Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
6/24/04
Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-8946, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
For the week of June 21, 2004
'Nearly Wild' Rose is an Antique Beauty
Linda Naeve
Extension Coordinator
Reiman Gardens
Iowa State University
Millions of Americans enjoy collecting antiques, such as furniture, dishes, cars and figurines. While new purchases depreciate quickly, antique items often increase in value over the years. In the garden, antique or heirloom plants have made a comeback and have become very trendy. These varieties may have an unusual bloom, unique shape, color or flavor. This week's Reiman's Pick, 'Nearly Wild' rose, is an old variety that has received renewed attention.
Developed over 60 years ago, interest in this floribunda hybrid diminished in favor of newer rose hybrids and nearly disappeared from the market. Now, 'Nearly Wild' has become very prevalent in landscapes and gardens during the past 15 to 20 years, because it was rediscovered growing at old, abandoned homesteads. Now you can find "Nearly Wild" available for sale at many garden centers, mail order catalogs and on-line.
'Nearly Wild' likely got its name from its close resemblance to Iowa's state flower, the wild species rose. Like our beloved wild rose, this hybrid has single flowers with bright pink petals and white centers.
Wild roses are beautiful in their native habitat, however, 'Nearly Wild' is a more desirable landscape plant because it begins blooming in early June and continues blooming nearly non-stop throughout the season. It also has a more compact growth habit, growing only three feet tall and two feet wide. These characteristics make it a very versatile landscape plant. It is attractive as a specimen plant among shrubs or in a perennial border. It also is successful as a low hedge, container plant or ground cover.
'Nearly Wild' rose has become popular with busy gardeners who love roses, but not all the work that goes along with them. 'Nearly Wild' requires minimal maintenance. It is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 4 in northern Iowa and survives most winters unprotected, with just slight dieback on the ends of the branches. Although it will flower in partial shade, it blooms more profusely and continuously when planted in full sun. 'Nearly Wild' is moderately resistant to foliar diseases, such as black spot and powdery mildew.
Other roses that are hardy in Iowa and don't require special protection for winter survival include those introduced by the late Dr. Griffith Buck at Iowa State University, as well as 'Carefree Delight,' 'Sir Thomas Lipton' and 'William Baffin' climbing rose. These varieties are in full bloom now and throughout the summer at Reiman Gardens.
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Editors: A color photo, suitable for publication, is available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The picture's fullsize photo is 148K. Caption: The single, bright pink flowers on 'Nearly Wild' rose resemble our state flower, the wild species rose. However, 'Nearly Wild' blooms all summer with a tidy, compact growth habit. It is hardy through northern Iowa and survives the Iowa winters, unprotected, with minimal damage. |
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