Roses as Landscape Plants

Rose Gardens

• Planting several rose bushes in one location creates a beautiful rose garden. Roses need sunlight and should be planted in an area receiving full sun. They need a minimum of direct sunlight for four to six hours every day. Plant them approximately 1 to 2 feet apart allowing for growth and proper air circulation. For rose garden design, consider planting all of the same color in one location or mix rose colors that complement one another, such as pale yellow and pale purple varieties or red and orange mixed together.

Trellises

• Climbing roses bring drama to any trellis and are useful for creating landscaped entranceways to yards or around benches. Climbing rose varieties reach heights of 8 to 12 feet and typically are very hardy. Plant at least two climbing roses on either side of the trellis or structure. They are self-training and will climb within a few days to weeks. These rose varieties require full sun to thrive.

Shrubs and Hedges

• Consider landscaping an area with hedge roses or a line of rose shrubs as a fence. Planting simplicity roses 6 to 12 inches apart create a thick appearance. These rose hedges produce tiny tea roses throughout the growing season. For larger areas, consider planting rose shrubs such as the Robin Hood variety. These grow to approximately 15 feet in height and fill in quickly. This variety is good for landscaping large areas where abundant color is desired.

Edging for Walkways and Driveways

• Use roses to landscape and delineate walkways and driveways on a property. Consider varieties that do not exceed 3 feet in height at maturity and do not require excessive pruning. Miniature rose varieties work well for this type of landscaping. Plant the bushes at least 1 foot apart. For a cohesive landscape edging design, plant rose bushes that are all the same color or rotate colors every other rose bush for more visual drama.