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Re: A selection of Roses for Houston, TX

William M. Groth wrote:
> 

Oops - I answered your post before I checked my mail.  So you'll get the
basics there - but I'll expand here.

Rugosas - Hansa does well for me in terms of health, but doesn't get
very big.  Therese Bugnet grows well, but hates alkiline soil - which
may not be a problem for you.  Mary Manners, Robusta, and Sir Thomas
Lipton will do well, and even get big.  And if Mary Manners does well,
so should Sara van Fleet.  Basye's Purple is an awesome bloom, but is
also alkiline intolerant, and makes an awkward shrub.  Try to shade the
roots - particularly from afternoon sun.  Mulch heavily.

Minis - I've had really good luck with Bridges, Nor'East and Sequoia. 
Some of the ones you mentioned may be available at local nurseries, but
you'll probably have to mail order some.

I keep trying to grow some of the old european roses - I have Ispahan,
and am disappointed in the bloom season.  If two weeks of spotty bloom
is as good as it gets, it's not enough.  But it's a gorgeous shrub.  I
have Constance Spry and Madame Hardy - and no blooms yet (after 3 and 2
years respectively) and Complicata blooms, but only somewhat for a week
or two.  It's just the price we pay for being able to grow Chinas and
Teas.  And Noisettes.

I can't recommend strongly enough that you take a road trip to ARE.  Go
to Brenham, take 105 north (or is it east?), and follow the sign to
Independence.  I go a couple of times a year, just to see the gardens. 
The staff is very helpful and knowledgable, and they sell good plants.

Anyway, good luck to you - from one CPA to another.....

-- 
Lynn Thomson
San Antonio, TX - Zone 8b

http://www.txdirect.net/users/lthomson/roses.html
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