Roses in a Mediterranean climate – pain or gain ?
Rosa 'New Dawn' filling an arch Our last garden in the UK was a small town garden with brick walls and hot sandy soil which dried o...
https://mgappublic.mgaportugal.org/2014/11/roses-in-mediterranean-climate-pain-or.html
Rosa 'New Dawn' filling an arch |
Named for the wife of Sir Joseph Banks, the Director of Kew, it was introduced into England from China as long ago as 1824 but it is not completely hardy. It is a vigorous climber and will reach a height of at least six metres (20 feet) on slender branches. There is a very beautiful double white variety, ‘Alba Plena’, also white and yellow single varieties but they do not have the same allure, nor are they as prolific.
White rose on pergola in vegetable garden |
There are some roses which will flower throughout the spring and summer. Known as ‘repeats’ they are much sought after. Unfortunately many of the hybrid roses do not grow well here and are the cause of much heartache, and not a little cursing, as they shrivel and sulk in the heat. Careful choice is needed for a successful display of the world’s favourite garden plant family – roses. Many Mediterranean climate gardeners find that the climbers and shrub roses do best. As in many other plant choices, local varieties can give the best results. Don’t be afraid to try cuttings from those roses that you see, and like, locally. You might be rescuing an old variety.
R. 'American Pillar' on trellis |
The lovingly restored old house had many opportunities to show off roses, covering a shallow tiled roof over the barbecue area with peach coloured blooms was particularly effective. The house is in a small valley and so the soil looked very fertile but this may have been down to the generous use of the home made compost ! There were interesting corners with plants inserted into planting pockets left in the hard surface, a great way to encourage climbers to get their roots under the cool traditional paving. As you enter through the dark blue courtyard entrance doors, there is a huge swathe of Trachelospermum jasminoides and the perfume from this shower of small white flowers was fabulous.
Rosa 'American Pillar' |
The axis of the main paths runs through the flower gardens and on into raised beds for vegetable growing so the journey through the garden was full of variety and interest. This is a garden which beckons you on to explore down the pathways to see what awaits you around the next corner. At the moment the roses are the triumphant attention grabbers, but the lovely home grown lettuces I took home with me were reminders that this garden is good for the soul and for the taste buds!
Rosa 'Golden Showers' on the house roof |
Choose your planting position well and avoid competition from nearby plants, feed and water to establish young plants and you can be rewarded with that WOW factor which comes from a well grown climbing rose.