“Earth-Kind Roses give greater satisfaction and more pure enjoyment, with least effort, than any group of plants I’ve ever tested.” — Steven George, professor and landscape specialist, Texas A&M University

The easy care approach of Earth-Kind Roses appeals to a large range of people who don’t have the time to spend in the garden every day. It removes their long held fears and concerns about growing roses by:

* Eliminating the need for additional soil work after the initial bed preparation.

KnockOut roses, a variety of Earth-Kind, line the porch of a Waco house.
Waco Tribune-Herald file photo

* Eliminating the need for applications of synthetic or organic fertilizers (you may continue to fertilize if you wish).

* Eliminating the need for applications of fungicides and insecticides.

* Eliminating the need for deadheading of spent blooms. (Deadheading can be done to hasten bloom production but it is not necessary for plant performance).

* Greatly reducing the need for supplemental watering after the first year, except in extreme circumstances (drip irrigation is recommended).

* Greatly reducing the frequency of pruning by selecting appropriate plants and planting using recommended spacing parameters.

* Reduce the time pruning (only prune if plant is too big, needs shaping or has deadwood). If you prune, the ideal time is Valentine’s Day and Labor Day.

Design principles

Locate your rose garden for the family to enjoy — usually in the back yard and plant in locations where roses receive eight hours of sun daily.

Soil preparation — Roses really respond to well-aerated soils.

Texas A&M University Cooperative Extension recommends the following:

For black clay soil, incorporate 3 inches of compost or organic material plus 3 inches of expanded shale. This will make your bed 6 inches higher before you dig the hole to plant the rose bush. For sandy loams, incorporate 6 inches of compost/organic matter.

Finish the bed by adding 3 to 4 inches of hardwood mulch. Add mulch twice a year to keep the depth 3 to 4 inches around the roses. This eliminates many weeds, holds the moisture and the plant temperature.

“Using shredded hardwood mulch to help create a living soil environment in the landscape is good common sense in gardening,” said Mark Chamblee, owner of Chamblee’s Nursery in Tyler.

Water thoroughly until the roses are well-established. Check root ball by putting your finger into the soil. If it is dry an inch deep, it’s time to add water. Drip irrigation is preferred. Roses do not like wet leaves.

Maintain good air circulation. Do not plant roses in a small enclosed area.

Rose spacing — Ensure the rose bush has the recommended space for the rose and leave 1 to 2 feet of open space after rose has matured for air circulation.

Cluster compatible colors near one another. For example, reds with pinks or yellows with apricot.

Walkways — Plant fragrant, smaller roses preferably with fewer thorns

Container roses are lovely near a patio.

Destination point — a special place to enjoy the roses such as a bench or an arbor.

Plant roses in sweeping drifts integrated with a variety of companion plants.

Start with a few roses; add additional roses as you decide which you prefer and what you enjoy in your garden.

LaMarne

DWARF ROSES — 3-foot by 3-foot (size of grown rose bush, width by height)

Marie Daly — pink

Cecile Brunner — the Sweetheart Rose- light pink

SMALL ROSES — 4-foot-by-4-foot

Perle D’Or — apricot

LaMarne — pink with white edges

Belinda’s Dream

MEDIUM ROSES — 5-foot-by-5-foot

Belinda’s Dream — beautiful pink

Carefree Beauty — bright pink

KnockOut — cherry red

Mrs. Dudley Cross — cream edged with pink, nearly thornless

LARGE ROSES — 6-foot-by-7-foot

Mutabilis — single petal begins with yellow, pink, crimson e.g. Butterfly Rose

Mrs. B. R. Cant — silver rose, excellent cut flowers

New Dawn

CLIMBERS

Climbing Pinkie — a mannerly climber, will grow 10 to 12 feet, rose pink

New Dawn — will grow 15 to 20 feet, blush pink

All of these roses are fragrant except Knock Out and Mutabilis.

These roses bloom from April through November.

This is not the complete list of Earth-Kind Roses. For additional information see the website: EarthKind.tamu.edu