Using Roses in Mass Plantings

Story by: Will Funk - Photos by: Gene Sasse

If a single rose is a pretty sight then mass plantings of these treasures can surely produce a magnificent display.  Are there rules for using roses en mass?  Let’s call them guidelines and they’re being rewritten each year with the introduction of new floriferous, disease resistant roses.  With all of the colorful, repeat blooming and Easy-to-Love varieties from Weeks Roses the possibilities for creating a stunning sea of vibrant hues is better than ever.

With the addition of Brilliant Pink and Burgundy Iceberg there is no longer a need to just use the standard white Iceberg if you have a large area to cover.  While maintaining all of the advantages of their icy white parent, including a vigorous growing habit and extreme disease resistance, the colorful ‘bergs’ are perfect for creating colorful hedges, as plantings along fences or other large areas where either the brilliant pink or deep burgundy colors are welcome.

By introducing rich, warm tone roses over the past few years from Weeks plants like Honey Dijon and AARS winner Hot Cocoa have become favorites for large spaces.  These earthy colors allow you to have the look and fragrance of a rose yet, with their subtle and smoky tones, they compliment many homes and landscape styles.

Even miniatures can get into the mix.  If you like Hot Cocoa but need a smaller plant then new introduction Coffee Bean could be your rose.  With smoke and rust coloration this compact cutie is perfect if you desire rich colors but a smaller rose.

On the brighter side, the medium sized shrub Home Run works great in large areas.  Flame red flowers are almost always covering this plant.  With disease resistance against not only black spot but powdery and downy mildew Home Run is a hit in large plantings. 

Other shrubs such as Gourmet Popcorn and Pillow Fight will fill areas with loads of white blossoms while keeping a smaller habit than some other larger roses.  Placing white roses along with bright colors can create a dramatic look.

An important consideration when contemplating a mass planting is the care involved with a large number of roses.  Several of Weeks Roses’ earn the Easy-to-Love label for their natural disease resistance, vigorous growing characteristics, and profusion of beautiful blooms. 

All-America Rose Selection winner Julia Child is a buttery gold floribunda that has a delicious licorice and spice scent.  Julia’s glossy leaves create a perfect backdrop for her abundant old-fashioned flowers.

Easy Going and another AARS winner Livin’ Easy are two more roses in the Easy-to-Love family that will give your garden bountiful blooms from spring until winter.  Easy Going is a golden peachy yellow floribunda with consistent color from start to finish.  Livin’ Easy is an apricot orange blend that is consistent in all climates.

If a creamy white color is what you are looking for then Pretty Lady is your rose.  Disease resistant and erupting with armloads of pastel flowers Pretty Lady is the girl for your garden.

Before you select a rose or roses for large plantings consider your landscape including other flower colors, the color of your home and possibly even the pallet of colors in your neighbor’s yard.  Since a large planting can be a significant investment of both time and money you will want to make sure you will be happy with your selection for many years. 

Also remember that just because you may like a particular rose in your garden doesn’t mean that it will work well in a mass planting.  For example, some older varieties of roses may not repeat bloom nearly as well as many of Weeks Roses newer introductions.  You will want to be able to enjoy more than just the color of leaves after the first spring bloom.  Hybrid teas may be great for clipping and bringing into the home but may not meet your needs where you want to watch waves of color crashing across your garden.