Blue Roses: Originating in the Orient the rose became a popular growth with the Greeks, who in turn carried its cultivation into their colonies in Italy and elsewhere. The ephebes in their youthful capacity as servers of wine to the guests wore roses on their heads as did also the female dancers. In the orgies following the banquet roses were used in great abundance, smothering the tables, and the Latin term sub rosa is said to have originated from the rule that all acts after the arrival of the flowered decoration were considered secret with the convivialists. Nero is said to have squandered $150,000 in roses at a single feast; the sybarites are said to have reposed on a bed of roses.
BUSH ROSES usually form the main part of a rose garden. The term refers to Hybrid Teas (correctly known as Large-flowered roses) and Floribundas (correctly known as Cluster-flowered roses).
Hybrid Teas produce the largest and most beautifully formed blooms of all and they have a color range that lacks only blue roses and deep black. They are also highly scented, but their greatest glory comes from their ability to produce continuous crops of flowers from early summer to mid-winter. Where they grow in the garden is best decided by you. Grow them in a group on their own or in a mixed border.
Floribundas have clusters of flowers which look much more informal than Hybrid Teas. For impact, they are best grown in beds of one type although they can also be placed in mixed borders. |
