Landscape Gardening - Selecting Rose Bushes For a Dry Mediterranean Garden

From a landscape gardening point of view, roses,but also the form and shape of the blooms.
traditionally known as the "Queen of the Garden",Hybrid tea roses, such as the varieties, Chrysler
are still unmatched in the color design options theyImperial, Papa Meilland, or Peace, typically have
provide. For magnificent flowers and a powerfullarge individual flowers. They are best close to
color composition, rose bushes are still numberentrances and walkways, where the architectural
one. Although there are many culturalwonder of the flowers' form can be appreciated.
requirements to consider while selecting roseMany of course are highly fragrant as well.
bushes, it is worthwhile to be clear from theThe individual flower of the floribunda group is far
outset, as to the design role they are meant toless noteworthy than those of the hybrid teas,
play in the garden.but as they produce massive quantities of
A group of roses should either fit into theflowers, the actual color effect of floribunda roses
garden's color scheme, or be the starting point,is often more spectacular, if used wisely, than
perhaps the focal point from which the othertheir hybrid tea, or grandiflora counterparts. They
plants and garden elements take their cue. If aare best planted therefore in larger groups,
hot or warm color theme were wanted, then thepreferably in front of a wall or fence, which
reds, oranges, and deep yellows are suitable.supply a quiet background to the rose bushes.
Alternatively, a blotch of crimson or BordeauxThe famous Iceberg variety is one example of a
flowers in a garden that is predominantly pastel,white flowering, floribunda rose, while Goldilocks,
would probably strike a discordant note. Randomlyand Ginger sport yellow and orange blooms
throwing colors together is simply poor taste andrespectively.
can never create a satisfying composition.Two other design uses of roses are as climbers
The intensity of the sun light either enhances oron pillars and arches, or grown as espaliers trained
dissipates the quality of different colors. Thehorizontally on a wall. The great advantage in both
pastel colors like sky blue, pink and pale lemon forcases is that the plants look passably good all
example, look at their best in the soft light ofyear round, and not only when in flower.
Britain or Ireland, but weak and insipid in the harsh,However, when in full bloom, they really come
fierce sun light of a Mediterranean or Southerninto their own. I particularly love the dramatic
Californian summer. If roses could be successfullycontrast of the dark red flowers of Don Juan on
grown in the shade or even filtered sun, thena whitewashed wall. A harmonious composition on
pastel colored flowers might be fine, but as theythe other hand would involve pale yellow flowers
need a good six hours a day of direct sun, theon a wall painted in ochre. Although such a
hot colors tend to be more effective in suchcombination might be less suitable in the bright,
climates.severe, Mediterranean light, it is quite a sumptuous
Roses are classified into a number of groups,thought nonetheless!
which not only indicate the size of the bush itself,