Roses without Problems?

Roses have such a reputation for playing the diva that many gardeners expect to have to prune, spray, clean and protect them in the winter just to keep them alive. But it’s not always true that roses are difficult to grow. Yes, there are capricious roses demanding constant attention and others that are insect and disease prone. As a laidback gardener, you should avoid those like the plague! Search instead for “easy-to-grow” roses and ones that are solidly hard in your area.

Most hybrid tea roses and grandifloras are in full diva mode and should be avoided. All climbing roses need to be fixed to their support, an extra step I find takes them beyond the “easy care” label: remember, you’re dealing with serious thorns here! Most floribunda roses are iffy too, although there are a few tough one. In other categories, though, there are roses that most laidback gardeners would find quite acceptable.

Shrub roses, groundcover roses and miniature roses are good choices in cold climates, as most are hardy to zone 5 or 4 and sometimes even zone 3. And among them are many that are also very resistant to diseases, although not always insects.

But the lesson to be learned here is to do your research before you buy a rose. Is it hardy in your area… without winter protection? Is it resistant to insects and diseases? You’d be surprised how many roses that fit precisely that definition.