Earth-Kind is a designation given to roses by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service after extensive testing that evaluates pest tolerance as well as outstanding landscape performance. It tells the public that the roses are tough and thrive in very difficult conditions with minimal maintenance. Once they are established, Earth-Kind roses are able to grow without pesticides, fungicides, or fertilizers and with greatly reduced irrigation. They tolerate a variety of soil types from well-drained acid sand to highly alkaline clays and once established are tolerant of heat and drought. The total number of roses on the list at this writing is twenty one, making this a very special group especially for environmentally conscious gardeners.
The following six examples of small Earth-Kind roses are under five feet in height and under four feet wide (but size will vary with climate). Most are Polyanthas and have small pink flowers.
‘Marie Daly’
A sport of ‘Marie Pavie, “Marie Daly has long pointed buds that open to small medium pink flowers fading to white. The compact rounded bushes have almost thornless stems that are densely covered with small, dark green, leaves. A good choice for a low hedge or in a container.
Type: Polyantha
Color: Medium pink
Flower Size: Small
Petal Count: Double (17-25)
Plant Size: 3’ H x 3’ W
Flowering: Flushes
Scent: Strong and musky
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
ARS Rating:7.9
‘Souvenir de St. Anne’s’
This sport of the famous ‘Souvenir de la Malmison’, produces pink semidouble flowers with a spicy fragrance that perfumes the entire area. The bushy shrubs are especially appreciated near a doorway or window where the scent can be enjoyed.
Type: Bourbon
Color: Blush pink
Flower Size: 4-4.7”
Petal Count: Semi double
Plant Size: 3’ H x 3’ W
Flowering: Flushes
Scent: Strong, sweet, spicy
Hardiness: Zones 6-9
ARS Rating: 8.6
‘The Fairy’
‘The Fairy’ has mid-pink frilly double flowers that fade to almost white. They are produced in clusters of ten to forty beginning late in the season but ending in late autumn. The pale green glossy leaves are carried on compact , thorny bushes. Although susceptible to black spot and mildew ,infection is not severe and does not seem to hurt the bush. It is somewhat shade tolerant and a good choice for a ground cover, shrub border, container, patio or hedge.
Type: Polyantha
Color: Mid-Pink
Flower Size: 1.6”
Petal Count: 25
Plant Size: 3’ H x 4’ W
Flowering: Continuous
Scent: Little or none; light apple if any
Hardiness: Zones 4-9
ARS Rating:8.7
‘Caldwell Pink’
Also known as ‘Pink Pet’ and ‘Bermuda Pink Pet’ this rose has lilac pink flowers carried in clusters. The vigorous bushes are compact and upright with glossy, medium green foliage. Heat and shade tolerant.
Type: Polyantha
Color: Lilac pink
Flower Size: Small
Petal Count: Double
Plant Size: 4’ H x 4’ W
Flowering: Flushes
Scent: None
Hardiness: Zones 6-9
ARS Rating: None
‘Cecil Brunner’
Also known as the ‘Sweetheart Rose’, ‘Cecile Brunner’ bears waves of light pink fragrant flowers in airy clusters ten-twenty-five. Each flower develops from a slender bud and resembles a miniature hybrid tea with a high center, reflexed petals, and sometimes with a button eye. Unfortunately, the flowers fade quickly in the sun. The bush is vigorous, almost thornless and tolerates light dappled afternoon shade but thrives in full sun.
Type: Polyantha
Color: Light pink
Flower Size: 2”
Petal Count: Double
Plant Size: 4’ H x 3’ W
Flowering: Continuous
Scent: Strong and sweet
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
ARS Rating: 8.5
‘Perle d’Or’
Apricot buds open to flowers that are carried in clusters of five to twently five and slowly fade to golden buff and then white. The bushes have almost thornless stems and are clothed in small, glossy, medium green leaves.
Type: Polyantha
Color: Yellow blend
Flower Size: 1.6”
Petal Count: Very full
Plant Size: 4’ H x 4’ W
Flowering: Repeats well
Scent: Strong, sweet, fruity
Hardiness: Zones 6-9
ARS Rating: 8.5
To read more about Earth-Kind and other low maintenance roses click here.