Roses in the shade - includes sources - Cover Story

Flower & Garden Magazine, April-May, 1994 by Suzanne Verrier

Roses, Entwined in the art of gardening since ancient time, duly celebrated and recognized by anyone who is aware that flowers possess names, have undeservedly earned a reputation for being finicky and demanding of perfect growing conditions. On the contrary, the 250 or so species within the genus Rosa include some very adaptable shrubs. Consequently, the formula for success is in drawing on the diversity of the genus and selecting the right rose for the location.

A general rule of thumb for roses is the more sun they receive, the more bloom. Yet I have had a good quotient of success growing roses in shady gardens. Not all roses will perform or even survive in shady sites, however, so the choice of appropriate roses is essential to success.

My Knowledge of roses that tolerate shade has been accumulated over a number of years through the inevitable trials and errors. As the focus of my nursery business shifted from perennials to roses, it became increasingly necessary to test more and more roses in the gardens. Vegetable, herb and annual gardens bowed to the roses; whenever perennials or shrubs succumbed to our fierce and fickle Maine winters, they were replaced with roses. In the process, I squeezed roses into some quite unlikely locations. Now, with mo re than 600 roses in the gardens their sites run the gamut of light conditions from full sun to a few hours of dappled sun.

In any less-than-perfect location, shade included, it is best to select roses that are less exacting in their cultural requirements. Very generally, the closer a rose is to the true species, or the less hybridization in its background, the more adaptable it will be. In addition, varieties that bloom once in the season are less choosy about their growing situations than high-performance, repeat-blooming roses. There are exceptions to the rebloom rule, most notably among the rugosas and China roses (species that are naturally recurrent).

Roses suitable for a shady spot might be selected from the true species and their closely related hybrids; from the groups of older garden roses such as the gallicas, damasks and albas; and, in warmer areas, from more tender groups such as the Chinas.

If you intend to grow roses in shade, make sure that all other growing requirements are met. Drainage is important; roses do not like standing water or soggy oil. At planting time, enrich the planting soil with composted material. If the soil is very heavy, amend it with generous amounts of sand and compost. Roses situated close to trees must deal with competition from tree roots for both moisture and nutrients. You must be extra diligent in assuring an adequate supply of these requirements.

Roses need a steady supply of moisture, especially while establishing roots during their first full growing season. In climates where rainfall isn't sufficient, the hose can compensate, but much water can be conserved by applying a good mulch around the roses. I use a heavy layer of wet newspaper topped with 2 to 3 inches of compost or aged manure. (Avoid bark mulch, as it may contain growth inhibitors, and it robs nitrogen from the soil as it decomposes). This method of mulching has other benefits: the composted material supplies an even, natural source of nutrients and eliminates competition from weeds.

For best performance, I give my roses a biweekly to monthly feeding of fish fertilizer (better yet combined with a vitamin-hormone concentrate). I discontinue feeding six weeks before the first fall frost is expected.

The list of roses that have performed particularly well in shady spots in my gardens begins with a number of species and species hybrids. Garden visitors frequently inquire about Rosa canina, a charming species rose. It is a vigorous, gracefully arching shrub with attractive healthy blue-green foliage. I have two forms, both of them single, but one white and the other a delicate apple-blossom pink. The pink form of Rosa canina is highlighted with paler centers and a prominent center of yellow stamens. A showy display of scarlet hops tops off the season.

Rosa eglanteria, also known as eglantine or sweet briar, is a multi-interest rose with a long season of appeal. Eglantine's foliage is perfumed with a spicy green-apple fragrance that carries throughout the garden on a damp day. The single blossoms are a cheerful bright pink and give way to a good crop of scarlet hips. The hips have a flavor to match the fragrance of the foliage and are wonderful for tea or preserves. Eglantine forms curious mossy burs permeated with same scent; they are very attractive in potpourri. Rosa eglanteria grows into a long-caned, abundantly thorny shrub. It is also useful as a climber.

|Eddie's Jewel' is a hybrid of the species Rosa moyesii. It has many of the characteristics of that species, most notably the fine foliage and long-caned angular growth. The blossoms are semi-double, bright cherry-scarlet, and are borne along the canes. It makes quite an eye-catching picture early in the season when it is in full bloom.