Roses in Florida (from the University of Florida Extension Service)

The rose continues to be one of the world's most popular flowers. For centuries, roses have been cultivated for garden landscaping and as plants supplying cut flowers for the home. Improved cultivars available today have increased this long standing appreciation of roses as flowering shrubs.

In Florida's year-round gardening climate, the rose is an evergreen shrub that will continue to increase its flower production for at least five years. Roses grow and bloom all year in southern and central Florida. They bloom at least nine months of the year in northern Florida, keeping some foliage through the winter months.

A rose bush can supply more blooms suitable for cutting than any other flowering shrub. Each year plants produce from five to seven cycles or "flushes" of bloom--of one to two week's duration--and a few flowers between cycles.

In Florida roses are high-maintenance plants. Plentiful supplies of high quality roses can be obtained only when the plants are cared for properly and allowed to reach mature size. Plants require grooming over a long blooming period and they require weekly applications of fungicide to control the leaf disease blackspot. But, for those who like to spend time in the garden each week, growing roses can be a rewarding hobby.

Leaves manufacture food for growth. Preventing early loss of foliage means controlling mites and the fungus that causes blackspot. Producing high-quality flowers means using seasonal control practices for thrips and for the fungus that causes powdery mildew.

While most features of Florida rose culture are the same as in other regions, there are some differences. Plants grow larger here and should be given more space than those in colder climates. Winter protection practices such as deep planting or covering the tops are not necessary, but it is necessary to anchor taller varieties to reduce wind injury. Here, as elsewhere, success depends upon the selection of varieties and rootstock suited to local conditions. Everblooming varieties grafted on Rosa fortuniana rootstock are recommended, but ever-blooming varieties with other kinds of root systems can be grown successfully.
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WORKSHOP THIS WEEKEND AT SUNKEN GARDENS

"Selecting and Caring for Roses in Florida"   with Tricia Weimer.                Saturday 9/8 at 11:30am.  Free with paid admission!