Ordering David Austin roses for planting in April

13 years ago

Hello,

This is my first post here, so please forgive me if I am a total rose newbie.

About 2 years after I lost my house in a divorce and moved into an apartment with only a small shady patio, I am finally buying another house. At the top of my to-do list, of course, is planting roses!

This house has a nice well-drained bed with a bit of afternoon shade that I thought would be good for growing some English roses in. However all I grew at my last house were hybrid teas which did very well and a single floribunda which didn't do so great. Knowing that I am not an expert rose grower, would it make sense for me to order some bare root David Austin roses now and plant them once our house purchase actually closes (scheduled for the end of March)? Or would I have to plant them as soon as I get them, and by then it would be too late?

I was considering just sticking with container-grown hybrid teas from the local nursery and then moving on to English roses next year, but I'm excited and impatient to finally get a real garden again, and I've read that English roses take a while to establish themselves.

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (6)

karl_bapst_rosenut
13 years ago
Order now and pot up so they can get established in the pot. Move with you and transplant at your convenience.
Or Order and give a shipping date that's best for you.
roseseek
13 years ago
Congratulations, Merilia! Might your local nursery also carry English roses? You might be able to buy your house, make your move then buy the English Roses you want already grown up in cans ready for planting. Kim
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Merilia
Original Author
13 years ago
Kim,

For some reason I was under the (mistaken) impression that they didn't carry any English roses. But then just to be sure, I checked, and what do you know...

http://www.molbaks.com/roselist2011.html

That limited list also makes it a lot easier to pick a rose. I really like the look of Graham Thomas--would this be a solid pick for someone totally new to English roses?
Prettypetals_GA_7-8
13 years ago
Merilia, Welcome to GW! I too am in zone 7 and the english roses do great here. All of mine have taken off like gang busters and I am trying to refrain from ordering more. lol! Congrats on your new home and have fun with all your new flower beds. Take care, Judy
roseseek
13 years ago
Hot dang! Perfect Merilia! I have Graham Thomas here in the mountains between LA and the Valley. I can only report what it is like here. I have absolutely no idea what to expect from it where you are. Here it is healthy and huge. I have it espaliered on 8' posts against the creeping ficus covered 8' wall between the upper terrace and the street. It's the only way for me to have flowers on it as in this climate (which pretty much is a thirteen month flowering season) it is a climber. Your mileage will vary.

Problem solved! You don't have to mess with anything other than getting settled in your new house THEN you can select the roses of your choice and start your new garden! Congratulations! Kim
nastarana
13 years ago
Graham thomas is the rose which reportedly caused something of a sensation at the Chelsea Flower Show back in the early 80s, and put David Austin on the horticultural map, so to speak.

IMHO, it is one of the best yellow roses introduced since the noisette climbers. GT in full bloom in all its 5-8' glory is a sight you will not soon forget.

It does need water, which should not be an issue in Il., and you may wish to spray for BS. Reportedly hardy to zone 5, and do be sure to deadhead for good repeat bloom. It is wonderfully vigorous.