Roses

Many people who are new to Chaffee County are surprised to learn that roses will actually grow, and thrive, at high elevation. Indeed, there are number of stunning rose varieties that do well at 7000’ and above. These varieties include small compact rose bushes all the way to climbers that will reach nearly 15’ in maturity. If you’re looking to add some color to your yard in summertime, then roses offer you a good alternative to regular shrubs: Colors range from brilliant whites and yellows to deep cherry reds and eye-popping oranges and just about everything in between. Roses tend to be one-time bloomers or continual bloomers. One-time bloomers bloom for a short period of time, for example, only in early summer. Continual bloomers rebloom and thus have extended periods of color, for example, early spring through late fall. If you are looking for a climbing rose that is also fragrant, here are some ideas: Above All, Climbing Blaze, Don Juan, Golden Showers, and Stormy Weather. Shrub roses that are fragrant include Julia Child, July 4th, Nearly Wild, OSO Easy Paprika, Pretty Lady, Radiant Perfume, Top Gun, and Woodsii (this rose is also a Colorado native).