Earth-Kind... the Sustainable Rose

Are you tired of fussy roses that seem to require constant attention, fertilizer, pesticides, and irrigation? If so, check out the rose varieties that have achieved the Earth-Kind designation from Texas AgriLife Extension Service (Texas A&M University).

Belinda's Dream, a medium shrub rose.

Reflecting the results of extensive research and field trials, Texas Agri-Life Extension rewards the Earth-Kind designation to rose cultivars that exhibit a combination of "superior pest tolerance" and "outstanding landscape performance". 

Currently, more than twenty Earth-Kind cultivars are available. Forms include three shrub sizes (dwarf, small, and medium), plus "mannerly" climbers and vigorous climbers.

---

Georgetown Tea, a medium shrub rose.

Quoting Texas AgriLife Extension... "Earth-Kind roses do well in a variety of soil types, ranging from well-drained acid sands to poorly-aerated, highly alkaline clays. Once established, these select cultivars also have excellent heat and drought tolerance. The use of Earth-Kind roses provides the opportunity to enjoy these wonderful flowering plants while limiting the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and water."

On average, each rose cultivar considered for Earth-Kind status receives 8 years of research and field trials. The plants are not protected during winter, are only watered during periods of very low rainfall, and no chemical or organic pesticides are used.

---

Sea Foam, a mannerly climbing rose.

For roses that combine low maintenance, excellent disease resistance, and little if any environmental impact (a.k.a. sustainability)... visit the Texas AgriLife Extension website for more information on Earth-Kind roses.

Garden on...

---

blog entry by Mark Murphy, CMG
photos: Georgetown Tea by Stacy Estep. Belinda's Dream and Sea Foam by Jim Crocker