make great fresh cut flowers. The hybrid tea rose grows two to five feet tall. Some hybrids are hardy but most require special winter care. Whether you chose a hybrid tea rose or a garden rose you will be pleased with your blooms year after year with proper care.