MRS FAQs Post: July 18, 2005

Joanna D Lukianoff, July 18, 2005 Is it OK to plant a new Standard rose in the Fall in CT.? Also, is there a rose named Margaret?

7/18/05 There is a rose names Margeret-go to www.helpmefind.com for description. Charlee Curtis MRS Member

7/18/05 Standard Roses need special winter protection which often involves digging them up and storing them inside or "tipping" them, so that planting one in the fall does not seem like a great idea. The standard roses is pieced together from three separate plants- the rootstock, the stem, and the ornamental plant. Each junction or bud union is vulnerable to winter kill and needs serious winter protection. Jerry Cinnamon MRS Member

7/18/05 It's ok to plant a rose in the fall. Follow to usual directions if containerized. If bareroot,strip every leaf from the plant to force it into early dormancy and cover the canes with dirt or manure until danger of frosts are over. " Margaret" is a hybrid tea hybridized by Dixon in 1954.Only one U.S. nursery sells it-Vintage Gardens, 2833 Old Gravenstein Hwy.,South Sebastopol, CA. 95472. Gary A. O'Neil MRS Member

Joanna D Lukianoff, July 18, 2005 Thank you so much Is there a more hardy non climbing rose that I could plant now? Can you suggest a good nursery in Danbury or at least nearby?

7/19/05 Joanna There are many hardy roses that can be planted now. There are two series, the Explorer and Parkland series that have sure bet roses. Morden Blush is a light pink rose that will delight you. Also a David Austin Heritage, Mary Rose, or Redoute will do well. We live in Maine so do not know local nurseries in Danbury. A quick search of the Yellow Pages in the phone book or on-line via google search engine should be of help. Jerry Cinnamon MRS Member