Author: Simonetta Jensen

In the 18th Century, rose bushes were very common in gardens.  These roses were mainly "old roses" and often given as a gift during courtship.  Since the "old roses" were easy to tend, beautiful to admire and highly fragrant, most of these roses conveyed a symbolic gesture that wasn't often spoken among 18th Century admirers.  "Old roses" are still mostly hardy shrubs that don't take a lot of skill to tend, unless you are working toward a gardener's professional level of perfection.

The category of "old roses" is from a hardy stock of rose bushes and climbers that were popular in the Victorian age. Most of these Victorian-age roses were imported from varieties that were first grown in Greece and Persia during the 15th Century.  These aromatic roses are still highly popular in today's gardens since they grow well in several zones and don't require the same highly detailed attention as many hybrid roses.

The first step in selecting an "old rose" for your garden is to study each plant's requirements and then design your garden plan accordingly.  "Old roses" sometimes grow as low shrubs for bed covers; others are bushy and work well as medium height hedges.  The climber "old roses" typically resemble a small bush at first and then start to climb along the sides of homes, fences or patios. 

The right "old rose" for your garden area depends on several factors: sunlight, shading, drainage and insects.  Many "old roses" require at least five hours of sunlight each day.  Some low mossy-like "old roses" need a lot of shade.  Since all roses require a lot of water - a minimum of 2 to 3 times every week during the summer - but don't take well to standing water, great drainage is a must in the garden area.  Insects and nearby debris - like leaves, rose petals and weeds - are often the main reason many roses look pretty ragged or mildew.  To prevent insect damage and disease, use great soil - like manure or organic fertilizer - and prune to remove deadhead or hold back some stems.  Never leave "deadhead" (dead rose blooms) on the plant since this causes the bush to waste energy to that spot.

Did you know that the rose is the most popular garden plant and the tea rose is the most popular among the "old roses"? Other well-liked "old roses" are below, along with some common features:

• Tea roses are climbers or shrubs that come in a large variety of colors (light pink to multi-color).  They convey "I'll remember you always."

• Damask roses are low to the ground shrubs with big fragrant flowers that are usually deep red and found in clusters.  Color also varies from white to deep pink. They convey "beauty ever new."

• Mosses roses are usually low bed shrubs or climbers (like Centrifolia) with tiny roses that leave behind a scent on your hand.  Color is usually deep crimson to light pink. They convey "confession of love".

To adhere to 18th Century traditions, "old roses" should be offered in bundle to convey the meaning of gratitude.  Also, "old roses" are best presented if trimmed in full bloom.  To read up on "old rose" varieties and growing tips, turn to the American Rose Society.

Copyright 2005 Simonetta Jensen. All rights reserved. Simonetta Jensen is the owner and operator of http://www.rosesabc.com, a principal resource for information on roses and other flowers on the internet. Visit her web site for a complete archive of articles.

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