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Fragrance is strongest early on warm, sunny days when the soil is moist. Only two varieties seem to be immune to the vagaries of the weather--Chrysler Imperial and Sutter's Gold are fragrant even on cool, cloudy days.
Roses that appear to be resistant to powdery mildew include Double Delight, Honor, Iceberg, and Cary Grant. To reduce the chance of mildew, spray the plants--especially new growth--with plain water from a hose with a spray head two or three times a week, making sure to cover leaf undersides.
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| About Roses |
Best cutting roses include:
- Red: Mr. Lincoln, Olympiad and Viva
- Pink: America, Bewitched, Cherish, Color Magic, Duet, Sonia, Touch of Class and Voodoo
- Purple: Deep Purple, Intrigue and Paradise
- White: French Lace, Honor, Iceberg and Pascali
- Orange: Gingersnap, Marina and Prominent
- Yellow: Gold Medal, New Day and Summer Sunshine
In a recent test, these roses were cut when in bud and put in vases of 72-degree water. Every two days, the stems were cut back about 1/4 inch, and new water was added. Blooms were judged for color, substance, retention of petals and overall appearance. While all of the roses lasted at least four days, Olympiad and Touch of Class remained in good condition for a full nine days. Red, pink, and orange roses lasted the longest, as did those having many petals mainly due to their slower opening time.
Prune established roses.
Even if they have not lost all their leaves, remove crowded or crossed branches, and open the center of the plant for good light exposure and airflow. Prune branches at a 45-degree angle just above a bud that faces outward or toward a side that needs filling in. Remove any leaves that have dead or diseased portions, and destroy (don't compost) them. Old-fashioned roses with a single bloom cycle in the spring, as with climbers, should be pruned following that bloom.
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