Standing Proud – A Look at Actual Tree Roses

Tree roses are amazing. For a rose lover this is a must have in the garden. Tree roses are actually several different plants in one. First, a rootstock is grown and a straight cane from a stock plant is grafted to that rootstock. After this the top of the stem is budded with a variety of wood and grafted to the top of the stem.  These roses come in so many different varieties but those that really catch the attention of guests are the two-colored trees. These are the most elegant roses around.

Another name for tree roses are rose standards (in case you’d like to research further, this is a more common name). There are three distinct parts to this created rose: the crown, the trunk, and the rootstock. The crown is the top of the tree that grows flowers, the trunk is the long cane, which usually grows 32-36 inches tall, and the rootstock is the root area. Because the weight of the crown becomes so heavy with blooms, it’s best to use a stake to support the weight.

Weather can be a bit more harmful to tree roses so it’s important to take extra care to protect them. If you live in a place with a lot of wind make sure that the stem is secure so it can withstand the wind. Sun can also be a danger to the stem so if you live in a place that gets extremely hot you’ll need to protect it from the sun. The best way to do this is to use a wire frame around the trunk of the tree and then wrap the frame with cloth. When you do this remember to leave at least two inches between the trunk and the frame so that your tree will have proper air circulation.

Tree roses are also extremely sensitive to the cold so you’ve got to take extra precaution when preparing for winter. The entire tree from the top to the bottom needs to be protected (just putting mulch around the tree will not suffice). If your tree roses are planted in large containers it makes it a lot easier to cover them when the winter comes around. If you have space, move your trees into a shed during the winter. If however, your tree is planted in the ground you need to wrap the plant with straw and burlap. Then get a plywood box and put it over the plant.

Pruning your tree roses is extremely important, even more important than regular roses. This is because the tree rose is so high off the ground; you need to maintain the shape and balance. When you’re pruning your tree roses, remember never to prune the main cane of the tree. You only need to prune the crown. If you don’t pay attention to the right pruning method for the type of tree roses you specifically have, the weight of the crown could become uneven and would result in major damage to the trunk.

Though tree roses take a bit more care than a standard rose bush, they are worth every second. Their beauty will brighten your day and you’ll always be pleased with your rose tree. If you’d like to buy a rose tree make sure you inspect the trunk before you buy it. The truck should be ¾” to 1” around. Like mentioned earlier, the trunk has to support the entire crown. The trunk should also be free from holes and breaks and have at least four good canes (six canes are ideal).  It’s also important to buy your tree roses from a nursery where they can give you information and a healthy plant.

Have fun choosing, planting, and nurturing your tree rose. You will definitely love the outcome of your hard work.