Our second Talk of 2021 was presented by Simon White of Beales Roses in Norfolk who gave us his A-Z of Roses.

Simon who has spent 40 years working for Beales certainly demonstrated his vast knowledge and passion for roses – ‘Britain’s favourite flower’ during his fascinating talk.

Beales Roses hold the national collection of species roses and hold over 1000 varieties in 3 acres of show gardens.

Below are some of Simon’s favourites:

Alba Maxima, very popular and fragrant, non repeat flowering. Maidens Blush/Queen of Denmark can also grow in light sandy soil.

Bourbon Madame Isaac Perere can grow up to 7 feet. Souv de la Malmaison white/pink and can grow up to 12 feet. An American single red rose named after Peter Beales has 5 flushes and good glossy foliage. Loved by bees.

It is important to note there are no disease free roses. A granule feed is recommended now in March and again in May.Liquid Tomatorite or Maxicrop seaweed are good but the best is Uncle Tom’s Rose tonic but is the most expensive!

Centifolias Fantin Latour one big flush,Old Blush (monthly rose) because of repeat flowering. Can be tender. Irene Watts can be grown in pots, subtle perfume. John Innes No 3 recommended if grown in pots.

Damasks Kazanlik sometimes called the Bulgaria rose as it is widely grown in Bulgaria for its repeat flowering to make rose water.

Eglantyne (Sweet Briar) Rose Eglanteria produces masses of hips.

Floribunda Clustered roses, Dusky Maiden, hard pruning in a wine glass shape recommended.

Gallicas Camaieux one flush and can grow up to 4 feet. James Mason can grow up to 5 feet.

Hybrid Perpetual Ferdinand Pichard repeat flowering and strong fragrance. Souv Du de Jamain, repeat flowering. Petals can go brown in hot sun.

Ice Leverkusen Good in cold weather but can bleach in hot sun. A climber and important to train horizontally on wall or fence.

June & July Bonica good ground cover. Rambling Rector and Chevy Chase too.

Kiftsgate Biggest climbers with thousands of flowers.

Low Growing Comte de Chambord first bred in 1860, Rose De Rescht.

Moschata Ballerina a ‘cottagey’ rose repeat flowering. Prosperity, easy to grow.

Noisette Climbers need pruning 3 times a year Alister Stella Gray, repeat flowering

New The Churchill rose named after the College not the man! Terry Wogan wanted his rose to be named “Togmeister” following his popular radio programme.

Orange Westerland repeat flowering in big clusters. Alchmist tends to attract black spot.

Pests and diseases Aphids, Black spot, Downy mildew, Rust all very common. Try ‘Rose Clear’ or an unusual tip is a mix skimmed milk with water. Important to spray under the leaves to eradicate rust.

Queen of Flowers Spanish Beauty can grow up to 15 feet. Ena Harkness

Rugosa Toughest and old fashioned. Scabrosa, repeat flowering.

Species Rosa Glauca, Rosa Omeninsis Petercantha unusually has only 4 petals.

Union bare rooted and must be pruned hard.

Variegated Most popular Rosa Mundi.

Wichurana Ramblers Albertine with large thorns!

Yellow Leah Tutu delicate amber flowers.

Zephrine Drouhin grows to 10 feet fragrant and thornless.

For the full run down go to the website: classicroses.co.uk or call 01953 454707