Long Stem Roses are widely considered to be the most popular roses for all occasions, especially for Valentine Day. The rose that many people think of as classic long stem roses are in fact Hybrid Teas Roses. Long stem roses are a cross between the Hybrid Perpetual and Tea Rose from China, with long pointy buds with up to 30-50 petals per bloom.

Since 1867, when the Hybrid Tea was first discovered, there have been thousands of long stem varieties coming in virtually every color except for blue or black. Common features of long stem roses is, they tend to flower continuously;? can grow 2-6 feet tall; are highly susceptible to disease;? and less fragrant smell, when compared to other types of roses.? These are the reasons why a great deal of inbreeding that has taken place to achieve the attractiveness of long stem roses.

Do’s and Don’ts:
-To keep your long stem roses growing tall,? select an area where they will get 6 hours of sunlight and good air circulation.
-Do hard pruning in the late winter or early spring just as new growth begins.
-Remove old damaged canes from the center to let in fresh air and sunlight,
-Leave the thick healthy canes forming a circle on the outside and cut the remaining stems to 12-24 inches.
-Fertilize in a few weeks time.
-Protect your long stem roses in harsh winters by binding the canes together and mound with soil. Surround the mound with insulating materials such as leaves or straw and shelter with a cylinder, perforated with breathing holes.
-Protect the roses and their leaves from disease with a regular spray program.?
-Give your long stem roses lots of water!

Care should be taken,? that the cutting of your long stem roses is not so extensive as to damage the plants. First-year plants in particular should be allowed to grow and produce blooms without continuous and severe cutting. Blooms should be removed in moderation from healthy plants until they are well established and producing vigorous growth. Then they can be cut in abundance without damaging the bush.

Once the gardener has his roses established, be prepared for? rose fever” to set in. It seldom takes more than the first few blooms on the dining-room table to wipe out memories of any hard work that might have been done.

Author Shirley Jarrett has been in business for many years and understands the importance of delivering relevant quality informative products and services in order to build good relationships. Gardeners Review

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