Roses in this garden?

Question

I have a small memorial garden in the back yard. Mostly shade with some sun in the am. I do not know the region...

but the location we are the closest to is Portland Or also known as the city of roses. We do have beautiful weather despite the generalizations of rain....

I want to plant roses, something that will return each year. Since I am going to move I will be able to come back to maintain them a few times a year. I want something there so my memorial garden is not neglected and without flowers.

What do you think about roses in this garden location?

I do not like weedy looking plants or decorative grass or that purple cabbage stuff.

Answer 1

You can do with roses too as long as it is the hardy type like iceberg which normally comes in whites but there are new hybrids in pink and burgundy and climbers too. My white icebers flowers prolifically even in winter. You only prune it once in a while and it takes care of itself

but occasional caring will help it flourish more. On your visit to the memorial garden, just bring a pruner, black spot and aphids/scales sprayer, rose fertilizer, bone meal and compost

and that's the only time you can maintain it and that's more than enough. You will always find it in flowers especially the white ones.

Answer 2

It may be asking a bit much for your normal roses, but if you have your heart set on roses try the carpet roses they are a lot more tollerant to not only being neglected but also a range of diseases. They also do quite well in a semi shaded area as you have described. The only other thing I can suggest it you have a look around your area at the plants that are doing well in the more neglected gardens, this will give you a great idea at what you can expect.

Answer 3

A Pieris might be a good solution for you.

It is pretty throughout the year - white flowers to start with.

Then new growth of leaves which are vivid red and which gradually change through all the shades to cream & then green.

No pruning - no pests - tolerates sun & shade.

Best wishes.

Answer 4

No, I don't think so.  Roses need to be looked at almost every day.  A few times a year is not enough.  Maybe hydrangeas.