PlantFiles: Groundcover Rose
Rosa 'Baby Blanket'

Like many previous notes from other members. I found this rose absolutely beautiful, and needed very little care. Mine planted in zone 7b, high humidity level, and my 'baby' require no special care other than routine watering, some fertilizing, and in return it provided continous blosoms from late spring to fall. It enjoyed sunny location, although filtered shade does well for its requirement. I have two, one under a Magnolia tree, one in the back of my perenials border. Yes, this rose can grow quite tall, I pruned my back to 4-5 feet, keep them at eye-level for close up view. Both have given our family/friends/neighbors lot of pleasure. This winter I decide to move my rose where I can easily deadhead spent blosoms in order to recieve their continual blooms. It's also good time to side-dress this baby and other roses with 1-2" of composted humus at this time to prepare them for spring. Ohhh, Canbin fever, spring fiver, whatever you call it; I've gotten it bad. Happy gardening.

I am growing this rose as a standard (tree rose) and am so happy with it! It is different from many of the other standards I grow in that it has a weeping form that makes it truly stand out. Many of the branches weep almost to the ground, covered in clusters of blooms along the entire length - very pretty and a real focal point!! I neglected to photograph it in bloom, and will do so next year for sure!

Planted six of these supposed "ground cover" roses in a bed on our patio. Although not the low growing plants I expected, they have performed beautifully all summer.
I was unsure whether to snip the spent flower or not so I snipped away on three and left three alone. The ones that I snipped have not RE-bloomed as well as the ones that I left alone.
Do not know how they will survive a Minnesota winter (3b-4a). I will report back next spring.
UPDATE: May 22, 2007
Late last fall I cut back the six "Baby Blanket" plants, mulched them heavily and covered them. NONE survived our Minnesota winter, even though it was a relatively mild winter as Minnesota winter's go.
Too bad, they were pretty. Does anyone know, did I do something wrong? Should I not have cut them back? Did I mulch them too heavily?

I purchased several of these from Jackson and Perkins. They are lovely but not at all a ground cover. I planted them atop a small embankment, hoping they would cascade down. No such luck. I am giving this plant a negative only because it is sold as a groundcover. It is actually a good front of the border plant with a cheery color and a soft classic rose scent.

I purchased about 3 dozen of these from Jackson and Perkins. They were BEAUTIFUL the first year. The second year, they began having disease problems despite regular fungicide treatment (in Georgia, so not too surprising). My biggest complaint, however, is that they are not at all a groundcover. They are really more of a short (not quite miniature) rose. Since we were looking for more of a groundcover, we will have to replace them all this year with something more suitable for the slope they were planted on.

I planted mine at the top of my rock garden to cascade down and cover up what was once an old bulldozer scar. It does bloom nicely and I love having it, but it's habit is not quite as much a groundcover as I would like. It is a lot more arching. Otherwise, it is quite trouble-free here. It grows 6-7 feet long so I am going to buy a trellis for it. I meant to say when I first posted this description that Baby Blanket tolerates a lot more shade than I would have thought and still blooms well.

I purchased this from Jackson and Perkins and planted it on the edge of my driveway here in zone 4/5 where the soil is not the best and the snow blower has accidentally gone over it on occasion. Totally abused, it has returned three years now with beautiful foliage, a profusion of soft pink continuous blossoms, and no sign of disease. Sweet fragrance. Variety: KORfullwind.

Rugged and disease resistant
Contantly blooms
Pointed, ovoid buds
3 inch blooms
20-25 petals
dark green foliage
light frangrance