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Modern Roses
The Hybrid Tea is still one of the most popular older rose classes in the
world, but it is today accompanied by many other modern rose classes. Two
of the most well known of these classes are Floribunda and Grandiflora.
Hybrid Tea roses usually display the characteristic elongated pointed bud
on a long and elegant stem. They can be obtained in all imaginable kinds
of colors and color combinations except blue and black. Since the breeding has been focused on
producing such a stylish rose, the Hybrid Tea has lost the original rose’s
winter hardiness and disease resistance.
Hybrid Tea roses usually require consistent spray programs to keep healthy foliage.
Many Hybrid Tea roses also lack scent and no longer smell like roses.
There are however more than 6,000 different Hybrid Tea roses available
today, so if you are looking for the more vigorous in this class, it can usually be obtained if
you take the time to shop around a while before deciding.
Floribunda roses are the result of the crossing of a hybrid tea rose with
a Polyantha rose. During the early 20th century many rose enthusiasts
strived to create a rose like the beautiful Hybrid Tea Rose, but with more
strength and disease resistance. They also wished the rose to be more
compact. Floribundas produce an admirable display of flowers and are
strong enough to be used as low hedges. This rose is very popular in
borders and on the patio in outdoor containers.
Grandiflora is a crossing between hybrid tea and floribunda roses. The
name was first used in 1954 to describe roses that carry their flowers in
small bunches on top of long stems. The first rose in this class was the
‘Qeen Elizabeth’. As the name suggests, Grandiflora flowers are usually
larger than those of its relative Floribunda. Due to the long stems,
Grandifloras are today popular as background plantings. The bloom is
mostly double with a pleasant mild
scent.
Many of these popular roses including named varieties can be found in
bloom at your local garden center or plant nursery. Large growers usually offer plant and
seed catalogs or maintain websites where you can select and order plants.
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