Q. There are thousands of roses available in the stores and online.  They all look beautiful!  How do I choose which ones to buy?
 
Answer
There are, indeed, many roses in commerce. To choose which ones are right for you, ask yourself these questions.

How much space is available? 
  • Roses range in size from tiny miniatures 6 in. tall to giant climbers that reach 20 ft. in the air.  What size plant will fit in your garden?

How much time do I have to care for my roses?
  • Some roses require more time and attention than others
  • Roses listed as easy-care or disease-resistant will need less attention

What do I want the flowers to look like?​
  • Rose flowers come in many shapes, sizes and number of petals 
  • Some bloom in clusters, and others produce just one flower on a stem
  • Roses come in every color except true blue.  They can be solid color, blended, or striped.
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After thinking about these questions, look through the garden center, rose catalog, or website, and find the roses that match your requirements.  Read the descriptions carefully, and choose the plants that meet your criteria.  Don’t let yourself be seduced by all the beautiful photos!
​Q. ​Do you recommend buying roses from the local box stores, or is it better to get them from a catalog or online source?
 
Answer
All sources have their good and bad points.   Here are some things to think about

Local garden centers
  • Can be a reliable source of the most popular roses
  • Usually take good care of their stock
  • Provide knowledgeable sales people to help
  • Buying from local sources supports community businesses

Big box stores
  • Can be a source of a narrow selection of popular roses
  • May not give adequate care. Check carefully that the plants look healthy and have been receiving water.
  • We suggest you buy roses that have been shipped in pots from the grower
  • We don’t recommend the inexpensive roses in plastic bags or narrow cardboard boxes. They have had severe damage to their roots and will be a challenge to grow. 
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Catalogs and website sources
  • Often have more varieties than can be found in the local store
  • Often have more unusual varieties
  • May be more expensive if you include the shipping costs
  • May be damaged in transit
  • Have limited shipping dates in spring and fall due to heat concerns in summer
Q. What roses can I plant that are easy care shrubs, but are different than the familiar Knock Out varieties?
 
Answer
There are many easy care roses that would be comparable to the Knock Outs The important thing is to read the plant descriptions carefully to make sure they fit the color and size you need for your garden.  Here are some examples:

Floribundas 
  • Grow to 3 feet high and wide.
  • Relatively small and rounded in shape
  • Bloom all summer and are usually fragrant
  • Available in many colors and flower forms
  • Vary in disease resistance so read the descriptions carefully and choose newer varieties that have been bred for disease resistance
  Polyanthas  
  • Grow to 2 ft. high and 3 ft. wide
  • Clusters of small flowers on a stem
Drift series  
  • Grow to 2-3 ft. high and wide.
  •  Many colors and continual bloom
  • Good disease resistance
Flower Carpet series
  • Similar to Drift series but shorter and wider
Picture
Examples of Flower Carpet Roses and Floribundas

​Other roses listed as “shrub roses” or “easy care roses”

There are many great shrub roses to choose from beyond the popular Knock Out series. Here is a link to roses suggested by K-State Research and Extension based on field trials at the Olathe, KS research station.
​Here is a link to the Johnson County Extension publication on Easy Care Roses.  Along with rose variety suggestions, it also provides tips on caring for shrub roses in your landscape.
Question -  Can tree roses be grown in the Kansas City region?

​Answer
Yes, tree roses can be grown in the Kansas City area.  However, they require some extra work because they will not survive through the winter without protection.  Here are two options:
  • Grow it in a large container that has drainage holes in the bottom, so it has good drainage.  After the leaves drop in the fall, store it in an unheated garage or similar location.  Be sure to water it occasionally so it doesn’t dry out.
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  • Plant it in the ground and treat them like a regular rose bush.  When the leaves have dropped, dig a trench along the side of the plant and tip the whole bush over into the trench.  Then bury it with soil, leaves, mulch to about 12 inches.  In the early spring, before they break dormancy, tip them back up and resettle the roots into the original hole.