Dr. Steve George (far left) leads Collin County Master Gardeners through the rose test gardens of Texas A&M's Coit Road Research Extension Center in Dallas.

Collin County Master Gardeners have seen firsthand the rigorous tests that EarthKind™ landscape roses endure to earn A&M's commendation as "the finest, most thoroughly tested, and most environmentally responsible plants for use in Texas landscapes and gardens."

For three years A&M researchers conducted randomized and replicated research in four rose test plots at Texas A&M's Dallas Research and Extension Center. Many varieties of roses were planted directly into the native clay soil, without the addition of soil amendments or fertilizers. The bushes were never treated with pesticides and were not pruned or deadheaded. The only care the bushes received during those three years was water provided by a drip irrigation system.

Dr. Steve George says the roses that thrived in spite of this neglect have "the genetic capability to survive in our 8.0 soil" without pampering. In fact, the following roses do well in almost any soil type. Their tolerance to pests is so great that, as long as you do not mind a few leaflets dropping occasionally, almost never will you need to apply any harsh pesticides.

For these roses to be as carefree as promised, it is crucial that they receive the following basic care:

• Be planted in locations where they receive direct sunlight for eight hours or more each day.

• Have good air movement over their leaves (i.e., not planted in enclosed areas like courtyards or small backyards ringed by 8' fences).

• Are not sprinkler irrigated during the evening hours or at night. Remember, fungi will walk fifty miles to infect wet leaves at night!

Roses respond to well-drained soils. Here are the bed preparation recommendations for the three major soil types:

• Sandy and loam soils: Incorporate 3 -6 inches of organic matter such as compost.

• Clay soils: Incorporate 3 inches of organic matter (e.g., compost) and 3 inches of expanded shale. Plant on raised beds that are at least 4-6 inches above the surrounding soil.

• Roses also like high levels of fertility, especially nitrogen.

• They need to be fertilized in March, June and lightly in late August.

• Base your selection of fertilizer analysis on the results of a soil test.

• For the March and June feedings, utilize fertilizers in which at least half of the nitrogen is in the slow release or slowly available form. In late August, apply fertilizers in which the nitrogen is readily available.

• Regardless of soil type, roses need to be protected year-round with a layer of organic mulch (e.g., cypress bark, tree leaves) 3-4 inches thick.

• In areas of the state plagued by salty irrigation water, it is very important to drip irrigate roses. Salty water applied to the leaves can burn the foliage badly.