Sally Petitt, Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s head of horticulture, considers the enduring appeal and care of roses
For many, a rose-filled garden is the epitome of an English garden. With a long history and enduring popularity, roses are often named the nation’s favourite flower. Their wide variety of shapes, colours, habits and scents makes it easy to understand why this flower has become a mainstay of our gardens.
Today, there are more than 200 rose species and 30,000 cultivars, ranging from hybrid teas, ramblers and climbers to old roses, shrub roses, English roses, ground cover and floribundas – there’s something for everyone!
A brief history
The roses familiar to us today have a long history, with records indicating that roses were cultivated in China 5,000 years ago. While we have some native rose species, such as the shrubby Rosa canina (dog rose), these natives are often overlooked in favour of more ornamental species. Exotic species were first grown in Roman times, but the introduction of roses from foreign lands really took off in the 13th century.
The highly scented apothecary’s rose (Rosa gallica ‘Officinalis’) has been grown in our gardens since the medieval period, when it was used for medicinal purposes.
In the 17th century, repeat-flowering species from China transformed British gardens, and it was during this period that dedicated rose gardens were first created, to house these wonderful specimens.
During the 1800s, rose breeding programmes led to the development of many old roses, such as the vigorous ‘William Lobb’ musk rose. Rose breeding continued through the 20th century, with the creation of hybrids such as Rosa x pteragonis ‘Cantabrigiensis’, a shrub rose with pale yellow flowers raised here at Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
The 70s saw the development of hybrid teas that became popular for their neat habit and suitability for small gardens, including cultivars such as ‘Just Joey’. In more recent years, English roses including ‘Desdemona’ and ‘Lady of Shalott’ combine the charm of the old roses with the repeat flowering and disease resistance traits of modern roses.
A variety of planting styles
Roses have captivated for centuries; the Rose Garden shows off the best. Image by Howard Rice
While roses are closely associated with traditional cottage gardens, planted alongside foxgloves, campanulas and geraniums, there’s a variety of approaches in which they can be used. At the Botanic Garden, the Rose Garden demonstrates the evolution and history of the rose. The planting is done in the cottage garden style, featuring roses grown with alliums, nepeta and geraniums. For rose worshippers, a dedicated rose garden might include just one type of rose, such as hybrid teas, scented roses or a mixture. Some cultivars like ‘Iceberg’ and English roses are suitable for growing in pots on the patio.
For a more naturalistic, lower-maintenance and modern take, try creating a rose meadow. Here, shrubs, climbers and ramblers can be included among a diverse planting of herbaceous perennials, bulbs and grasses, including tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa), globe flowers (Echinops ritro) and catmint (Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’). The appeal of this approach is that it can reduce the need for careful pruning of roses to remove dead wood and create an open habit, instead just requiring an annual hard prune.
Roses are popular not only for their beauty and fragrance, but because they’re practical too. Many varieties thrive in clay soil and can tolerate part shade – a boon for problem areas in the garden. Their hips also offer seasonal interest and food for wildlife. Some, like ‘Iceberg’, do well in pots, making them a great option for small spaces. Whether you favour a traditional rosebed, informal planting or meadow-style scheme, there’s a rose to suit your needs.
Caring for roses
Whichever style of planting you choose, you should ensure your rose is planted in rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, and that you provide a regular feed of either well-rotted manure or rose fertiliser. Deadheading regularly once flowers have gone over to encourage flowering is ideal in a formal setting, but many roses, including the rambler ‘Kiftsgate’, produce attractive hips for autumn interest.
With their long, rich history and enduring appeal, roses are embedded in our gardening culture. And with such a vast range to choose from, there’s a rose to suit all tastes and garden styles.
Gardening jobs for June
- Deadhead spent flowers on perennials and roses to encourage more blooms.
- Plant out annuals and tender perennials once the risk of frost has passed.
- Water plants frequently, especially new plantings to encourage stronger root growth and containers that dry out quickly.
Best roses for beginners
- Rosa gallica ‘Officinalis’: The apothecary’s rose (pictured right) has semi-double, crimson-red flowers and good fragrance. It’s low maintenance and grows to 1m, requiring little pruning.
- Rosa ‘Generous Gardener’: This climbing rose reaches 4.5m in height and is a good selection for an arch, pergola or wall. This is a repeat-flowering rose that produces scented, pale-pink flowers and has good disease resistance.
- Rosa x pteragonis ‘Cantabrigiensis’: A shrub rose that grows to 2m in height, with arching stems and single, pale-yellow flowers. It’s disease resistant and requires little pruning.
Sally Petitt is head of horticulture at Cambridge University Botanic Garden. From roses to tulips, explore more of Sally’s gardening tips.
