Glossary of Rose Terms

Everything you want to know about bare root roses

Growing roses can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a list of some of the more commonly used phrases to help you get started.
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Patented Rose

A rose for which unlicensed propagation is prohibited for a period of up to 20 years under federal regulations. Plant patents, which will be granted only for new roses determined to be unique from all other roses, are secured through the US Patent & Trademark Office after considerable paperwork and expense. The 20-year period of exclusivity gives the hybridizer an opportunity to recoup the expense of hybridization through the royalties paid by licensed propagators.

Patience

An essential ingredient in planting one's garden. In contrast to the modern age in which satisfaction is expected immediately, roses will require two to three seasons in the garden before reaching their full potential. If, after applying liberal amounts of patience, a rose still fails to grow satisfactorily. See Shovel-Prune.

Patio rose

(American) A miniature tree rose of 18" to 24" in height. (European) A class of roses that fits between miniatures and double flowered (floribunda) roses in size.

Pegging

The act of encouraging the long canes of a rose to bloom along their length by arching the canes outward or looping them inward towards the base of the bush.

pH

The measure of alkalinity or acidity on a 14-point scale. A pH of 7.0 is neutral. pH lower than 7.0 represents increasing acidity. pH higher than 7.0 represents increasing alkalinity. The ideal pH for rose gardens in 6.5 (slightly acidic).

Photosynthesis

The fundamental process of life on Earth, in which plants convert water, carbon dioxide and. sunlight into sugars.

Pillar Rose

The use of a rose vertically on a narrow support The best specimens for pillar roses are those that will bloom along the length of their stems.

Pistil

The female organ of a flower, comprised of the stigma, style and ovary.

Pollen

The yellow, dust-lie male cells produced by the anther of a flower.

Pollen parent

The source of pollen for a hybrid rose.

Polyantha

A class of roses derived by Jean Baptiste Guillot from crosses between climbing varieties of R. multiflora and the repeat-flowering China Old Blush. Polyanthas present their delicate flowers in sprays well above their foliage.

Portland

An old class of roses that became popular after 1800 largely because of its ability to bloom repeatedly - a rare trait among European roses at the time. Portlands present their fragrant blooms on straight stems directly atop their foliage.

Pruners

An essential tool for the rosarian. The best design is the Bypass Pruner which has two blades that cut like scissors. The Anvil Pruner uses a flat plate to push the cane against a single blade, which often results in crushed canes.