Re: Roses

Hello all,
 
When I lived in the East Bay I grew 'Apricot Nectar' which I loved.  This rose didn't mind the fog and it never got any diseases, was very fragrant and had long stems for cut flowers.
 
As far as taking cuttings, I have never attempted that, but when I lived in Arkansas we had several old world roses growing on our farm that must have been planted years earlier.  One in particular - which I believe was Violacea, that - to this day - I regret not getting a cutting of.  The rose was about 5 feet high with almost thornless branches, bloomed only once a season, had huge sprays of the most wonderfully perfumed flowers about 4 inches in diameter - a double row of purplish petals with a yellow center.  Violacea was tolerant of the intense heat and humidity of Arkansas, was growing in partial shade, stayed alive on its own (the farm had been neglected for 10 years before we moved there) but was happier and healthier looking with a small amount of compost and fertilizer.   I am still looking for this rose to grow - if anyone knows of a source - please let me know.
 
Does anyone know of some rose varieties to grow for their hips?  I would like to utilize them for their winter interest and also for a tea for vitamin C intake.  I have planted two small one gallon roses, Rosa californica and Rose woodsii,  which I purchased from a native plant nursery but I have not seen them with fruit - so I don't know if they will produce good hips.  My climate here in the summer is very hot and dry with some wind every afternoon.
 
Thank you.
 
Linda Starr
Springville Gardens
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index