Class: English

Heritage Photo © RoseGallery by SHO used with permission

English Roses combine the fullness of the blooms and sweet perfume of the antique roses with the remontantancy and brighter colouring of the modern roses. English Roses are generally easier to grow and more disease resistant than Hybrid Tea roses, but most varieties require pruning in spring, deadheading to a good leaf bud after each bloom with frequent fertilizing and watering to ensure a healthy plant and repetition of blooms.

Some English Roses, such as Abraham Darby, can be used as short climbers if left unpruned. However, they do better as medium sized shrubs, providing more flowers on bushier shrubs at a height from which their fragrance can be easily enjoyed. English Roses are generally cold hardy to zone 5 but their canes may freeze during severe winters. Mulching is recommended in colder climates. They are not shade tolerant.

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