Rose (member) Garden  

Listing last updated on Tue Dec 2024

Rancho Mirage, California 92270
United States

Robert Rippetoe grows a combination of old and new roses in his desert rose garden. The garden covers a quarter acre. There is plenty of sunshine and the temperature is mild. His roses experience summer dormancy because of the extremely dry summer heat and so regular irrigation is a must. The soil itself is quite sandy and mulch is important. Robert uses commercial fertilizers but doesn't have to spray for either insects or fungal infections. Most of the major pruning is done in September. The garden then puts on a spectacular Fall Show. Spring is also a beautiful time of year. Some roses thrive and grow to gigantic proportions under these conditions, and others sulk and generally show their dislike of the climate. Overall, most roses do well here. Robert's collection is quite eclectic. He is particularly fond of the older varieties, but he also appreciates species, singles and shrub and modern hybrids. Many of the Austin roses have done well for him as have miniatures. He attributes much of his inspiration in growing roses to Ralph Moore and his Staff at Sequoia Nursery.