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In recent years there has been much interest in old varieties of roses. The movement to bring them back to the nursery trade and back to our gardens actually originated with a handful of people who began collecting roses on their own, usually by learning to root cuttings. As interest grew, collectors began banding together to share information, trade cuttings and 'rustle' even more varieties of lost roses. Eventually, a few specialty nurseries began propagating and selling old roses commercially.
Why did antique roses fall out of fashion? First of all, some early varieties were not very cold hardy. They did well only in the southern states. Secondly, many old varieties would bloom only once in the spring, while modern varieties bloom all summer.
According to the American Rose Society, an old rose is one who's type was in existence prior to 1867, when the first Hybrid Tea, La France, was introduced. Before that time, gardeners had cultivated many different classes of roses: Bourbon roses, Damasks, Chinas, Gallicas, Centifolias and more. The Hybrid Teas eventually swept all these off the market, so the appearance of this class is said to mark the era of the modern rose.
The major advantage of old roses in the home landscape today is their persistence. They grow on their own roots, as opposed to modern roses, which are grafted. And they don¡¦t require the strict regimen of spraying that hybrid require. Here are some tips for the care of antique roses:
* Roses located in full sun (six to eight hours a day) put out stronger growth and are more disease resistant. Morning sun is especially desirable, as it quickly dries up dew and other moisture that contributes to fungal diseases.
* Old roses are more pest resistant than Hybrid Teas, but resistance varies among different varieties. Though aphids are common in the South, many old roses can withstand an aphid attack without incurring damage. Most will respond well to organic measures, such as insecticidal soap, instead of chemical pesticides. (Ladybugs are a natural predator of aphids, but are also wiped out by chemicals.)
* Antique roses are drought resistant and many times can survive on rainfall alone once they are established. Irrigation may be needed during extended dry spells. Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems are preferable to sprinklers because roses can better resist disease when their foliage remains dry. Mulches can also reduce the need for supplemental watering.
* The heavy pruning required by Hybrid Teas is not appropriate for old roses. Pruning can be done in February in the South, and should focus on the removal of dead canes and thinning of crowded growth. The shrubs can also be lightly shaped as desired.
* All plants benefit from fertilization and old roses are no exception. They can get by with one application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring, though monthly applications from spring to early fall may result in a heavier flush of bloom.
If you are fond of an old rosebush that grows at the home of a neighbor or older relative, here's how you can propagate the bush for your own garden:
* Successful rooting of cuttings is accomplished in the cool months, from November through February. Take cuttings from the tip of a stem that has recently bloomed.
* Using a sharp pruning tool, take cuttings that are six to eight inches long. Remove withered flowers and the leaves on the bottom half of the cutting.
* Rooting hormones such as Rootone increase the chances of success, but are not necessary.
* Select a sheltered site with bright, indirect light. Against an eastern or northern wall is usually a good bet. Amend heavy clay soils with sand and peat moss to improve the texture.
* Use a pencil to make a hole for the cutting, then insert it two to three inches deep and firm the soil around it.
* Don't let cuttings dry out -- an overturned Mason jar can create a useful, mini-greenhouse, as long as temperatures don't get too high.
* Successful cuttings will grow roots and new top growth in the spring. As the weather warms, jars should be removed, yet it is still important that the cuttings don't dry out.
* Cuttings are best left in place to establish a good root system during their first summer. They can be transplanted to permanent locations in the fall.
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