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ROSE (Rosa species)
Roses are perhaps the best loved and most widely planted shrub in temperate
parts of the world. For an herb garden the most frequently planted ones
are the old roses-particularly damask, cabbage, and sweet briar.
Cabbage rose (R. centifolia) has prickly stems growing to 6 feet. Pink to
purple, very fragrant double flowers bloom in the late spring and early
summer. R. c. muscosa or moss rose has flower stalks and bases covered with
hairy green "moss." The flowers are mostly double, and pink, white,
or red in color, and have an intense old rose fragrance.
R. damascena, the old world damask rose, grows to 6 feet and has pale green
foliage. Double blossoms appear in large clusters and are very fragrant.
Colors range from pure white to red. The species flowers only in spring,
but some of its varieties will blossom repeatedly through summer and fall.
The variety called Kazanlik (R. d. trigintipetala) is grown in vast quantities
in southeast Europe for its flower petals which produce attar of roses.
R. eglanteria or sweet briar is a vigorous climber to 8-12 feet. The stems
are prickly and covered with dark green fragrant leaves that smell like
apples. The single flowers (1 1/2 inches across) appear singly or in clusters
in the late spring, followed by reddish orange fruit. Plant 3-4 feet apart
for a hedge and prune once each year in the spring.
R. gallica (French rose or "Apothecary's Rose") has 3-4 foot tall
stems growing from creeping root stocks. The leaves are smooth and dark
green. The flowers have an old rose fragrance and are about 2 1/2 inches
across. They are pink through slate blue and purple, often mottled.
R. rugosa, Ramamas rose or Sea tomato is a vigorous hardy shrub growing
to 3-8 feet tall. The leaves are bright, glossy green and have distinctive
heavy veins which give them a crinkled appearance. Flowers are 2-4 inches
across and are single or double and pure white through pink and deep purplish
red. The bright red fruit is an inch or more across, shaped like small tomatoes
and very showy against the foliage. They are edible but seedy.
Since ancient Grecian times, roses have been a symbol of beauty, love, fidelity,
and happiness. They are most valued for their fragrance. In the later Roman
period the flower petals were strewn on the floors of banquet halls and
on the streets during parades and processions. Rose water is said to have
flowed from fountains, and the wealthiest classes bathed in rose wine and
rose water. Cakes and other delicacies were made from the petals and fruit.
There are two myths which attribute roses to gods. One says that they came
from the blood of Adonis, the other that they got their red color from the
blood of Aphrodite. Varieties of the French rose (R. gallica) were symbols
of the two royal houses of York and Lancaster: a white flowered one for
York and red for Lancaster. Their dynestic struggle against one another
during the 15th century was known as the "War of the Roses" after
these symbols. Medicinally, the damask rose was used to make a syrup taken
for colds and coughs.
Roses are usually grown from plants purchased from a nursery or from a mail
order rose specialist. Choose species that are suitable for your climate,
as their hardiness varies. Many of the old roses will grow easily from cuttings
taken at the time you prune the plants before they leaf out. In cool summer
areas choose varieties that do not have an unusually large number of petals
as they will not always open well. Pastel colors are best; dark, rich colors
often tend to get "muddy. " Plant in open areas to assure good
air circulation, and water deeply to encourage deep root growth. In hot
summer areas roses grow fast and strong but if
planted in the hot sun they sometimes open prematurely, burn, or fade. Provide
midday or afternoon shade for best summer flowers. Avoid reflected heat
from light colored walls and avoid south or west exposure. Mulch heavily
to conserve moisture and keep roots cool. In cold winter areas, select hardy
plants. Plant them with bud onion just below the soil surface. After planting,
mound soil over canes for protection against freezing. Begin removing soil
gradually when hard freezes are over. Cut out dead branch tips in the spring.
Most roses like a well aerated, moderately rich soil and need good watering.
Feed regularly in coordination with the blooming periods-just after one
period has ended and new growth is beginning for the next one is a good
time. Roses are subject to aphids, spider mites, and thrips, depending on
the variety and your geographic location. Spray against them as needed.
The most common use for roses is in the landscape, but you also can use
the petals and fruit to make tea, jellies, potpourri, and sachets.