A new rose in the Flower Carpet series is Flower Carpet Red. Like the other Flower Carpet roses it is claimed to be resistant to black spot, powdery mildew and fungal diseases that plague other roses. It is a lovely ground cover with dark red flowers and can be grafted as a standard. The Flower Carpet roses cover about a metre (3′) of ground in width and grow up to 80cm (32″) high. They have all been developed by Werner Noack, a German rose breeder and are being grown and distributed by nurseries around Australia.
Flower Carpet roses are claimed to be disease resistant, so they should not need spraying with fungicides. Yellow leaves or leaf spotting may sometimes be seen on the plants. These symptoms are not indicative of disease, but suggest lack of water or fertiliser. To remedy, simply give the rose a deep, soaking drink of water and a handful of fertiliser. The growers of Flower Carpet recommend a specially designed slow release fertiliser, Flower Carpet Rose Fertiliser, which is sold in nurseries. Any fertiliser for flowering plants or roses is suitable.
Disease resistance doesn’t mean that the roses will be free of pests. They may be attacked by aphids, thrips or other common rose pests. In general however the strong, vigorous growth of the Flower Carpet roses means pests too require little attention.
Flower Carpet roses are best grown in full sun and will flower from late October or November through until winter. They are ideal for growing on a bank or spilling over a wall. They will act as a ground cover, but the ground should be free of weeds before planting or a weed mat laid until the rose gets established as hand weeding is difficult due to the prickly growth. Glyphosate sprays such as Roundup and Zero are not recommended for use near roses as they are extremely sensitive to the spray and may die.
Flower Carpet roses can also be grown as standards or in large pots or hanging baskets. If grown in containers these plants must have regular water and fertiliser.
Flower Carpet roses respond well to pruning but can be left unpruned if desired. However the growers recommend a shear either once a year (for example in late winter) or twice a year in late winter and mid-summer (particularly in warmer climates where growth will be more vigorous). They do not need careful pruning, simply cut back with garden shears.
Flower Carpet Red roses are available at nurseries around Australia. The plants are available in a 17.5cm (7″) pot and cost $12-$16. A standard Flower Carpet Rose costs around $45 and is available from leading garden nursery outlets throughout Australia. For more information visit the web address: www.tesselaar.com