FAQs

Why should I consider growing antique roses?

Old garden roses are time-tested survivors.  Many have resided in old neighborhoods and cemeteries happily growing with no care from human hands.  They are tougher and more resilient than modern roses that were produced mainly for cut flowers or exhibition purposes.

What can I expect when ordering roses from ARE?

The Antique Rose Emporium sells two-gallon, own root antique roses for $29.95 plus shipping and handling.  We do not graft or bud.  These year-old, own root roses have a very fibrous root system and weigh about 8 pounds each.

Where do you ship?

The Antique Rose Emporium ships to all US sates EXCEPT the following:  Alaska, Hawaii, and the territory of Puerto Rico. We do not ship internationally.

What is ARE's guarantee?

The Antique Rose Emporium (ARE) guarantees our roses to be true to name.  We will gladly make a ONE time replacement of the same rose or a refund of the purchase price of the rose (less shipping and handling) for up to six (6) months from the date of receipt.  Please do not hold ARE responsible for plant loss due to weather conditions beyond our control: drought, heat, flood, tornado etc. or bad cultural practices like over fertilization.  We do ask that you carefully select roses hardy in your climatic zone and that you accept delivery at the recommended planting time for you area.

What should I do if I suffer a loss?

If you have concerns about your rose shipment, please contact us at 800-441-0002 immediately.  If you suffer a plant loss within six (6) months of receipt, return the plastic name label and $5.00 for each rose (to cover shipping) with your letter indicating if you would like a replacement (like kind) or a refund of the purchase price of the rose (less shipping and handling.)  If we are in shipping season, we will send your replacement immediately.  All the plants are individually tagged with a plastic name label containing all the pertinent purchase information.

I hate to use chemicals in my garden. Do these roses require spraying?

Many of our collections are naturally tougher and more resilient, making chemical sprays unnecessary.  This inherent disease resistance has allowed them to survive, making them a better choice for modern homeowners not wishing to spray.

When, how and what do I feed my roses?

Using organic-based fertilizers has been beneficial in promoting the appearance, duration and sustainability of our gardens.  Our philosophy of “feed the soil” so the soil can feed the plants has worked best for us.  We recommend using mulches derived from native barks on established gardens, and adding composted manures or leaf mold to existing soil before planting new plants.  This can be done year-round.

Where can I plant my roses?

Our roses are best when planted in gardens with other plants like perennials, annuals and herbs.  These have diverse shapes and sizes both in plant and flowers, which give them infinite uses as landscape and garden plants.  They are not happy relegated to the rectangular flowerbeds - “prisons” - in which most modern Hybrid Teas reside. Full sun exposure is best.

How do I train my climbing rose?

Climbing roses need a more tough-love yet easily repeatable method of training.  We recommend a heavy hand in shaping them to your desired look. All available canes should be tied on the structure with a jute or natural twine (trellises, fences, arbors, entryways, pergolas, etc.).  Any excess or unwieldy canes should be removed.  The resultant structure should be kept tidy, not allowing the climbing rose to explode into uncontrolled chaos.  Only climbing roses planted to naturalize areas like back fences, forest edges or outbuildings should be left to their own devices.  The best time to train them is twice a year, before spring and fall growth.

Is there a right or wrong way to prune roses?

Unlike modern roses which require rigorous and exacting pruning methods, our antique roses are much more forgiving, and moreover more beautiful. Pruning shrub roses requires little more than just “shaping” the bush to fit into the garden setting it shares with its other companions.  We do this every early spring and fall to help promote bloom.

Do these roses have a fragrance?

The fragrance of many of these roses is much more apparent than of modern roses.  Fragrance adds to the enjoyment of these roses, often stimulating a memory or creating an emotional memory. Roses vary in fragrance, but some hints you will find are citrus, fresh tea leaves, green apple, pepper, raspberries and myrrh.

What are EarthKind roses?

The EarthKind roses are easy-care roses, as designated by tests through The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. These roses have proven to self-thrive with minimal care, akin to truly historic roses which thrive often for decades with little to no maintenance. This is growling list, currently around 20 breeds.

Why don't you ship year round?

We have found that we can successfully ship a two-gallon rose from mid-September through mid-May.  However, when our temperatures start to rise into the 90's, the plants suffer while in transit.  Therefore, we stop shipping during the hot summer months and resume when it gets a little cooler in September.  Hard goods, like books and gift certificates, ship immediately, year round.

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