New AARS roses for 2008 hit garden centers

Along with the holidays comes the time of year when the new roses for 2008 begin to show up in the garden centers as dormant plants. Some growers package the rose roots in sawdust and a plastic sleeve. Others place them in sandy potting mix inside a natural fiber pot that is biodegradable and can be placed directly in the hole where the rose is to be planted. No matter the packaging method, now is the best time for the greatest variety of roses to be available, at the best prices. Many rose enthusiasts believe that roses planted while dormant will be more vigorous and healthier since there is no danger of transplant shock, assuring a strong and rapid growth start as winter passes.

If you collect roses, or just have a spot or two for a new rose, you will be interested in some of the new-for-2008 beauties from a few of the major growers. And if you have no room for more roses in your own garden, remember that they make excellent gifts for friends and relatives.

Several of the new roses are designated winners in the All-American Rose Selection AARS trials, and others are the top picks of the companies that produced the rose. All have gone through extensive testing in various climates and situations, so even though they are newly for sale, they have proven themselves to be outstanding in at least a few key attributes.

Apricot Candy From Star Roses, this soft apricot hybrid tea has a classic flower shape with ruffled petals. Above average resistance to diseases, heat tolerance and spicy fragrance are claimed for this upright plant.

April in Paris Jackson & Perkins 2008 Rose of the Year. Dappled pink blooms with petals of porcelain texture have a powerful tea rose fragrance that last well in a vase.

Candyland From Weeks, this large-flowered climber with hybrid tea shaped blossoms are carried in huge clusters on a showy plant. Swirls of pink mix with creamy ivory in the gently perfumed flowers. Hardy, vigorous, easy-care, to 12 feet tall.

Catalina From J&P. Ruffled apricot pink petals with a darker pink reverse on long stems have a light tea rose fragrance. Glossy dark green foliage.

Double Knockout From Star Roses, the petit high-centered velvety red flowers are produced on a compact disease resistant plant perfect for smaller gardens. Foliage is deep green.

Dream Come True J&P produced this AARS winner. A Grandiflora, the healthy vigorous shrub produces flawless bi-colored flowers of clear yellow with ruby red edges.

Falling In Love From Weeks, these fragrant clear pink classic-form flowers are produced on full shapely plants. Sturdy stemmed blooms last well when cut.

Lovestruck J&P's Floribunda of the Year has glowing hot pink petals with a white reverse. Petal edges are ruffled and glossy foliage has excellent disease resistance.

Mardi Gras An AARS winner from J&P, this Floribunda produces large bright pink, orange and yellow flowers that intensify in color as they mature. Vigorous upright plants can be trained as a hedge. Foliage is dark green. Fragrance is light.

Pope John Paul II From J&P. Luminous pure white blossoms with fresh citrus perfume appear on vigorous disease resistant plants with dark green foliage.

Winner's Circle Star produced this floriferous climber with large fire engine red non-fading flowers. Especially showy in fall when foliage turns deep burgundy and the plants are covered in bright orange hips. Grows 6 to 8 feet tall.

-Sharon Hull