IN the bleak chill of late winter, it’s cheering to plant up roses in containers. As well as making lovely gifts for a Valentine or friend, they are great additions to our own patios and doorways. Come summer, they will burst into flower, providing scent and color for months.
During February, roses are still in their ‘bare root’ period – meaning they are available to buy without soil. Bare root roses are sold at a much lower price, and many rosarians argue that the roots establish better when planted this way.
Getting the right size
Opt for a compact shrub rose that matures to 31-39in (80cm-1m) or a miniature variety that reaches 11-23in (30-60cm), choosing a container according to the eventual size. A11 in (30cm)-the wide pot will suit a tiny rose, while a bigger cultivar will require a 17in (45cm) container. For the impact of flower power and perfume, opt for the slightly bigger compact shrub rose, which could eventually be planted out.
Crimson, claret, and scarlet roses are ideal Valentine’s gifts – for instance, the bold vermillion ‘Trumpeter’ or the sumptuous damson ‘Munstead Wood’. Roses with affectionate names are also ideal: from ‘Lovestruck’ (magenta) to ‘Together Forever’ (orange). And some gardeners find old roses romantic – just be sure to select one that repeats flowers, such as ‘De Resht’, a Damask found in Iran in 1840.
Best choices for scent
Denne historien er fra February 06, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra February 06, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
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As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters
