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Re: A selection of Roses for Houston, TX

-----Original Message-----
From: William M. Groth <groth@rice.edu

I'm getting in on this conversation a bit late in the game, so please
forgive me if I'm repeating anything anyone's already said.

I live in the New Orleans area, which has a similar climate to Houston's.
There is a book by William C. Welsh entitled:  _Antique Roses for the
South_.  You MUST get your hands on this book!  :-)   Welsh did extensive
research on the topic of growing OGR's in the Gulf South region (I believe
he lives in Houston or San Antonio).  Not only is this book extremely
informative, but the photography is beautiful.  The book has been very
helpful to me in my OGR selections.  He consulted with the Rose Rustlers in
writing the book, and is an experienced grower of OGR's as well.

The Antique Rose Emporium in Brenham offers a really nice catalog with a
wonderful assortment of old roses, most of which tolerate our climate well.
I've purchased from them before and had no problems, though the stock I
purchased from Greenmantle in CA was the best.

>I am still interested in other roses.  This is more or less my wish list
and
>I am wondering if any rosarians know of any good sources for these specific
>roses or
>reasons that they are not good choices for Houston.
>
>1st.  There are several micro and mini roses which I have seen listed as
>good for
>Houston or have on some want lists and I was wondering if anyone had a
source?
>Those I thought looked intriguing are "Black Jade", "Rainbows End", "Orange
>Honey", "Jean Kenneally" and the "Maurine Neuberger" (on a wish list).

For mini's, I like The Mini Rose Garden in Cross Hill, SC.  All of their
roses are $4.95.  You can call them toll-free for a catalog at1 (888)
998-2424.  Nice selection.
>
>2nd.  One of the roses which the Texas Rose Rustlers recommend on their
>website
>is the Mutabilis.  I have not seen where that rose might be available and
what
>might someone tell me about it for a beginner in Houston.  I might consider
>putting
>that rose in a raised bed.

The Antique Rose Emporium carries this rose.
>
>3rd.  The Texas Rose Rustlers recommmended against growing the following
types
>of roses in Houston:  Rugosas, Albas, Damask, Centifolias and of course
>Perpetual Hybrids.  What problems would I have with these categories
>(especially the Rugosas and Albas).

Most of them won't thrive in our climate.  They're better acclimated to a
shorter growing season.The heat and humidity is just too much, though there
are always some exceptions. The book I suggest above will give you much of
the information you need.
>
>4th.  Being a real nut for History I would very much like to get and grow
the
>three "Historic Roses of England".  Those being the Alba semi-plena (Rose
of
>York) and the Rosa gallica officionalis (Apothecary's Rose, Rose of
Lancaster)
>and the Rosa gallica versicolor (Rosa Mundi).  Does anyone know of a source
>for
>these or other 15th/16th/17th century roses?  Are these extremely difficult
to
>grow in Houston?

"[...R. gallica] are often found in old cemeteries in the South--a testament
to their durability.  The Gallicas have had considerable influence on the
modern roses.  Although susceptible to mildew, they are drought tolerant and
insect resistent."

--"Antique Roses for the South"

'Rose of York' is not listed, so it's probably not one to consider.

'Apothecary Rose' is listed, but it doesn't mention how tolerant it is, so
you can probably grow it, but it won't thrive as well as it would in other
areas of the country.

>I am hoping to find just a bit of spare time this weekend, in order to
check
>out the "Rose events" that are happening at Teas Nursery in Houston.  And
>if I can manage it I
>may try to get to the seminar on Saturday at the Garden Center.  Oh well,
one
>or the other.  Of course the third possibility may be to try a road trip to
>the RCW nursery in Northwest Houston.  If any local (or non local)
>rosarians have time I would love to hear your thoughts on all
>of this.  Thank you in advance.  Bye for now BILL

Good luck, and happy rose hunting.

Patty Hance
zone 8b, Louisiana
>______________________________________________________________________
>
>       William M. Groth
>       groth@ruf.rice.edu
>       Senior Staff Auditor
>       Internal Audit Department
>       phone: (713) 527-8101 ext.3759
> fax:  (713) 285-5927
>_____________________________________________________________________
>
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