The Best Roses to Grow in Texas

Growing roses in Texas requires careful attention to the watering and shading needs of the plants. Texas summers are scorchers and the ever-present sun can increase the water requirements of these moisture-hungry plants. Frosty Texas winters are another problem for roses, and plants need adequate protection to withstand the cold temperatures common during December and January of each year. Choose from hardy, disease-resistant varieties for the best types to grow in Texas conditions.

According to the American Rose Society, old roses are those that were introduced before 1867 when rose experts developed hybrid varieties, according to the Houston Chronicle. The Perl D’Or blooms in an apricot color but can bleach under hot sun. These roses are often less splashy than their hybrid cousins, but are adapted to a variety of conditions. Gardeners appreciate these older types which come from European stock that provide reliable blooms without a great deal of maintenance.

Knockout roses are known for their hardiness even in the difficult conditions of Texas growing. This shrub rose is resistant to many of the common rose problems like blackspot, powdery mildew and aphid infestation, according to Lynn Rawe of the Bexar County Extension Service. One of the most easy-care of rose varieties, all they require is eight hours of sun, good air movement and a 3-inch layer of organic mulch to thrive in Texas gardens.

Floribunda roses grow as small bushes with a wealth of blooms in clusters on the stems. They produce blooms continuously for landscaping along borders, in beds and for hedging. These roses need cold protection in bad weather, but will reward the gardener with a summer bounty. The Sunsprite variety produces the classic yellow rose of Texas with fragrant, long-lasting blooms.

Climbing roses are often old rose varieties, but there are new hybrids, as well. They bloom only once during the growing season, but do it with great abundance and beauty. The Lady Banks Rose is one of these spring blooming roses that can climb to 50 feet tall, according to HomeGrownTexas. A thornless variety is Thousand Beauties that can grow with little care and even in poor soil. Most of these types are fragrant and grow without a great deal of extra care.

Hybrid teas roses may require extra care under extreme Texas conditions. Tea roses grow on long stems that make them perfect for cut bouquets. The Mrs. Dudley Cross variety bears pinkish-yellow blooms that resist disease. Protect from Texas frosts and monitor plants for fungus diseases during wet weather.