Species Roses
The true "old roses," species roses are those
that have been found growing in the wild in different parts of the earth.
They form the foundation of all other varieties (with the exception of
"sports" which are mutations from a known variety). That is, species roses
carry the original genetic material of all cultivated roses. Many people
like species roses for their delicacy of flower and foliage and their adaptability
to various environments. Their hardiness varies, and some are susceptible
to foliage diseases, but they generally are undemanding. Their size ranges
from dwarf forms to those that grow to be very large plants.
Fossil roses have been found around the Northern
Hemisphere. Of the species, only roses originating in Asia have the
ability to repeat their bloom during the growing season. All those native
to Europe and North America are non-recurrent. And it would seem that there
had been little chance for exchange of genes among the groups of roses
until humans began to trade over long distances. There are now some 250
known species of roses, but many so-called species roses commonly planted
in our gardens are actually close relatives and can be placed in related
groups. This is helpful when learning their characteristics, so, where
applicable, we have designated the major groups after the rose description.
For the gardener, species roses can provide a
mainstay of a wild garden or naturalistic setting. They often fit well
in a shrub border, or they can provide color in a less formal setting such
as around a driveway or mailbox. Many are ideal as hedging where low maintenance
is desirable and where fall hips provide a second round of color during
the season. For pruning, keep in mind not only the shape you would like
to see the plant assume, but also the fact that the best flowers and fruit
are produced on two-year-old wood. So spindly and old wood should be cut
out, but retain the healthy new growth for the next season.
Austrian Copper (Rosa foetida bicolor)
A spectacular rose! Coppery red petals surrounding
golden stamens show bright yellow on the reverse of single blooms. Foliage
is bright green but susceptible to black spot. Though I cannot vouch for
it, it is said that some people are sensitive to an unpleasant odor and
plant the 6'-7' shrub at a distance, where they can enjoy the beautiful
colors without being offended by the fetid smell. This rose tolerates
poor soils and resents being pruned. (<1590) [Pimpinellifoliae]
Dunwich Rose
Found in 1956 growing at Dunwich in Suffolk,
England, this is a dwarf scotch brier rose. It has creamy white, single
blossoms with golden stamens and fern-like scotch brier foliage. At 2'
high and 4' wide, it can make a charming ground cover rose. [Pimpinellifoliae]
Eglanteria (R. rubiginosa)
Also called "Common Sweet Brier," Eglanteria
has simple, single, pale pink blooms in clusters and apple-scented foliage,
especially when it is wet. A large plant at 10' x 8,' it is best used at
the back of the garden or for a large, easy-care hedge. It is also good
in a woodland setting and can be grown in a (large) tub. (<1550) [Caninae]
Fruhlingsmorgan
Such colors on a spring morning! Creamy single
flowers are brushed with clear pink and surround a gold center with maroon
stamens. Fragrance is delicious. One wishes it were always spring! The
shrub, which does repeat occasionally, sets good hips, is arching
and grows to about 6'. (1937) [Pimpinellifoliae]
Goldbusch
Coral pink buds open to golden yellow, semi-double or double flowers on
this 'Eglanteria' offspring. It can tolerate tough conditions and light shade,
and can be used as a hedge or, if supported, a climber. It is fragrant and
repeat-blooming. 4' or 8' as climber.(1954)
Harison's Yellow
A legendary rose, Harison's Yellow is identified
with the California Gold Rush, with pioneers planting it in farm dooryards
across the U.S., and with the Yellow Rose of Texas.
Its double, sulfur yellow roses are fragrant and cover this arching shrub,
making a grand early spring show. The canes are very thorny, and can be
somewhat sparse. The shrub is healthy, hardy, and tolerant of shade and
poor soil. (1830) [Pimpinellifoliae]
Nevada
Dark green foliage sets off saucer-sized creamy
white flowers that may be pink in some weather conditions. Blooms, which
are single or semi-double and slightly fragrant, put on a good show in
early summer and repeat until late fall. Shrub is healthy, hardy and its
form is arching. In cold climates, protect from winter winds until well
established. 6' (1927) [Moyesii?]
Rosa pomifera duplex (Wolley-Dod's Rose)
A great rose for the woodland garden, 'Pomifera
Duplex' is a dense but large shrub of 6' with clear pink, semi-double flowers
contrasting nicely with grey-green leaves. It has some fragrance, and some
years it produces great hips that are large and plum-colored. Suckers can
be invasive. (<1797?) [Caninae]
Rosa rubifolia (R. glauca), Carmenetta
Colorful foliage gives this rose its claim to
fame. Wine red leaves match the stems in spring and early summer,
then the leaves pale to blue-green with red edging until fall when they turn
golden and orange. Quite a show, even when the rose is growing in part shade in our garden.
Colors will be brighter when the shrub is planted in full sun. Single flowers,
like stars, are pink with white centers and yellow stamens. Small red hips
are produced in fall. The shrub is rather tall and narrow; Carmenetta is
a very similar hybrid with R. rugosa that is shorter and stronger.
However, the hybrid needs full sun and has thorns, missing on the species.
7' (<1830) [Caninae]
Stanwell Perpetual
With double, quartered, blush pink or white
blossoms, Stanwell Perpetual appears delicate but is really a survivor.
Bloom begins late and peaks in midsummer, but a sunny fall will bring a
lovely flush of blooms more highly colored than in the heat. It is fragrant,
has typical scotch rose foliage in grey-green, and will thrive in many
different situations. The shrub will grow to 5' and tends to sucker. (1838)
[Pimpinellifolia]
Copyright © 2000 Orion Farm
