Reliable Roses: Easy-to-Grow Roses That Won't Let You Down

Science News, April 3, 2004

RELIABLE ROSES: Easy-to-Grow Roses That Won't Let You Down

PHILIP HARKNESS

Many gardeners believe that roses are tough to grow and make bloom. Harkness argues that people's intimidation by these flowers is unjustified. He thinks people simply need to use better judgment about which varieties will work best in a given environment. To help in that cause, he selects 75 varieties that he deems easy to grow and gives readers basic directions for appropriately incorporating each variety into a landscape. Each flower's profile rates characteristics of the rose from how it blooms to how hardy it is. A color photograph accompanies each entry, along with details of size, color, and growing zones, Introductory chapters offer general information about roses' growing cycles, pruning needs, and best role in a landscape design. Firefly, 2004. 144 p., color photos/illus., hardcover, $19.95.