Growing the Floribunda Rose
For beginners, the floribunda rose is easier to grow than the hybrid tea rose. Whereas the hybrid tea rose produces one rose on each stem, and flowers in intervals, the floribunda Rose produces clusters of blooms to a stem, and can be single, or double blooms similar to the hybrid tea rose. They are less traditionally shaped and more floppy in character and not all floribunda’s are fragrant.  However, they are extremely popular because of their vigorous flowering habit, producing a show all season. The floribunda are less susceptible to rain and therefore, rain and mildew, can resist moderate drought and are mainly disease resistant.

They can be planted in beds, along walls and as long as there is space for their roots to not be overcrowded will flourish in full sun or partly shady spots.  Whilst floribunda’s like to be in fairly open areas, not surrounded by trees, they do not like to be exposed to harsh winds.

Care must be given to their planting, particularly if planting bare root floribunda’s which usually happens in autumn or spring, they must be treated in a similar way to the hybrid tea rose. The roots must be soaked for at least 2 hours prior to planting and also the roots pruned to approximately 8 inches from the main root. This promotes growth of the hairy roots through which the plant takes in water and nutrients. The hole must be big enough and deep enough to spread the roots in each direction, watered and packed with organic matter, this includes, compost, manure, plus growing capsules containing additional nourishment. Care must be taken that the floribunda is firmly planted with air pressed out of the root system with the water, organic matter and soil, this discourages damage from disease and critters waiting to get their teeth into the newly planted roots.

The floribunda should then be left for two weeks to ensure that it is growing and developing, at which time it can be pruned, but not too vigorously, just to get a good shape and cut out any dead or damaged branches. When the threat of frost is over, the floribunda can then be pruned, taking care to cut out branches in the middle of the plant which will obstruct air reaching the middle of the plant. Circulation of air, cuts down the possibility of diseases caused by damp foliage. It also means that birds can get into the bush and take out aphids and other pests which love to live on your floribunda rose bush.

For the  majority of gardeners who want to see lots of colour, vibrant plants, with fairly low maintenance, then he or she would be well pleased with a collection of floribunda roses flowering during the summer season.