The Rich History of Wild Roses

Wild roses, of the genus Rosa, are those naturally occurring natives found in Northern Hemispheres around the globe. Wild Roses can be found in forests, canyons, logged wastelands and thickets. They have continued to grow throughout the course of history and across a range of different terrains. Most modern day roses we know are mixed offspring of these wild roses.

Wild roses have had a rich history. They played roles in Greek and Roman culture, symbolizing themes such as love and allegiance. Later they became sought after for cosmetic, medicinal and religious purposes as well. However, with the beginnings of large-scale worldwide trade, rose horticulture and hybridization took root. This forever changed the wild rose landscape from a relatively small number of wild roses across the planet's surface to today's world with thousands-upon-thousands of rose varieties.

There are plenty of advantages to cultivating wild roses in modern-day rose gardens. Wild roses are strong, disease resistant plants, which can be grown in almost any less-than-ideal location. They are not dependent on regular fertilization and can tolerate some drought. Requiring essentially no care, wild roses are able to spread on their own, can handle being crowded and withstand transplanting at almost any time of year.

Some popular varieties of wild roses include:

Rosa Nutkana
An arching shrub with pink petals, the rosa nutkana grows in milder climates. Though it is fairly weather-tolerant, this shrub is best cultivated in sunny and well-drained locations. Prune often as thickets grow quite quickly.

Rosa Rugosa
This species, native to China, Korea and Japan, has been made into a number of different rose cultivars. It is a fast growing pink flower with rose-hips resembling small tomatoes. It prefers full sunlight and well-drained acidic soil. Since it is a salt-tolerant plant, it is an ideal shrub in coastal conditions. Light infrequent pruning will help keep growth of the Rosa rugosa under control.

Rosa Foliolosa
This is a member of the rosaceae family and is also know as leafy rose or prairie rose. The rosa foliolosa is a lovely little rose found mainly in Central and North Central Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. It is small in size with very thin wood, very elegant little foliage, with usually nine tiny leaflets per leaf. One of its great characteristics is its fern-like bright green foliage.

Rosa Blanda
Another member of the rosaceae family, the rosa blanda, also known as meadow rose is a shrub-like thornless plant which grows to about three to four feet tall and prefers rich soil in full sun to light shade. It produces lovely pink flowers between June and August and the fruit resembles small apples.

Ken Austin
Roses and Rose Gardening
Online Discount Shopping Guide

---

Homemade Hydroponics System Plan

Building your own water works system is quite simple and... Read More

How to Grow Avocado

Fruit gardening and vegetable gardening is a very exciting venture.... Read More

The Design Principle of Unity in Gardening and Landscaping

A principle of all art is unity. This means that... Read More

Garden Sheds - More Than Just Storage

You may already have a garage or shed in your... Read More

Ten Considerations Before You Buy A Bird House

When you decide to buy one bird house or more... Read More

Introduction to Botany

Botanists are individuals who conduct extensive study on plant biology... Read More

5 Simple Steps To Dividing Your Hardy Water Lilies

If you missed the springtime window of opportunity to divide... Read More

Why Should You Create A Butterfly Garden?

Have you noticed you do not see as many butterflies... Read More

Patio Design ? Expanding Your Home Outdoors

A patio can be... Read More

The Rich History of Wild Roses

Wild roses, of the genus Rosa, are those naturally... Read More

Lawn Edging

How do you make those flowers bloom where they are... Read More

How to Attract Birds to Your Backyard Paradise For Less Than $100

Like many Americans, you may find bird watching to be... Read More

Winterizing Your Pond

For many parts of the country, it's getting to be... Read More

Durable Wooden Swing - Decorate Your Outdoors with One

There is nothing better to do on a hot, lazy... Read More

Balcony, Patio, and Courtyard Gardening

People choose balcony, patio, and courtyard gardening for many different... Read More

Garden Statuary - Time for a Fresh New Look

Spring is coming, and now is the time to get... Read More

Come With Me To The Casbah!

A ripe persimmon is a thing of beauty ? sweet,... Read More

Organic Hydroponics - Simplified

These days, it's easy to get lost in the wealth... Read More

To Salt or Not to Salt Your Pond

The important question of whether or not to add salt... Read More

Three Stumbling Blocks to Growing Grapes in the Backyard

Are you one of those home gardeners that don't know... Read More

The Truth About Tulips

Roses may be beautiful but Tulips are magnificent. The huge... Read More

A Storage Bench Provides Much Needed Outdoor Space

If you are like most of us, there are two... Read More

How to Build a Waterfall For Your Garden Pond

Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will... Read More

Selecting Outdoor Benches

Outdoor benches are an excellent way to enhance a garden,... Read More

September Gardening Tips

Well it is now September, and the mornings are great... Read More

Gardenscape On A Shoestring

Many of us flip through garden magazines, all the while... Read More

A Look at Planting Flower Bulbs

Flowers are a favorite of many backyard gardeners. Thanks to... Read More

Earthworm Friends in the Garden

Earthworms are a gardener's best friend.Research has shown that earthworm... Read More

The Flower Garden in August

Our flower garden in August can be brimming with activities... Read More

Bonsai Trees - Our Own Little Forest

Bonsai trees have been grown in China and Japan for... Read More

Flowering Cherries

Flowering cherries While the briefness of their... Read More

Garden for Birds #4

I would like to know...WHO STOLE SUMMER???What did you do... Read More

Greenhouse Calamities ? Thoughts from a Novice Gardener

Greenhouses are a great addition to anyone's garden. They come... Read More