| 1. What "zone" is South Florida? 2. Where to get roses for the climate? 3. How to plant roses in this climate? |
| The southern 1/4 to 1/3 of Florida is hardiness zone 10, the mid section of the state is zone 9, and the panhandle is zone 8. Roses can be purchased locally or mailordered from a number of sources. Here are a few that specialize in roses: Giles Ramblin' Roses; 2968 State Road 710; Okeechobee, FL 34974; 813-763-6611. Antique Rose Emporium; Rt. 5, Box 143; Brenham, TX 77830; 1-800-441-0002. Jackson & Perkins Co.; One Rose Lane; Medford, OR 97501-0702; 1-800-872-7673. The Mini Rose Garden; P.O.Box 203; Cross Hill, SC 29332; 1-800-996-4647. Roses love a well drained soil with lots of added organic matter. If at all in doubt about the internal soil drainage, build a raised planting bed for your roses. They want to be watered regularly, but not be kept soggy. They insist on full sun and will respond well to regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Container grown roses can be planted any time of year. Bareroot plants are best set in late winter. In your area, January would be a good time for bareroot roses. |
