PLANT OF THE MONTH
June, 2008
Plant of the Month Feature
by Susan Davis
Arboretum Roots Board Member
Rosa x 'BAIore'
Polar Joy
Northern Encore Rose Tree
The other day my daughters were watching Disney's Alice in Wonderland, a fun movie with all its imaginative creatures. The movie inspired my girls to actually begin reading Lewis Carroll's original tale. As we sat outside enjoying the story, we came to this scene: "A large rose-tree stood near the entrance of the garden: the roses growing on it were white, but there were three gardeners at it, busily painting them red. Alice thought this a very curious thing... " "Are there really rose trees?" my daughter asked. After all, Alice in Wonderland has a Cheshire cat, Jabberwocky, and talking white rabbits so one could not be sure. As a parent, I took advantage of this "learning opportunity." With my curiosity awakened, we visited the Bickelhaupt Arboretum, the only place I know locally to view these creative, manmade plants.
Historically, rose trees were often used to add elegance to gardens of royalty. They were difficult to care for and required unusual maintenance. However, you will not see any gardeners re-painting the light pink blooms on the Arboretum's two Polar Joy Tree Roses.
Polar Joy Tree Rose is valued as a high-interest vertical specimen and looks great as a foundation planting. The tree habit is easily achieved and Polar Joy Tree Rose requires minimal pruning. As it can reach a height of five to eight feet, staking is necessary. This vigorous grower will also take off when planted directly in the ground and works well planted in a bed with low-growing roses and other perennials.
Polar Joy Tree Rose is own-root, not grafted. "Because there is no graft, it is much easier to maintain and requires no special winter treatment," states David Horst, horticulturist at the Bickelhaupt Arboretum. The two rose trees at the Arboretum survived two Iowa winters, including the recent 2007-8 tough winter with minimal care, making it ideal for our region. Rose trees, also known as "rose standards," are not actually a class of rose but rather a way of growing them. The head of one rose is grafted to the sturdy trunk of another, and sometimes to the roots of another. If you are not gardening in Zone 7 or higher, there is a lot of maintenance, and if you don't have a private gardener, you should try the newer winter-hardy variety - Polar Joy Tree Rose.
All rose trees need to be planted three to five feet apart. Before filling in the planting hole, install a sturdy stake the same height as the trunk. Attach the trunk to the stake with elastic ties to prevent the trunk from being broken by strong winds.
Pruning of rose trees is a spring activity. It is recommended they be pruned much like light pruning of a Hybrid Tea (dead wood and crossed canes removed and remaining canes cut back about one-half). The central cane should never be pruned, only the flowering top part.
If you do not purchase one of the few winter-hardy tree roses, getting ready for winter requires time and patience. A winter-hardy variety as the Arboretum has, Polar Joy (Rosa x 'BAIore'), is truly hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 4, tested through three Minnesota winters.
My daughters loved the rose tree and the many other plantings at the Arboretum. We sat under a beautiful shade tree to read more of Alice in Wonderland. Looking around, we realized the Bickelhaupt Arboretum was our own wonderland with its colorful flowers, unique trees, and variety of birds.
About the Author: Susan Davis has served as Director, Rockford Museum Association, Director UW-Platteville Center for the Arts, and Extension Director, ISU Extension, but feels fortunate to be able to enjoy her current job as a stay-at-home mom of three. When time permits she enjoys serving as an arboretum volunteer, Roots board member, and volunteering for Ag in the Classroom. She has written articles for area newspapers and been a speaker for various groups and businesses in the QC area.