I do tend to prefer the older roses. I only have one that I can think of that came in existence after 1900. All three below have a wonderful rose scent, require minimal care (in my garden anyway) and the last two tolerated the zone 6a winter in containers. RDR went into the ground soon after purchase so I can’t comment on its ability to withstand winter in a container though I suspect it would be fine given that it is hardy to zone 4.
This is Rose De Rescht and has been around since sometime before 1900 according to what I have read. The blooms are rather small, about 1.5 – 2.5 inches in diameter. The plant is also small only getting about 3 feet high and wide. It is reported to tolerate some shade though mine gets pretty much all day sun.
Also known as the Apothecary Rose, Rosa Gallica Officinalis has been around since the time of the Romans by some accounts. It was used medicinally, is also on the small side and very pretty.
This is a sport of the Apothecary rose above called Rosa Mundi. It has been around since at least the 1500s. Some blooms have more red, some more white. One of my favorites.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Frank // May 15, 2007 at 11:25 am
Hello Kerry,
I found your blog about a week ago and I’ve been checking back pretty often. I really enjoy your posts and the wide range of topics.
I’m a backyard gardener in Lexington, Kentucky. I’m starting a new vegetable garden this year and adding flowers and herbs too..
Take care.
Frank
2 kerry // May 15, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Glad you found me and glad you enjoy my blog. You are just right down the road from me. I get to Lexington quite often to visit friends and when I pass through on my way to Somerset.
What kind of goodies are you growing? Most of my experience is with veggies and herbs. When I was at UK I also worke with Corn, Tobacco and honey bees under some pretty awesome Profs in the Entomology department there. Its only been the last couple of years that I have ventured into flowers and even now its on a very limited basis.
Leave a Comment