Fossil remains found in Colorado indicate that roses existed 40 million years ago in North America. Other fossils have confirmed the range of ancient roses as far north as Alaska and as far south as Mexico. No species roses have ever been found to originate south of the equator, however, they have thrived in a wide band encircling the northern hemisphere. Many early civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Egyptians, mention roses in written records or have left archeological evidence showing that roses were a part of their culture. From the words of Hippocrates (460-377 BC), Aristotle (384-322 BC), and Pliny (23-79 AD) to the early English writers Chaucer (1340-1400, who wrote about English Sweet Briar) and Shakespeare (1564-1616, who made about a hundred references to roses) we have added to our historical knowledge of the early roses. Most of these plants were the 5 petal pink or white species roses. Asia has contributed the greatest number of species and the few yellow species that exist. Of the 200 plus wild roses that have been discovered approximately 35 are considered native to the United States. Most of us have at some time or another come across one of these on a walk through the woods or in an undisturbed prairie or old pasture. I have very special childhood memories of my father sharing the location of a patch of wild Rosa blanda with me. It was the beginning of a lifetime love affair with roses.

An Old Garden Rose is defined by the American Rose Society as those types or classes of roses that were in existence prior to 1867, the official date given to the introduction of 'La France', the first Hybrid Tea rose. An OGR class can include recent introductions. Major classes of roses, recognized as existing prior to 1867, are Species, Hybrid Gallica, Alba, Damask, Centifolia, Moss, Hybrid China, Noisette, Bourbon, Portland, Hybrid Foetida, Hybrid Spinosissima, Tea and Hybrid Perpetual. Some OGR classes are cold hardy, some have hardy roses included and some are not cold hardy. Generally OGR classes of Species and Species Hybrids, Hybrid Gallica, Alba, Damask, Centifolia, portions of the Moss, and the Hybrid Perpetual (best in sheltered locations) are where growers will find zone 4 and hardier Old Garden Roses.

ROSE CLASSES

Species and Species Hybrid Roses (pictured right is ''Austrian Copper')

Within the Species, or wild roses, are many interesting and beautiful roses. Botanists have subdivided these roses according to plant characteristics. These are the world's common wild roses - the ones that nature created. Most of these roses have blooms with a single row of 12 or fewer petals around a center of yellow stamens. In this group of spring/early summer blooming roses are a number of roses with unique characteristics, such as unusual colored foliage or blooms, that make them especially desirable for growing in the home landscape.

Hybrid Gallica Roses (pictured right is 'Apothecary's Rose')

Hybrid Gallica roses are some of the oldest cultivated roses in the world. In history, roses were one of the prizes of war. Invading armies were often accompanied by herbalists, the doctors of the time, who were continually looking for roses that were different from those known in their home countries. The spread of the Gallicas has been traced to the boundaries of the Roman Empire probably making the Romans responsible for at least part of the extensive distribution of these plants. Large quantities were also reportedly used during Roman festivals and feasts. The establishment of 37,000 Benedictine monasteries after the 6th century enabled further distribution. Roses, especially Gallicas with their perfume and medicinal qualities, were an essential part of any monastic garden. The fact that the early varieties could be propagated easily from suckers and seeds helped the process. Contributing to their spread around the civilized world is the fact that these plants are quite tolerant of a wide range of pH as well as being able to thrive on poorer soils. These roses are seen depicted in early Italian paintings and used as models for the images created in the stained glass windows of the old cathedrals. The Moors are known to have brought the Gallicas to northern Africa and Arabia by 711 AD and England saw their appearance sometime before the 12th century. The Pilgrims brought Gallica roses to America. They, like other Europeans, valued the beauty and medicinal value of these plants.

At one time the Gallicas formed the most extensive group of cultivated roses - with a richness and brilliancy of color unknown in any other group. In 1811, in Empress Josephine's collection of the world's roses in France, at least 167 of the approximately 260 varieties were from the Gallica family. With the wave of hybridizing that occurred during the first half of the 19th century there were soon over 1000 named varieties. However, with the introduction of the Hybrid Perpetual roses the Gallicas rapidly lost public favor with only the choicest varieties remaining on the market. We should note also that that the deep reds of our modern Hybrid Teas owe their colors to their Gallica genes.

Most Gallicas grow in a self-contained manner. The almost thornless canes with grey-green foliage are rarely over 4' in height. The round flower buds and the blooms are held nicely above the leaves. The bloom colors cover the pinks, mauves, purples, light crimsons and the largest number of striped sports in any class of roses. These are spring flowering roses that may bloom for up to 6 weeks. The fragrances are often wonderfully intense and a bit spicy. Gallicas are generally winter hardy. In zone 4 these plants usually have minimal winter damage.

Alba Roses (pictured right is 'Great Maiden's Blush')

Alba roses are tall hardy late spring blooming roses. They have been under cultivation since Greek and Roman times. The flowers, arriving in clusters, have light, sophisticated fragrance, and are generally semi-double to double, pink or white. Foliage is grey-green, disease resistant, and shade tolerant. Most Albas are considered zone 3 hardy.

Damask/Portland Roses (pictured right is a Portland Damask, "Rose de Rescht')

These roses date back to biblical times, referred to by Roman poet Virgil in 50 BC and later by the Roman naturalist Pliny. Vast numbers of Damask roses are grown in France and Bulgaria specifically for use in the preparation of attar of roses for perfume. Damask roses are divided into two groups, Summer Damask and Autumn Damask, reflecting, among other characteristics, the bloom habits of each. Autumn Damasks are known for repeat bloom in the fall, though it rarely occurs in our climate due to our short growing season. The arching canes are smaller in diameter than those of the Gallicas. Flowers are semi-double to double, white to deep pink, borne on short peduncles (portion of the stem under the flower bud) with intense, unusual fragrance. Portland roses are closely related to the Damasks.

Centifolia Roses (pictured right is a "Fantin-Latour")

Known also as cabbage or Provence roses, these highly fragrant heavily petalled roses bloom once, generally later than other spring blooming types. The cabbage rose nickname came as a descriptive term for these blooms often have petals enveloping one another like cabbage leaves. The Centifolia class, hardy Alba-Damask hybrids, date back to early Greek times. They are also the roses that were commonly painted by the 17th century Dutch masters. Centifolia roses with their thorny arching growth habit are generally zone 3 hardy. The 19th century was marked by explosive growth in rose propagation efforts. Numerous new roses were added to old classes and many new hybrids were created. This movement can be directly attributed, according to Graham Stuart Thomas, to the extensive methodical collecting of roses by Empress Josephine at Malmaison that created, for the first time, a comprehensive pool of genetic material in one place for rose breeders.

Moss Roses (pictured right is a "Salet")

Moss roses are a fragrant sport of the Centifolias. These roses have moss-like growth on the sepals and peduncles that releases a pine-scented fragrance if you rub your hand across it. Some of these fragrant roses have repeat bloom. In recent years the renowned hybridizer, Ralph Moore, has made significant progress in incorporating these roses and their unique characteristics into modern rose varieties.

Hybrid Perpetual Roses (pictured right is a "Baron Girod de l'Ain")

Forerunners of the Hybrid Teas, the Hybrid Perpetuals were popular during the mid to late 1800s, the Victorian era, when there were literally thousands of varieties on the market. They are credited with being responsible for the rapid growth of the cut rose industry as well as creating a revolution in flower arranging. The long stiff stems lent themselves to a much more formal style than the flexible stems of the Tea roses. Bloom colors are reds, mauves, pinks, whites and mixes, and are often quite fragrant. These roses bloom at intervals, rather than perpetually as the name suggests, and respond positively to a light pruning, after spring blooming, to encourages later bloom. Some winter dieback is common. Mulching and careful site selection is advised for best success (see culture section).

ROSE CULTURE

Winter survival with Old Garden Roses, or hardiness, varies from those varieties subject to significant dieback, but with the capability of fast spring regrowth, to those with little, or no, cane dieback. Nature encourages dormancy in warm growing zones by providing a dry period before spring rains arrive to push new growth. In our cooler climates falling temperatures encourage winter dormancy. It is important, however, that plants do not enter winter without sufficient moisture to remain healthy or in a situation where they might stand in water during spring thaws. Hardiness can be significantly improved by fall watering and mulching, stopping nitrogen fertilizing after August (repeat blooming varieties) to encourage hardening off or maturing of canes, mounding the base with extra soil in the fall (borderline hardy varieties), planting in sheltered locations (often east of buildings) and planting where snow accumulates. If a plant is grafted, the bud union should be placed below the soil surface in cold growing zones.

Spring blooming roses, those that are once blooming, need to have cane hardiness in order to produce bloom in cold climates. These roses generally bloom only on old wood which is last season's cane growth. Repeat blooming Old Garden Roses bloom on both old wood and on new wood. This gives them the ability to bloom even if there is cold temperature winter damage to the growth from the previous season. Cold tender OGRs will bloom if buried for winter protection like modern tender hybrids.

In cold climates it is recommended that hardy roses be grown on their own roots rather than grafted or budded. Own root roses usually have more vigorous growth and better bloom without the problems of rootstock suckering. Any growth from the roots will be true to the original plant variety. Old Garden Roses have varied growth patterns most commonly with flowers ranging from single 5 petal blooms to very double blooms with many petals.

Like other roses OGRs appreciate sunny spaces. Most thrive in 6 hours or more of full sun. Alba roses are an exception. This class of roses can tolerate some shade - and even bloom quite well in light shade. A light rich well draining soil that encourages root growth is ideal. Foetida and Rugosa species varieties tolerate poorer soils. Growers need to allow sufficient space between plants for good air circulation to reduce the potential for fungal diseases and for adequate sunlight and moisture to reach the plants.

Old Garden Roses are known to tolerate a variety of cultural conditions and still bloom. Perhaps the biggest differences are those between the types of OGRs that are once blooming or spring blooming and those that rebloom. Once blooming roses benefit from extra water and fertilizer during their spring growing period. Most seem to prefer organic fertilizers such as alfalfa meal, blood meal, bonemeal (at planting time), compost, manure, fish meal, fish emulsion and milorganite. The foetida class is especially appreciative of organics. Fertilizers may be applied beginning as soon as roses show signs of growth in the spring. Growers need to observe their roses from season to season to judge their performance. If growth is sparse, or spindly, additional fertilizer would be appropriate. If there is vigorous growth and healthy foliage but little bloom perhaps a reduction of fertilizer is in order. Except for removal of dead or damaged canes in the spring and a small amount of shaping little pruning is advised. After 3-4 years it is sometimes recommended that you prune out one or two of the older canes to encourage fresh cane growth.

Most repeat blooming OGRs come from classes that are too cold tender to be grown in our climate without significant winter protection. Hybrid Perpetuals, however, are zone 5 hardy and can be very successfully grown in protected locations in zone 4. In my yard a fence near the street receives the benefit of extra snow from street plowing. This provides all of the protection needed for a row of Hybrid Perpetuals to perform beautifully year after year. A light pruning after the spring bloom encourages repeat flushes. There are a few other old rose classes with miscellaneous repeat blooming varieties such as 'Rose de Rescht' and the Rugosa Species. Roses that rebloom should be treated much the same as the modern hybrids. Extra watering and fertilizing during the growing season will encourage these plants to produce additional bloom. A spring application of organic fertilizer followed by alternating biweekly applications of 10-10-10 and liquid fertilizers (for example, fish emulsion or water soluable 20-20-20) is an effective routine for producing maximum bloom.

Old Garden Roses are quite resistant to pests and disease problems. However, as with all roses, fungal problems are easier to prevent than to cure. A regular spray program with fungicides will keep most roses at their best. Foetidas and Centifolias are susceptible to blackspot fungus disease and are especially appreciative of this protection. Albas and Spinossimas are quite disease resistant.

These roses may be purchased for planting either bare root or potted. Old Garden Roses may also be propagated by separating suckers from established plants in early spring. Growers may take cuttings to root from mature canes (generally canes that have bloomed) in late June or July. Alba, Bourbon, and Gallica roses are good candidates for this method.

ROSE VARIETIES

Species and Species Hybrid Roses
Rose hips, also used as an aid in botanical identification and classification, can be a significant part of the beauty of a rose. R. blanda, the rose of my childhood, has an annual crop of wonderful globular red hips amidst attractive red and bronze fall foliage. This North American rose is also known as the Hudson's Bay Rose or the Labrador Rose. Each spring the fragrance of the 2-2 1/2" single medium pink blooms dominates my patio. The canes, usually unarmed, that is with few thorns, reach 4 - 5'. It occasionally will sucker.

Rose hips, also used as an aid in botanical identification and classification, can be a significant part of the beauty of a rose. R. blanda, the rose of my childhood, has an annual crop of wonderful globular red hips amidst attractive red and bronze fall foliage.

R. rugosa rubra is the wild version of a rose type that most of us can recognize from the dark green bumpy rugose foliage and the incredible numbers of thorns. This rose has fragrant 5 petal magenta-purple blooms from early summer to fall followed by large brick red round hips with flattened tops. The foliage turns a rich yellow in the fall. The plants can reach 6' in height. R. rugosa alba is the white flowering form of this rose.

R. foetida bicolor, also known as Austrian Copper, was cultivated prior to 1590. This bicolor color rose, red-orange face with yellow reverse, puts on a spectacular display each spring. Like others in this class of roses, it is fairly susceptible to blackspot.

From the mountains of southern Europe we have R. glauca (formerly known as R. rubrifolia). This rose has medium pink 5 petal blooms each spring along with unusual grayish red purple leaves. It makes an impressive 5' landscape plant. Partial shade intensifies the foliage coloring. In the fall there is additional interest with the nearly round scarlet hips.

A discussion of outstanding Species and Species Hybrid roses has to include R. gallica officinalis, also called the Apothecary's Rose. Cultivated before the 12th century, this deep pink semi-double rose with yellow stamens puts on a bright spectacular display each spring. This widely grown rose has been described by ancient writers throughout Europe and the Middle East. The petals, known for having a fragrance that becomes more intense after drying, were harvested and used in the manufacture of medicines, conserves and perfumes. The English herbalist, Culpepper, in 1652 rated it high to treat disorders of the head, eyes and gums. This is also the Red Rose of Lancaster, the emblem chosen by Edmund Earl of Lancaster, son of the King of England, around 1277 for the House of Lancaster.

A dramatically white, pink and red striped variety, R. gallica versicolor or Rosa Mundi, is a sport of the Apothecary's Rose. It is one of the oldest of the striped roses. It is rumored to have been named for Fair Rosamond, the mistress of Henry II of England. The plant growth is very similar to that of the Apothecary's Rose. A bouquet of Rosa Mundi on a dinner table is unforgettable visual treat.

'Harison's Yellow', a Hybrid Foetida rose, creates a beautiful display of deep yellow blooms each spring. This is the rose that the pioneers carried with them as they settled the United States which earned it the nickname Yellow Rose of Texas.

Hybrid Gallica Roses
'Charles de Mills' is a classic among the old garden roses. The blooms on this mauve rose are very double and as it opens the face of the bloom quarters and becomes almost flat. The color can range from the richest dark lilac to crimson purple. This variety is a heavy bloomer and presents an outstanding display most every year.

When I think about unusual and incomparable rose colors the next two roses come to mind, 'Tuscany Superb' and 'Cardinal de Richelieu'. 'Tuscany Superb', a seedling of 'Tuscan' with improved characteristics, dates prior to 1837. The bloom color is an intense dark red-purple. 'Cardinal de Richelieu' is a Dutch developed variety introduced by Laffay into France in 1840. The fat round buds start pink, and as they open go from rosy lilac to a sumptuous rich dark purple.

'Tuscany Superb', a seedling of 'Tuscan' with improved characteristics, dates prior to 1837.

'Alika' is a rose that was brought back from Russia in 1906 by horticultural explorer Niels E. Hansen of Brookings, SD. 'Alika' is classified as a medium red although most of us would probably describe the semi-double blooms with its yellow stamens as being a very vibrant pink. It is a tall vigorous plant that is known for producing a glorious bloom display that can last up to 6 weeks.

Alba Roses
'White Rose of York' is often still in bloom in June. This variety was grown in gardens before 1597. The double form of this white rose was adopted as a badge by the Yorkists during the English Wars of the Roses in the fifteenth century. The plants have, as an added bonus, scarlet ovoid hips.

'Konigin von Danemark', or Queen of Denmark, is considered one of the finest of the Alba roses. The strongly fragrant blooms are colored in varying tones of warm rich pink. The blooms show the quartering common in OGRs. The handsome foliage is disease resistant.

'Konigin von Danemark', or Queen of Denmark, is considered one of the finest of the Alba roses. The strongly fragrant blooms are colored in varying tones of warm rich pink.

The fragrant camellia-like blooms of 'Madame Legras de St. Germain' are colored ivory with touches of pale yellow. This variety has few thorns.

Damask/Portland Roses
'Madame Hardy' is easily recognized by its pure white blooms and green "pip" centers. This 1832 rose has a fruity fragrance.

'Gloire de Guilan' was discovered in Persia in 1949. This rose has been traditionally used in the manufacture of attar for perfumes. The warm pink blooms are followed by red hips.

'Madame Hardy' is easily recognized by its pure white blooms and green "pip" centers.

Within the Damask/Portland class are the oldest repeat blooming European roses. The pale pink 'Autumn Damask', the Pompei rose, has a wine fragrance. It also is known for having a second bloom cycle in the fall although this rarely occurs in our short growing season. It is delightful when it happens.

'Rose de Rescht' was discovered and brought to England by Nancy Lindsay in the 1940s. This medium sized mauve rose has reliable repeat bloom.

Centifolia Roses
'Rose des Peintres', commonly called the Painter's Rose, is typical of the cabbage roses depicted in 17th century Dutch paintings. This fragrant purple-pink rose has faint white stripes on its many incurving petals.

The double clear pink roses, with darker pink centers, of 'Fantin La Tour' are fully cupped. They have a light exquisite fragrance.

'Shailer's Province' is a fragrant extremely hardy light pink rose. This variety puts on an outstanding spring bloom display.

The double clear pink roses, with darker pink centers, of 'Fantin La Tour' are fully cupped. They have a light exquisite fragrance.

Moss Roses
'Communis', or R. Centifolia muscosa/Common Moss, is considered to be another of the pioneer roses. The sepals are nicely mossed which adds to the attractiveness of the fragrant pink blooms. This 3' spring blooming variety will sucker.

'William Lobb' is an exceptional dusky purple moss rose. Introduced in 1855 in France, this once blooming rose also goes by the name Old Velvet Moss.

'William Lobb' is an exceptional dusky purple moss rose.

Hybrid Perpetual Roses
The violet purple 'Reine des Violet' was once known as the bluest rose on the market. The grey-green foliage, few thorns, and fragrance make it a easy favorite. Once established in the garden this rose will repeat bloom. All Hybrid Perpetuals require winter protection or careful site selection in order to survive and perform well in zone 4 (see culture section).

'Ferdinand Picard' is a pink rose with stripes of carmen that age to purple. This cupped rose with a delightful raspberry fragrance was hybridized in France.

'Souvenir du Dr. Jamain' has eye catching rich dark red blooms on long canes. This fragrant French rose is ideal for training over a fence where snow accumulates for winter protection.

Undoubtedly the most famous rose of the class is the 'American Beauty' rose. Named 'Madame Ferdinand Jamin' by the French plant breeder Ledechaux, this rose found its way to the United States in 1882 and into the nursery of Anthony Cook of Baltimore. Here it came to the attention of George Bancroft, a prominent Washingtonian, former minister to Great Britain, author and rosarian. Through Bancroft the rose made its way to Field Brothers' nursery where it acquired its new patriotic name, 'American Beauty'. It proved difficult to grow outdoors in all but the mildest climates and finicky even for greenhouse growing. It showed a preference for special soils, temperature control, a saltbox shaped greenhouse with south facing exposure and critical attention to timing in order produce a few spectacular blooms.

'Souvenir du Dr. Jamain' has eye catching rich dark red blooms on long canes. This fragrant French rose is ideal for training over a fence where snow accumulates for winter protection.

With this additional information, it is understandable why the rose became primarily a greenhouse rose here in the United States, since that is where growing conditions could be controlled. Grown outdoors it will at times produce long canes with modern hybrid form blooms. I appreciate both the beauty and the history of this special rose as it blooms in my garden. The American Rose Society classifies the color of the fragrant blooms as dark pink. While Americans may have had problems growing this rose in their gardens, they were willing to make commercial growers, who mastered the art, wealthy. In 1887 a hundred 'American Beauty' roses sold for fifty dollars wholesale; in the Christmas market of 1898 a single stem retailed for $3.75. By 1925, the Hybrid Perpetual, 'American Beauty', had reigned as the premier florist's rose for nearly 50 years. One Pennsylvania commercial grower had built a greenhouse measuring 150 feet wide and 700 feet long specifically to grow this one flower. It was estimated that eastern growers had covered at least 50 acres with glass for production of the 'American Beauty'.

By World War II, florists began to turn to other cultivars that were less expensive to produce. Today florists still get requests for "a dozen red Beauty roses," the rose that has come to symbolize long-stemmed roses. On June 6, 1925, the District of Columbia adopted 'American Beauty' as its official flower. On November 20, 1986, President Reagan signed Proclamation 5574, officially recognizing the rose as the national floral emblem of the United States, complying with a resolution passed by the Senate and the House two months earlier. Today we often find the 'American Beauty' rose used to depict the national floral symbol.