About Rose Trees

Seeing a picture of a beautiful rose tree, I was immediately sold (see photos). Certainly something this lovely - and creative - I want on my patio, or two of them flanking the entrance to my home. I decided to do some research.

A bit of history -

Rose trees have been around a long time and have been grown on the estates of the wealthy for centuries throughout Europe and North America. The rose tree is also known as Rose Standards.

How do they differ from rose shrubs?

Rose trees differ from rose shrubs in that they are a creation - they are created to resemble trees. Therefore, the trees must be regularly pruned to achieve and maintain the desired look of a tree. Pruning varies based on the type of roses you decide to grow. Those most often available are the grandiflora, hybrid tea, floribunda, and the minature rose.

A description -

Three parts make up the rose tree: the top part (the flowering crown), the long slender trunk--or cane--which measures 32 - 36 inches (without foliage) and the rootstock. The miniature rose trees are created just like the regular-sized rose trees except that the center cane is shorter and meaures about 24 inches.

Types of Rose Trees -

There is a new style of rose tree available offering two separate tiers of flowers. This is the "Double Decker" which has flowers on the top as well as flowers closer to the ground. There are also weeping varieties (see 2nd photo) - which has arched roses that overflow and (beautifully) cascade to the ground.

About care -

Care of the rose tree is similar to that of the bush roses with just a few extra considerations: the rose tree trunk is susceptible to sunscald in exceptionally hot areas and must be staked. The trunk is also exposed to winds and dessication and therefore needs more elaborate winter protection in USDA Hardiness zones 4 and 5. The plants may also need more feeding and watering. If grown in a container, the soil may become compacted and require repotting.

Container growing -

When grown in a container the rose tree can be brought indoors during the winter, while dormant, for added protection.

Outdoor trees -

However, unlike regular rose bushes, which only require a layer of mulch in the winter, the outdoor rose trees must be protected entirely from the cold. You can use mulch to cover the entire cane. This is done by surrounding the entire cane with wire mesh and then filling the area around the cane with the mulch. Or the wire mesh can be wrapped with paper or cloth which allows for some space for air ciculation. Then the flowers can be wrapped in straw and burlap.

About pruning -

Incorrect pruning can cause an uneven distribution of weight causing the stems to break off. Also, the cane itself should never be pruned. Improperly pruning a rose tree makes it more susceptible to disease.

For more gardening ideas see the links below: