IN THE GARDEN
COMING UP ROSES Sally Petitt, Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s head of horticulture, considers the enduring appeal and care of roses F or many, a rose-filled garden is the epitome of an English garden. With a long history and enduring popularity, roses are often named dedicated rose gardens were first created, to house these wonderful specimens. During the 1800s, rose breeding programmes led to the development of many old roses, such as the vigorous ‘William Lobb’ musk rose. Rose breeding continued through the 20th century, with
the nation’s favourite flower. Their wide variety of shapes, colours, habits and scents makes it easy to understand why this flower has become a mainstay of our gardens. Today, there are more than 200 rose species and 30,000 cultivars, ranging from hybrid teas, ramblers and climbers to old roses, shrub roses, English roses, ground cover and floribundas – there’s something for everyone! A brief history The roses familiar to us today have a long history, with records indicating that roses were cultivated in China 5,000 years ago. While we have some native rose species, such as the shrubby Rosa canina (dog rose), these natives are often overlooked in favour of more ornamental species. Exotic species were first grown in Roman times, but the introduction of roses from foreign lands really took off in the 13th century. The highly scented apothecary’s rose ( Rosa gallica ‘ Officinalis’) has been grown in our gardens since the medieval period, when it was used for medicinal purposes. In the 17th century, repeat-flowering species from China transformed British gardens, and it was during this period that
the creation of hybrids such as Rosa x pteragonis ‘Cantabrigiensis’, a shrub rose with pale yellow flowers raised here at Cambridge University Botanic Garden. The 70s saw the development of hybrid teas that became popular for their neat habit and suitability for small gardens, including cultivars such as ‘Just Joey’. In more recent years, English roses including ‘Desdemona’ and ‘Lady of Shalott’ combine the charm of the old roses with the repeat
1 Deadhead spent flowers on perennials and roses to encourage more blooms. 2 Plant out annuals and tender perennials once the risk of frost has passed. 3 Water plants frequently, especially new plantings to encourage stronger root growth and containers that dry out quickly. Gardening jobs for June
PRIDE OF PLACE Colourful rose plants are sure to steal the show among other garden foliage
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JUNE 2025 79
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