Heirloom Roses: Three Things Grandma Didn’t Tell You
Heirloom roses are always mentioned as something good for your garden, but what exactly are they? Heirloom, also known as antique or old roses are the rose varieties that existed before 1867, the year the first hybrid tea rose was developed in France. Heirloom roses lost favor with gardeners since they did not repeat blooms like the new roses do. Today, a lot of gardeners still look at heirlooms as being inferior to the modern varieties. While modern roses bloom several times over a growing season, heirloom roses produce blossoms in early summer for a period of two to four weeks. When they bloom, though, the fragrance and abundance of blooms is astounding.
If you’re thinking of adding some heirloom roses in your garden there are a few things you should know before you plant them.
1. Heirloom Roses are Hardy and Diverse
It is mind-boggling how many colors, sizes, flower forms and fragrances there are to choose from with heirloom roses. If you want climbing roses, or short roses or tall roses… you’ll find something to fit the bill. With all this variety, you’re sure to find one or three that you can’t live without. (more…)