Hanging containers present challenges for growing roses. They are limited in size (and weight), dry out quickly, usually need winter protection, and often occupy shady positions. You can work around these limitations by choosing small roses, making the commitment to water everyday, taking the roses inside during cold months, and making sure that the basket is located so that it gets at least six hours of sun a day. Choosing roses that can grow in a relatively small container is essential but some thought must also be given to aesthetic considerations. Since the plant must be in proportion to the container, roses with small leaves and flowers will look best. If the plant blooms continuously and the branches hang gracefully from the container so much the better.
In general ground cover roses are excellent in hanging containers but here are six choices from various categories of roses that Tony Lord recommends in his book Designing with Roses for hanging containers. Remember: Roses grown in container are not as hardy as those grown in the ground and must be taken indoors or planted in the ground during cold months.
‘Avon’
Also known as ‘Niagara’ this small rose should not be confused with the hybrid tea ‘Avon’ which is better known in the US. The flowers emerge from pale pink buds and are borne in clusters of five to ten. The leaves are dark green
Type: Ground cover
Origin: Poulsen, Denmark, 1992
Parentage: NA
Flower Size: 1. 4”
Number of Petals: Semi double
Flowering: Repeats well
Scent: Light and musky
Hardiness: Zone 5
‘Hertfordshire’
Also known as ‘Tommelise’ this deep pink rose is popular in Scandinavia and England. The flowers are produced in large clusters of twenty to thirty and have deep pink petals surrounding a white center with gold stamens that fade quickly to brown. The leaves are dark green and the branches bear a moderate amount of prickles.
Type: Ground cover
Origin: Kordes, Germany, 1989
Parentage: ‘The Fairy’ x seedling
Flower Size: 1.2”
Number of Petals: Single
Flowering: Repeats well
Scent: Little or none
Hardiness: Zone 5
‘Kent’
This award-winning rose bears clusters of pure white flowers continuously until frost. The leaves are dark green and glossy.
Type: Shrub rose
Origin: Poulsen, Demark, 1988
Parentage:
Flower Size: 1.2”
Number of Petals: Double
Flowering: Continuous
Scent: Light and musky
Hardiness: Zone 4
‘Magic Carpet’
The cup-shaped flowers are borne in clusters of ten to twenty. The cherry crimson petals surround gold stamens and have a few streaks of white and a patch of white at the center. As the flower ages shades of mauve, lilac, lavender and violet develop. The leaves are dark green and glossy.
Type: Shrub rose
Origin: Zary & Warriner, US, 1992
Parentage: ‘Immensee’ x ‘Class Act’
Flower Size: 2”
Number of Petals: Semi double
Flowering: Repeats well
Scent: Light and musky
Hardiness: Zone 6
‘Queen Mother’
Named in honor of Queen Elizabeth, mother of Elizabeth II, to commemorate her 90th birthday, this rose bears clusters of pale soft pink flowers that are deeper pink near the center. The leaves are dark green.
Type: Miniature rose
Origin: Kordes, Germany, 1991
Parentage: NA
Flower Size: 2”
Number of Petals:Semi double
Flowering: Continuous
Scent: Light
Hardiness: Zone 5
‘Wiltshire’
Deep pink flowers with a hint of coral are produced in loose clusters of five to thirty. The dark green leaves are glossy and the stems have a few prickles.
Type: Ground cover
Origin: Kordes, Germany, 1993
Parentage: ’Heidekonigin’ x seedling
Flower Size: 2.8 “
Number of Petals: Double
Flowering: Continuous
Scent: Light and fruity
Hardiness: Zone 6