Heritage Roses
Old Roses or Antique Roses

Heritage roses, sometimes called Old Roses or Antique Roses, is the term given to those roses introduced into commercial production before 1867, although this isn't a strict ruling.

These older cultivars are finding something of a renewed interest amoung rose enthusiasts: many are starting to regain an appreciation for the roses of the past.

This new found interest stems from the fact that not only do these old roses look spectacular but they have a wonderful fragrance, are relatively easy to grow and display a certain disease resistance.

To quote one of the rose forums, "You find these old roses everywhere, most often in gaveyards. If dead people can grow them then anyone can!"

Classes of Old Roses

There are a variety of rose classes under this wide umbrella of "Antique Roses". Such names as Centifolia (native to Europe and usually only once a year bloomers),Noisettes, Portlands, Bourbons and Hybrid Perpetuals are good examples.

The later four are all repeat bloomers (which I am reliably informed is called "Remontant" would you believe!) but have reduced cold tolerance. They can and usually are grown on their own root rather than being grafted to a root-stock so that increases their cold tolerance.

Examples of these wonderful old roses includes:

Old Blush...A climber from 1752

Rugosa Rubra...A very fragrant rose from 1870 and one famous for it's hips. This is one for making rose-hip jelly!

Charles de Mills.

Aviatuer Bleriot...1910

Champney's Pink Cluster...supposedly the first rose hybridized in America...1802.

Common Moss or Rosa Centifolia Muscosa...mossy covered buds and stem from 1696.

Natchitoches Noisette.

Banshee.
Veilchenblaue...said to be one of the bluest roses sold.

..and then there are the apothecary rose and the chestnut rose.

...and so many more.

One of the best way to familiarize yourself with these roses is to check out these two heritage groups, both of whom share the goal of finding and preserving these antique roses.

The Heritage Rose Foundation

This first group was established in 1986, as a non profit organization, and lists among its goals, ""The collection of roses originating in the nineteenth century or earlier and rroses with particular historic, educational, or genetic value." They also have tried to establish gardens publish information, maintain a library and arrange meetings and seminars. They can be contacted through their website.

Click here to go to the Heritage Rose Foundation Website

The Heritage Roses Group

This group was formed in 1975 with a goal of preserving, enjoying and sharing knowledge about Old Roses, particularly those roses that were introduced before 1867. This North American group has inspired other groups to start up in Australia, England, New Zealand and France. If you go to the "Links" page of their site you can find these other groups as well as a very interesting list of Heritage Rose Gardens from around the world.

Click here to go to the Heritage Roses Group Website

All rose gardeners who value easy-care and graceful form should consider raising Old Roses. While many modern roses have the reputation of needing much tender loving care, most Antique roses provide a reliable beauty in even the beginners garden. Check out your catalogues and local rose dealers for these special roses or look into the two websites noted above...they may be the answer you have been looking for: an historical one!

www.rose-works.com helping you get the most from your roses...especially the old ladies of history!

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