Roses - not just for Valentine's Day!

Roses are not just for Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day is not the only reason February is a good month to talk about roses. The most loved, the most cherished, the most talked about and probably the most feared flower of the garden, roses mean something to anyone who has a garden.

Origin of the rose

The origin of the rose goes back thousands of years with the debate still raging. Most of the roses we see in our gardens today are Hybrid Teas, which originated from crossing the very popular Hybrid Perpetual in Victorian times. Briefly, the Hybrid Perpetual came into being with the first union between a rose in Europe and the during the early 1800’s. Up until then roses struggled to survive on our cold English soils.

The colours and varieties now available are simply amazing.  Can you resist the fragrant white petals of the ‘Seagull’ (a great scrambler!)?  Or the deep blood red blooms of the Hybrid Tea ‘Fragrant Cloud’? Contrary to popular belief roses are not difficult to grow although they do not like being disturbed. So choose your spot wisely and preferably where they will get some sun.

How to Plant

Now is the ideal time for planting if the conditions are right (that is, your soil is not frozen or water-logged).  Your soil needs to be well drained and loamy if possible, as roses will struggle in heavy clay like soils. Prepare well by digging it over and working in a good manure along with a fine dressing of super phosphate. Finally, if the conditions are unsuitable to plant right now, keep your roses in a cool dark place in their original containers and ensure you keep the soil slightly moist until our winter days become a little kinder. So remember – roses are not just for Valentine’s Day!

If you would like some help and advice please call into our Garden Centre in Titchfield where our horticultural experts will be able to help you choose a special rose.

Further reading about roses:
All about patio roses
When to plant roses – in March!
Caring for your roses
How to plant a tree, rose or shrub

Testimonials

Hambrooks

Testimonials

Tina Ellis 16/09/2024

Had our garden designed and installed by Hambrooks 23 years ago, barely ever pulled weeds since. Just topped up the pine nuggets over the top. Best investment!!

N. Haggard 20 September 2022

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say how delighted I am with my new garden.

Jon, my designer, listened to my ideas and delivered on everything I asked for. I wanted something different to any garden I’d had before, no lawn, no landscaping but packed with plants. He designed such a lovely secret garden, around a statement tree. And I have to commend him for his unwavering patience! I changed my mind a hundred times but never did he give me the impression that he was losing patience with my endless indecision. And my confidence in him led me to place an order for over £10k.

My landscaping team, Blade and Tony, were exceptional, from their work ethic, skill and knowledge, to the way they dealt with me, the customer. My standards are very high and I couldn’t fault them.

All in all, a very professional team of people. And it showed that they all care. I’m over the moon with the finished result. I will send you a before and after photo. Thank you so much.

A delighted customer.

G. Gray. May 2022

My front garden has been transformed by Andy and Bradley who both worked incredibly hard and I am delighted with the result. Andy had the vision and skill to turn my idea into reality and I can't thank him enough.

C. Haig Sept 2021

We recently had our garden landscaped by Hambrooks and I just wanted to pass on my thanks, not just for the outcome - which is superb - but for the professionalism of all the staff involved on the job who are all a credit to you company. Mike, Dave, Les and Adam.

H. Sharp Sept 2021

I just wanted to let you know how delighted I am with my new garden. Melanie was a delight to work with and the ideas she had have worked perfectly. Also Sheldon laid the patio beautifully and him and Dave were a pleaseure to have at my house. Quiet workers and polite.

B. Rendell April 2021

I would like to say how delighted we are with the work carried out. Mel, Paul and Tony all worked very hard, they totally took on board the specific need relating to safety as well as the general garden issues. Paul and Tony were excellent at consulting and discussing with me what I felt best in terms of the brief and adjusting if and as necessary, constantly pleasant and polite to deal with. Mel had picked up on particular issues from the first consultation and offered valuable advice. The outcome means a great deal less worry for me going forward.
Altogether a very positive experience and outcome which I would not hesitate to recommend to others.

Stephen March 2021

Dom and Adam's work (garden maintenance) is greatly appreciated. Dom really listened to everything we discussed very carefully and went out of his way to understand and then act upon that discussion. We are extremely pleased with the work done - both to the pond and pyracantha.

Marsha

We have been coming to Hambrooks for years and it's our favourite garden centre because of its friendly helpful staff and a great selection of plants and trees and the garden design ideas.

“We wanted to write and say how pleased we are with our low maintenance garden makeover. We are very impressed with the attitude of your staff who were prepared to listen to our requirements. Your team John and Rick brushed up and left everything tidy at the end of the day. We now have a garden we can manage and it looks great. THANK YOU HAMBROOKS.”

Mr & Mrs Venables, Southampton. April 2019

“Dear Josh & Mike We just want to say you both did a brilliant job of designing our garden along with the guys who did the work who were amazing. A few weeks on its looks even better now some of the plants are blooming. Thank you!!”
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