International Rose Test Garden Frequently Asked Questions:

• When was the Rose Garden established? --- 1917

• How large is the Garden? --- 4.5 acres.

• How many rose plantings? --- Over 10,000 bushes

• How many varieties? --- Approximately 650

• What sprays are used? ---- Approved commercial fungicide products

• How often are sprays applied? --- Usually, every two to three weeks

• What fertilizers are used? ---- a slow release nitrogen is applied early in the spring.

• Is manure used? --- No, garden compost is a primary amendment

• How is the Garden irrigated? --- Automatic underground or surface irrigation system

• How low are the roses pruned? --- Early spring, roses are pruned down to 18" to 24" high depending on growth habit

• Where can Garden roses be purchased? --- at most retail nurseries or garden centers

• Is there a true blue rose variety? --- no, the genus Rosa does not have a blue gene as yet

• How many gardeners/caretakers on staff? --- One Curator, two summer caretakers and many volunteers

• Can cuttings be taken from the rose? --- No, there is a $500 fine for removal of plants material.

• What is the blackest rose? ---- "Ink Spots," bed D-14 is the blackest rose in the garden

• What is the oldest rose? --- "Grand Duchess Armstrong," in bed E-23, planted in 1943 by the Grand Duchess

• Why do you take roses out? --- The purpose of the garden is to showcase the best roses commercially available.

• What happens to the test roses when the trial is over? --- Hybridizers may commercially introduce the best roses; the others are destroyed.

• Where are the David Austin Roses? --- throughout the garden and at the tennis courts.

• What is the most fragrant rose? --- That is always up for debate, let your nose choose for itself!