| Which roses to grow in Geraldton? Beautiful place, but yes, notoriously windy! Hybrid Teas: long blooming canes will break. So they need support. Because HTs are tall, every rose needs support: 2 or 3 tall sticks around, then encircled with tape. Can you handle that? Old garden roses: Many OGRs won't fit there because their wooden canes break easier in strong wind. BUT, you can go for Rugosas, for example. They're recommended for such situations. Even if you go for OGRs, they'll need extra, extra support, similar to HTs from above. But because they have wide and better shaped bush, OGRs won't be tied up with elastic tape -- you'll need few sticks around your bush individually supporting all those fragile canes. Better grow OGRs as climbers, close to wall/fence. Floribundas, Polyanthas, small English roses, Delbards, etc: much better solution. Plant them in groups, not more than 40cm away from each other, zig-zag. They will form compact and sturdy, win-resistant rosebed. Climbers? Yes, but those with flexible canes. Some nice climbing floribundas or Noisette, or tall English rose will be great. Some ramblers too. For shady areas, ramblers are perfect... In any case, just tie them well on the fence. Stretch some extra wire lines on the wall, then plant roses. As they grow, just tie them on wire. Many OGRs can be used as climbers and because they'll have extra support, you can try them too. Hope this gives some useful hints. - Tom |
