News
A new type of plant tag
Microchip technology similar to that used to identify animals is being tested in plants. Scientists in Italy have developed a way to embed Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) tags in rose bushes that causes minimal damage. Potential applications of such technology include tracking of plants for research or quarantine purposes, identification of valuable specimens vulnerable to theft, and visitor guides in botanic gardens. Media releases including link to original HortTechnology article: Embedding microchips in ornamental shrubs (July 2011)
Genetically modified "blue" rose goes on sale in Japan
The product of a collaboration between Japanese and Australian developers, what is being called the world's first blue rose will be commercially available in Japan from 3rd November. The claim is based on the "nearly 100% blue pigment" resulting from introduction of genes from pansy and iris after first suppressing production of red pigment. However, the actual flowers are described as having "a bluish tinge" in the Suntory media release: Introducing "SUNTORY blue rose APPLAUSE" (October 2009). A information sheet from the CSIRO with more information about the biotechnology involved is available here: World's first blue rose (PDF). Further research may produce bluer blue roses.
Nashville celebrates music with flowers
A new public garden in Nashville, USA, will pay tribute to icons of the music industry as well as beautifying the city with appropriately named plants like Hank Williams, Elvis, Grand Ole Opry and Purple Haze. Rose and daylily collections will feature. Learn more at the website: Nashville Music Garden (September 2009).
 | | 'Graham Thomas' declared World's Favourite Rose
After nomination and voting involving 41 member countries, the World Federation of Rose Societies has awarded this David Austin cultivar it's highest honour. A World's Favorite Rose is selected only every three years, and is then inducted to the Rose Hall of Fame. The first winner, in 1976, was 'Peace'.
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More Links
NB: Information about pests, diseases, fertilisers and pesticides on websites might not be applicable where you live, or could be out of date. Always follow instructions on the label of any product you buy. Check with approriate local authorities if necessary. Also, some species or cultivars in international links may be unavailable in Australia.
Queensland
Rest of Australia
International
Apart from some general information, the following list concentrates on links about roses in warm climates and associated issues. Remember that varietal, fertiliser and pesticide recommendations in linked websites may not be directly applicable where you live.
Texas Rose Rustlers This is the website of the world-famous Texas-based group who search cemeteries, old homesteads etc for old rose varieties (USA)
Subrosa The Newsletter of the Rose and Perennial Gardens, Huntington Botanical Gardens, California
My Discovery of Heirloom Roses This U.S. gardener's story illustrates the difficulty of growing roses in a humid climate versus a dry one, and the advantages of using old varieties. Washington State University Clark County Extension
rosarosam
"Rose History and Photography". This NZ based site is a must-visit for anyone interested in old roses.
Earth Kind Roses A program by Texas A&M University to identify landscape roses that perform well in that state on a range of soils and without a lot of pesticides.
Rose Aphids ( Macrosiphum rosae) Botanic Gardens Trust, Sydney
Black Spot Washington State University Clark County Extension
Rosa multiflora Landscape Plant Propagation Information, University of Florida
The Roses of Taif Article about the commercial production of damask rose (Rosa x Damascena) for perfumery in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Aramco World magazine
By the way, did you know that did you know that the year 2002 was Year of the Rose?
Over time, it's hoped to build a collection of resources related to individual species/cultivars that are reputed to perform reasonably well in the subtropical parts of Queensland and/or are readily available here. This is a long-term project, and there's not much to see here yet. THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS. Meanwhile, check the sites of the local societies given above for more information about good roses for Queensland, maybe even join one!
Gold Medal Humboldt Rose Society (northern California)
Iceberg World Federation of Rose Societies
Rosa Just Joey ® National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens, U.K.
Kardinal Humboldt Rose Society (northern California)
Banksia Rose
Rosa banksiae Mediterranean climate gardening throughout the world
Rosa banksiae Encyclopedia of Stanford Trees, Shrubs & Vines (PDF)
Tea Roses
Others
Mutabilis "Earthkind Roses" Texas A&M University
Sea Foam "Earthkind Roses" Texas A&M University
The Fairy "Earthkind Roses" Texas A&M University
Bonica Humboldt Rose Society (northern California)
To be continued...
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