New Groundcover Roses Fill Landscaper Needs

"Rose breeders have finally heard our outcries and are developing roses that are more garden-friendly," says Mike Shoup, owner of the Antique Rose Emporium near Brenham.

Roses always have been popular in the garden, but their care requirements limited them to landscapers willing to put up with their high maintenance. They are outstanding choices for garden niches, for the fronts of shrub beds as replacements for traditional ground covers, and as dense, colorful spillers in large containers.

'Teeny Bopper' Shrublet

Shoup spent decades searching for and growing old rose varieties that combined beauty, form and easy care. That led to the establishment of his business, which specializes in heirlooms.

As new roses with the same qualities as their centuries-old cousins are released, Shoup grows and markets these plants, too, both at his retail locations in Independence in Washington County and in San Antonio and via mail order.

"Knock Out is probably the best example of a newer rose that does very well in landscape situations. The success that rose has had has really shown breeders how successful a garden-worthy rose can be," Shoup says.