Everything’s Coming Up Roses at the Hort!

‘One may live without bread, not without roses.’

The 2012 roses have arrived and they look fabulous! We have once again brought in traditional “tried and true” varieties such as ‘Iceberg’, ‘Cecile Brunner’ and ‘Westerland’ but for a bit of fun and adventure we're offering three brand new selections.

Ketchup & Mustard (Floribunda) Each fire-engine red petal of this rose has an intense golden yellow reverse. Its disease resistance is spoken of highly, despite its genetic propensity to be disease prone. It's rumored that cooler climates (such as ours) produce the best flower size. Expect this plant to reach between three to five feet in height and spread and to bloom repeatedly throughout the season in eye-catching clusters. This mildly fragrant flower is recommended for cutting and as a landscape shrub.

Koko Loco (Floribunda) If the hype about this rose is true, I may have found a new favorite. Right off the bat, it must be noted that this rose performs best in warmer back yards. If you have a full sun, hot spot in the garden, I would definitely try this rose. Cafe au lait buds open into perfect high centered, almost hybrid tea-shaped clusters of blooms. The magic happens as each bloom ages, blending from light milk chocolate into a beautiful lavender flower. Clean deep green foliage makes this not only a good landscape rose but its tight flowers which hold on the plant for a very long time, make this also a potentially good cut flower. 'Koko Loco' is described as growing three to four feet tall and as wide. The blooms are considered moderately fragrant.

Sugar Moon (Hybrid Tea) Look out ‘Honor’ and ‘John F. Kennedy’; there's a new kid in town! ‘Sugar Moon’ is being touted as the best fragrant white rose for cutting. Pure white, traditional high centered buds unfurl slowly atop long stems with an intense 'citrus and rose' fragrance. Dark green, nearly black green foliage is said to have great disease resistance and covers a large sturdy five to six foot frame. This is another rose rumored to produce larger flowers in cooler weather.

If you haven’t already had a chance, I recommend coming to the nursery and checking out the gorgeous roses, located in the back corner of our yard closest to the Market. While you’re here, make sure to stock up on a fresh supply of rose fertilizer. We are currently offering three organic rose fertilizers as well as some great organic all-purpose fertilizers. If rose pests are an issue, check out our organic based fungicides and pesticides made with plant oils and other mild ingredients.

As always, Happy Planting and I hope to see you in the nursery soon.

—Cheri