Logan, UT: As part of ongoing efforts to adapt landscaping practices to the changing climate, researchers in Utah have published new findings on garden rose varieties that flourish with limited irrigation.
Increased urban and suburban populations in the arid western United States have resulted in more water demand; however, water availability in the region has become limited because of inadequate precipitation. Recent droughts have led to restrictions on irrigating landscape plants. Garden rose (Rosa ×hybrida) is commonly used as flowering plants in residential landscapes, but its drought tolerance has not been widely studied.
The objective of this study was to determine the impact of reduced irrigation frequency on visual quality, plant growth, and physiology of five garden rose cultivars, including ChewPatout (Oso Easy® Urban Legend®), Meibenbino (Petite Knock Out®), MEIRIFTDAY (Oso Easy® Double Pink), Overedclimb (Cherry Frost™), and Radbeauty (Sitting Pretty™).
Garden roses, a popular choice in landscapes nationwide, typically require consistent watering to maintain their aesthetic appeal and health. However, the findings suggest that certain rose varieties are more drought-tolerant than previously thought and can thrive with significantly less water, paving the way for more sustainable plant selections in dry climates.
Plants can acclimate to water stresses by modifying their morphology and physiology. However, the capacity to adapt to drought stress is highly variable among plant species. Plants may respond to drought stress by reducing leaf area to restrict transpirational water loss.Roses (Rosa ×hybrida) are flowering plants often used in residential landscapes. The drought tolerance of rose is highly diverse among cultivars.
The study spanned [number] growing seasons, testing [number] rose varieties under reduced irrigation levels. Researchers measured each plant's growth, bloom quality, and overall health under the restricted water schedule. Findings showed that several varieties not only maintained their visual appeal but also adapted well to the reduced water supply, a breakthrough for gardening practices in water-scarce regions.
Key Findings Include:
Performance under Reduced Irrigation: Roses trialed exhibited resilience with watering schedules reduced by up to [percentage] compared to typical standards.
Variety-Specific Tolerance: Certain varieties outperformed others, suggesting that specific genetic traits may confer greater drought resistance.
Implications for Sustainable Landscaping: These climate-adaptive plants offer a viable solution for water-wise landscapes, supporting conservation efforts in residential, commercial, and public spaces.
As Utah and other regions in the western United States face increasingly frequent droughts, findings like these highlight the importance of climate-adaptive landscaping solutions.
Dr. Sun is an assistant professor in the Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate at Utah State University. His research focuses on whole-plant responses to abiotic stresses and in promoting the use of native plants for water-efficient landscaping.
The full article can be found on the ASHS HortTech electronic journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05252-23
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community-scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
