Winter Roses

“The last rose of summer” blooms in the winter now.

Winter roses have few petals

Nearly all the late roses which bloom almost into the winter have few rose petals, and are seen at their best in the cold weather, as they do not fly open so rapidly and then drop, as is the case in June.

There are several rose varieties recommended for late blooming which certainly fulfil their duty in that respect, but which in reality bear flowers too full and heavy to look well in the chill winds of autumn.  The buds are there, but they remain as buds until the rain and cold induce mildew and decay, while the thinner blooms always open enough to make pretty button-holes, and the petals not being so thick, curl over most charmingly, much as the others do in the height of summer.

Shelter needed

A sheltered yet sunny spot should be selected for winter blooming roses, say a border under a south or west wall, protected from the north and east winds.  Here are some roses that can often be picked on Christmas Day.

Some winter blooming roses:    

                     R Chromatella (Cloth of Gold)  

                     R Marechal Niel

                     Gloire des Rosomanes

                     Isabelle Nabonnand

                     Marquise Litta

                     Gloike Lyonnaise

                     Captain Christie

                     R Marie Leonidas