Jackson & Perkins has the solution for every gardener struggling to create a rose garden in the hot, sandy soil of America's coastal regions. We are pleased to offer to our friends living in warmer climates an extensive line of modern roses grown on the famous Fortuniana rootstock.
Fortuniana's Story
The lovely Fortuniana rootstock roses that you are adding to your garden have a fascinating history. In fact, Fortuniana's roots (pardon the pun) go back to China, where Robert Fortune discovered this natural hybrid of Rosa banksiae and Rosa laevigata in 1848. Fortune sent samples to the Royal Horticultural Society in London. The rose's delicate violet scent, nearly thornless canes, and especially its hardy root system attracted much attention there, but the plant could not thrive in England's cold winters. By the early 1900s, Fortuniana stock found its way to America and to Australia. Rose growers in both locations came to appreciate the rose for its substantial roots, abundant flowers, and resistance to pests and diseases. Rose enthusiast Mrs. B. F. Lampkin of Sarasota, Florida, and ornamental horticulturist Dr. Samuel McFadden of University of Florida Gainesville are credited with bringing Fortuniana to prominence in Florida. Today, Fortuniana rootstock is regarded as the gold standard for rosarians who delight in creating long-lived rose gardens in warm, humid climates, such as the coasts of Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, the Carolinas, and Virginia*.
»Complete List of Fortuniana Rootstock Roses offered by Jackson & Perkins
Disease- and Pest-Resistant
Fortuniana roses are proven winners, delivering long-lived, robust plants for gardens in warm, humid climates*, such as the coasts of Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Virginia. Decades of research have shown conclusively that Fortuniana is superior to other rootstock when it comes to resisting gall, stem dieback, and nematodes, as well as other common root diseases.
»Complete List of Fortuniana Rootstock Roses offered by Jackson & Perkins
Long-Lasting Beauty
The majority of rose varieties lose their vigor and beauty after only one or two seasons of trying to grow in the light, excessively well-drained, high-temperature soil that is characteristic of coastal areas. Fortuniana roses, however, have been documented to thrive for decades in those conditions, while producing bigger bushes and flowers. The long-standing Fortuniana displays at Walt Disney World and Epcot, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, and Sea World all give vibrant testimony to the quality and resilience of Fortuniana stock.
»Complete List of Fortuniana Rootstock Roses offered by Jackson & Perkins
Root Strength
Most roses sold today are grafted; that is, a small part of a specialty hybrid is surgically attached to a sturdier rootstock, and the two plants grow together to become one. The Dr. Huey rose provides the most popular rootstock. Unfortunately, in the heat and the loose, sandy soil of coastal gardens, Dr. Huey doesn't perform as well, especially when it comes to nematodes. Fortuniana, on the other hand, is the most nematode-resistant rootstock available. It is very heat tolerant*. And the long, fine root system of Fortuniana enables it to absorb nutrients and water effectively, even in sandy soil. Of course, stronger roots and better absorption mean more growth and bigger flowers for you to enjoy!
»Complete List of Fortuniana Rootstock Roses offered by Jackson & Perkins
Secrets to Success: Do's
The steps for maintaining roses grown on Fortuniana rootstock are really the same as for any rose.
• Roses need at least 4-6 hours of sun each day, and they need lots of water.
• It's best to water deeply every three to five days, rather than giving a shallow daily watering.
• Periodic applications of a balanced fertilizer ensure that your rose has plenty of energy for strong roots and bountiful blossoms. We recommend Jackson & Perkins® Dynamite™ Rose Fertilizer.
• Mulch is always good for discouraging weeds, aiding water retention, and keeping roots cool in the summer.
»Complete List of Fortuniana Rootstock Roses offered by Jackson & Perkins
Secrets to Success: Don'ts
• Don't let mulch or soil pile up against the stem, especially above the bud union. Doing so can allow the hybrid to revert to its own roots, thereby losing all the benefits that the Fortuniana rootstock provides.
• Don't prune Fortuniana roses too severely, because it takes time for them to recover.
• And finally, don't let your Fortuniana roses get too chilly! They love hot weather, but are generally quite cold-sensitive*. Be prepared to provide lots of winter protection if you attempt to grow Fortunianas in areas where temperatures dip below freezing!
»Complete List of Fortuniana Rootstock Roses offered by Jackson & Perkins
|
