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Heirloom Roses

Heirloom roses are also known as old or antique roses. These are all unhybridized species roses that were around long before the first hybrid tea rose was introduced.

Heirloom roses subsequently became less popular with gardeners because they did not repeat blooms as the new hybrid roses did. Even today, many gardeners still view these marvelous old roses as somehow inferior to modern roses.

Heirloom roses only bloom once a year for two to four weeks during the early summer, whereas modern hybrid roses bloom several times during the season. Heirloom roses make up for this by producing lush bloom in abundance and their scent is simply wonderful.

Consider adding heirloom roses to your garden. They are hardy and easy to care for and for centuries thrived and survived without the use of pesticides. They are available in a wide array of colors, fragrance and flower form. There are many different species and varieties of all shapes and sizes to easily fit into your available garden space whether you want shrubs, pillars or or even climbing roses.

You can also grow selected varieties of heirloom roses in cold northern climates. Some of the hardiest varieties are White Roses, Cabbage Roses, Damask, Gallica, Scotch Brier and Bourbon Roses. Damask roses are the least hardy of this group, but they are also the most fragrant and the blooms range in color from white to deep maroon. Gallica is the most popular species of heirloom roses with a pleasant and not overpowering fragrance.

Caring for heirloom roses is basically no different than growing and caring for hybrid roses. As with most other roses, heirlooms require sun, improved soil, good drainage, adequate watering and proper air circulation in order to flourish and produce an abundant display of show stopping bloom. Heirloom roses should be planted in a spot where they will receive at least six hours of sun each day. Plant in a good quality garden soil that has been enriched with well rotted manure and compost to increase the nutrient levels.

Like most other plants, they will not thrive in wet, soggy soil. Furthermore, unlike hybrid roses, heirloom roses need room to grow and breathe and do not like to be crowded together. You will rarely need to use pesticides and if you do, use them sparingly. Any necessary pruning should be done in the spring, just enough to remove dead or diseased wood.

Experience the unmatched and exquisite beauty of heirloom roses by planting some in your garden next spring - they are worth the effort.