Introduction

15 years ago

Hi rose lovers,

I've posted a couple of specific questions here this spring,and wanted to thank you experienced rosarians for your help so far, as well as politely introduce myself. I'm in a strange boat, having been a fairly experienced rose gardener in Southern California and then moving several years ago to southeastern PA, where I recently bought a house. I'm re-learning roses all over again - what works in mid-atlantic gardens, new pests [hello, JB's :-( ] and diseases [greetings, blackspot], the whole shebang. I have great loamy, slightly acidic soil here so that is a plus, but I also have a smallish urban garden now as opposed to a big yard so my rose needs are very different.

I was lucky enough to inherit an incredible old Bonica which graces my side entryway. I've planted 2 Sally Holmes climbers in the little back yard (eastern exposure)and I have Memorial Day (my only HT), Angel Face, The Fairy, Sunny and Rainbow Knock Outs back there in containers for the first year so I can see who likes it here before planting a border. So far the Sallies, The Fairy, and the Knockouts are loving life in Philadelphia. Memorial Day and Angel Face, not so much - they are ok but not bursting with vigor.

The front yard has western exposure but is in dappled shade most of the day in late spring and summer due to the huge street sycamores. There are maybe 3 hours of direct sun in the late afternoon as the sun tops the trees. I've got a few miniatures in pots down there which I try to move around so they can catch the best rays - and they're doing well so far.

I would really love some suggestions from near neighbors (and far-flung experts) on the best-performing cultivars for this area, as well as roses which do well in containers. I love floribundas and polyanthas. I'd like to hear which Austins and old roses might do well here, too. I'm digging a long bed for next spring and think I'll have room for maybe a dozen more roses in the backyard, in addition to those I could keep long-term in containers.

Thanks to all for invaluable advice already - what a great forum. -Maeve

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Comments (9)

karl_bapst_rosenut
15 years ago
I've had great luck with Marie Pavie' in a container.
{{gwi:289341}}
It's grown in that pot for 5 years. I do take it inside my unheated greenhouse each winter but a unheated garage or shed work work as well.
jim1961 Central Pennsylvania Zone 6b
15 years ago
I'm just dropping in to say hello to you Maeve.
Best of luck with growing roses in your new climate zone!
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maevesgarden
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks Jim!

Karl, your Marie is lovely. It's on my list now for next spring. Overwintering my rose containers in the garage will be a new experience for me, too.
zeffyrose
15 years ago
Welcome to the rose growing world in zone6b7-----There are many great roses that will do well in this zone---

Florence
karenforroses
15 years ago
Hello Maeve and welcome to the Rose Forum. I've visited PA a number of times and love the area. You have so many wonderful public gardens (Chanticleer, Longwood, Hershey, etc.) and, compared to Northern Michigan, a great climate for roses! Best of luck with your new garden - sounds like you're off to a great start.
carol_se_pa_6
15 years ago
Hello Maeve,

Welcome! I live in Montgomery County just outside of Philly. There are plenty of roses that do well in our area but you have to learn to live with JBs and BS. I am tolerant of both and try not to spray. I have Marie Pavie and Marie Daly and both are almost 5 ft X 4 ft and seem too big for a container. Guess you just need a big container. Perl d'Or is another great poly for this area. Now for the bad news - learn the symptoms of RRD. I have lost four shrubs in the past few years and Buff Beauty is next. Good luck!!
Terry Crawford
15 years ago
Hello Maeve and welcome!
I'm from central Illinois zone 5. A cold place to grow roses and a short reason. I'm a fairly obsessed gardener, with 300 roses along with hostas, clematis, hydrangeas, and lots of other perennials since I have lots of shade in addition to my rose garden.

It seems minis are getting to be my newest love, and they're so cute...I especially adore the striped or bi-colored ones. It's so easy to get caught up in adding more and more to your collection. This forum is just the place to enable you with all the luscious pictures and helpful advice!
-terry
jim1961 Central Pennsylvania Zone 6b
15 years ago
Since carol_se_pa_6 brought up about RRD. Below is a link with great info in it for you.

Here is a link that might be useful: RRD info
maevesgarden
Original Author
15 years ago
THANK YOU for the heads up and link about RRD. I've read the entire article - I was not at all familiar with this terrible scourge. I'll be on the lookout.