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Three Earth Kind Roses to considerBy Tara McKnight Texas AgriLife Extension agent, horticulture, Wichita County Here are three Earth-Kind roses for you to consider for your landscape. Earth-Kind roses have been through rigorous statewide testing and evaluation by a team of horticultural experts and found to possess a high level of landscape performance and outstanding disease and insect tolerance/ resistance required to for this special designation. Earth-Kind roses are among the most thoroughly tested and environmentally responsible plants for the use in Texas landscapes. Earth-Kind roses are certainly not immune to pest problems. However, their tolerance to pests is so great that they rarely require the use of chemical pesticides. Six more roses have currently been added to the list. Cecile Brunner is an older rose selection dating back to the early 1900s. This vigorous climber requires little maintenance but does need adequate space for optimum performance. Cecile Brunner is classed as a China hybrid, (unknown polyantha X Mme de Tartas) and is often best in a more natural, un-pruned form. The small, pink blooms are produced in large clusters, which eventually turn near-white. Cecile Brunner is known for its unusual, but pleasing scent. Like many climbing roses, the most common variety of Climbing Cecile Brúnner flowers once per year. However, there is a repeat blooming form available. This is an extremely valuable characteristic in the landscape. Cultivar Name: Cecile Brunner Blossom Color: Pink Blossom and Fragrance: Double to Slight Blooming Period: spring to frost Mature Height: 3 to 5 feet Mature Width: 4 feet Rose Category: Polyantha Growth Habit: Shrub La Marne is another older rose selection with origins dating back to 1915. This plant is best known for its use as a hedge plant, reaching heights of 4- to 6-feet with a spread of 2- to 3-feet. La Marne is a very erect, bushy plant, covered with glossy leaves and loose clusters of pink and white flowers. When placed in open, sunny areas, La Marne re-blooms heavily in the landscape. Cultivar: La Marne Blossom Color: Pink and White, White Eye Blossom: Double Blooming Period: spring to frost Mature Height: 4 to 6 feet Mature Width: 4 to 5 feet Rose Category: Polyantha Growth Habit: Medium Shrub Mme. Antoine Mari was named after the wife of the breeder in 1901. This tea rose is an outstanding landscape performer reaching a height of 3- to 5-feet with a spread of 2 feet. The flowers consist of dark rose petals blending to pale pink. Flowers are very fragrant and their shape is similar to a Camellia. Best known for its compact habit and re-flowering characteristics. Cultivar: Mme. Antoine Mari Blossom Color: Pink Blend Blossom and Fragrance: Double to Very Fragrant Blooming Period: spring- frost Mature Height: 3 to 5 feet Mature Width: 2 to 4 feet Rose Category: Tea Growth Habit: Shrub When planting Earth-Kind roses in the landscape be sure to plant it with plenty of room around it to ensure air movement will occur around the rose. This will aid in the reduction of diseases on the rose. It is always a good idea to plan enough room when planting your Earth-Kind rose that it will have at least one foot of extra space around the rose based on the mature rose size. Earth-Kind roses also need to be planted in full sun, as this will reduce disease problems on the roses as well. Check in next month for the last three of the newest Earth-Kind rose introductions. Your garden and landscape questions are always welcome. You may either contact me at our County Extension office, 940-716-8610, or by e-mail, tcmcknight@ag.tamu.edu. You are always encouraged to visit the Wichita County Master Gardener website at www.overthegardengate.org. Another great website to visit for very useful garden hints and answers is http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/. This article, along with every article, will also be featured on www.joetomwhite.com 24 hours a day under county agents.
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