The choice of a rose tree should not be made solely on the appearance of its flower or its fragrance, even if this remains the major criteria for most buyers. Many other parameters must be taken into account to avoid disappointment and growing mistakes.
Climatic conditions
Not all roses can withstand the same climatic conditions, so it is important to know this before buying one. Roses are thought to be very hardy, but some are not and prefer to be planted in warm areas of the country. This is the case of the 'Noisette' roses and the 'Thé-noisette' hybrids which are known to be cold, as well as the varieties obtained in the past by Nabonnand such as 'Sénateur Amic' or 'Archiduc Joseph'. The famous Rosa 'Cooperi' should also be planted on a wall facing south, as well as Rosa chinensis and its hybrids.
In the mountainous areas, you will have to rely on safe values such as botanical roses like Rosa alba or Rosa rugosa. Avoid modern climbing roses or use creeping varieties like 'Seagull' or 'Apple Blossom'.
Adapting the rootstock to the soil
It is best to know the nature of the soil before buying a rose tree in order to plant it on a suitable rootstock. Thus, in a calcareous soil, Rosa canina will be preferred, it tolerates the cold very well but remains somewhat sensitive to drought.
In a non calcareous soil, the most used rootstock is Rosa multiflora, it adapts well to light and sandy soils.
Disease resistance
Nothing is more unpleasant than spending time caring for sick roses. To avoid this, choose resistant roses with the 'ADR' label, which have been tested under extreme conditions for many years to obtain the famous German label.
The use
There is a wide range of roses. To choose yours, think about its future location and function. To border a flowerbed, a path or cover an embankment, choose ground cover roses not exceeding 70 cm in height such as 'The fairy', 'Bassino' or 'Marie Pavie'.
To flower a bed, choose polyanthus or English roses. One rule: be careful with the colors to avoid taste mistakes.
On a pergola, a large tree or an arbour, climb rambling roses like 'Ghislaine de Ferigonde', 'Treasure Love', 'Apple blossom' or 'New dawn'.
As single specimens, stem roses or weeping roses have no equal, but you can also consider landscape roses or bushes for this purpose.
Miniature roses will be reserved for terraces and balconies to decorate a table or even a windowsill.
