I’ve always loved roses. Especially the blatant and old variety. They are lush, fragrant and endlessly romantic. But growing them is a challenge. When I was trying to raise more natives in my garden, I wanted to learn more about roses endemic to the US
With around 20 species of roses born in the United States, these perennial bloomers are grown in pastures, prairie, deserts, woodlands, and even on sides of roads across the country. However, it should not be confused with invasive items like Asian perennial shrubs invading pastures and forest areas in the northeast, or Lugosa Roses, which spread across coastal areas due to their salt tolerance. These invasions harm ecosystems by replacing native plants, an important food source for wildlife.
Most native roses are single, pink and beautiful, and bloom only once. They may be more subtle than many modern hybrids, but they fill in pollen and nectar. “Many modern roses are barren,” says Julie Marcus, senior gardener at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas. “However, native roses attract bees and butterflies, and their hips seduce birds.” Many also provide bees with nesting locations and materials, hosting butterflies and uth larvae. From the size of the peas to the size of the marble, the rose hips, which have added color to the winter landscape, hanging ever since the leaves fell, “If the birds don’t get all of them first,” Marcus says with a laugh.
To grow native roses at home, Marcus recommends “value the space first.” Look at the amount of room you have, your light, and the condition of the soil. “Then you can think of where these roses are in the wild and see what you can grow,” she says. (Search for species in the Wildflower.org Plant database to see what is endemic to your area and the requirements that roses require.) When selected properly, native roses are robust, adaptable to your area, and thrive with minimal work. There are several outstanding things across the country.
Climbing the Prairie Rose
The subtle scented pink pink flower climbing prairie rose (R. Setigera) is a mountaineer who can withstand light shades. It is naturally found on the edges of bushes in forest areas and prairie areas. Plant in well-drained soil and give it plenty of space to grow. “The branches could reach 15 feet, says Marcus.
