Gardening Guides
6 Wonderfully Easy Roses for Any Gardener
Look like an expert even if you're just starting out, with these low-maintenance gems of the rose world
Calling roses "easy" may seem like an oxymoron, but there truly are some varieties that are low maintenance. Many roses are susceptible to black spot, aphids and fungal diseases and need a fair amount of spraying and fussing to keep them healthy, but these roses scoff at all that nonsense. Take a look at these easy-care beauties and then take the leap.
2. 'Carefree' roses. Another easy-care set of roses is the aptly named 'Carefree' series. These roses have admirable heat resistance, are pest and disease resistant, and grow up to 6 feet tall depending upon the variety. These repeat bloomers will thrive in zones 5 to 9.
Varieties to look for include 'Carefree Delight', 'Carefree Sunshine', 'Carefree Beauty', 'Carefree Celebration' and 'Carefree Spirit'.
Shown: 'Carefree Sunshine'
Varieties to look for include 'Carefree Delight', 'Carefree Sunshine', 'Carefree Beauty', 'Carefree Celebration' and 'Carefree Spirit'.
Shown: 'Carefree Sunshine'
3. 'Knock Out' roses. This family of roses is the most disease resistant on the market, requires no deadheading to have almost continuous blooming from spring to fall, is heat tolerant and is hardy to zone 5. They grow in a tidy shrub form, up to 4 feet tall, and are even drought tolerant once established.
Look for 'Double Knock Out', 'Sunny Knock Out', 'Rainbow Knock Out' and 'Double Pink Knock Out', with colors ranging from pink to red and yellow.
Shown: 'Knock Out'
Look for 'Double Knock Out', 'Sunny Knock Out', 'Rainbow Knock Out' and 'Double Pink Knock Out', with colors ranging from pink to red and yellow.
Shown: 'Knock Out'
4. 'Graham Thomas'. This gorgeous deep yellow English shrub rose is resistant to black spot, mildew and rust, and blooms repeatedly from early summer on. It's a vigorous grower (up to 7 feet tall) and has a sweet honey fragrance. It also boasts excellent heat tolerance and is perfect for zones 4 to 9.
5. 'Marmalade Skies'. This lovely pink to tropical-red bloomer is a floribunda rose with flowers that develop in clusters at the ends of the stems, making them ideal for cutting and displaying. It's a continuous bloomer with a sweet, fruity fragrance, and it stays low and compact, growing to 3 feet tall. Throw out the sprays after planting 'Marmalade Skies' — you won't need them. Grow it in zones 5 to 9.
6. 'Peace' has been called the most famous rose of the 20th century; discovered in 1935, it was named after the end of World War II. It has unusual pink-tinged yellow petals and a sweet fragrance, and grows from 4 to 6 feet wide in zones 4 to 9. Aside from being a low-maintenance rose, it's notable for its extra-large, showy blooms that span 5 to 6 inches across.
Grow roses? Please show us your garden!
Grow roses? Please show us your garden!
And you have to love plants that have yummy food names like 'Cherry Pie', 'Honey Bun', 'Paprika' and 'Strawberry Crush'.
Shown: 'Oso Easy Peachy Cream'