In the Spring, area nurseries have a large variety of roses in stock, but with this warm weather that won't last long. Plan and prepare your beds now. Get a soil test from the Smith County Extension Office to see what amendments you need to add to your soil. Make the necessary improvements and then, you're off to shop! Some of the recommended varieties for East Texas are:
Hybrid Teas and Grandifloras:
Broadway (yellow blend), Celebrity (dark yellow), Chicago Peace (pink blend), Dainty Bess (light pink), Fountain Square (white), Gardens of the World (pink blend), Gold Medal (medium yellow), Milestone (red blend), Mister Lincoln (dark red), St. Patrick (yellow blend), Solitude (orange blend), Timeless (deep pink), Touch of Class (orange pink), Tournament of Roses (medium pink).
Florabundas and Polyanthas:
Betty Prior (medium pink), Betty Boop (yellow blend), China Doll (medium pink), First Edition (orange pink), Ginger (orange red), Hot'n'Spicy (orange red), Livin'Easy (orange blend), Mrs.R.M. Finch (medium pink), Neon Lights (dark pink), Playboy (red blend), Playgirl (medium pink), Scentimental (red blend, striped), Smooth Talk (white), Summer Snow (white), Sweet Vivien (pink blend),The Fairy (light pink).
Modern Shrubs and Old Garden Roses
Ballerina (medium pink), Bonica (medium pink), Carefree Wonder (pink blend), Mermaid (light yellow), Old Blush (medium pink), Penelope (light pink), The Pilgrim (medium yellow), Therese Bugnet (medium pink), White Meidiland (white).
Climbers
Dortmund (medium red), Cecile Brunner (light pink), Don Juan (dark red), Lady Banks (white or yellow).
Have fun selecting and planting your new roses!
Carol Runnels, Smith County Master Gardener
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