The Rose Expert

As a landscape professional and part-time rose nurseryman I find this book the most generally useful and comprehensive (if not as effectively organized) of all the books I have purchased and/ or read regarding the subject. It packs the most information into the smallest footprint (meaning I carry it with me regularly) and gives a broad and sound overview of all things rose related including: types of roses, the general habits and qualities of each (good and bad), selecting, planting, maintenance, feeding, spraying, and other care among them. It's a great general reference and I recommend it to many of my clients that inquire and express an interest in learning about roses. For those interested in expanding their knowledge further in this area there are a number of references cited and available for further exploration.
As to it being British based I didn't find this at all to be an issue; use common sense to make adjustments for the difference between climes. In fact Britain is in the same USDA zones as most of the Western US, zones 8 & 9, which is whereI am based.
I can't say the specific rose listings were in themselves terribly helpful since selection and availability will vary from locale to locale and year to year, but the pictures are always nice to look at just the same. (It's more helpful for my business to learn what's available through existing channels and find which of these best fits the criteria desired; most good growers/ sellers will include sound performers in the core areas.)
Happy Gardening!

I just recently received my Master Gardener's certificate and this book was suggested to me. It is a great resource book and has a wealth of information on the topic, from the history of the rose to the selection and care of roses. It has every piece of information you would ever need to raise roses, and is very simple and straightforward. I highly recommend it!

I bought this book when I first got into growing roses 20+ years ago. I loaned it to
someone a few years ago and didn't get it back and absolutely had to had a copy. Even tho it is written for England so much of the information on rose care and diseases is very useful. I find the section on the various mineral deficiencies the best illustrated of any rose book.

Great book on roses and their care!

this book does not carry enough planting information. It is focusing on English Roses only. There are many other names not mentioned.

Ordered this for my sister in Michigan because it's my favorite go to book on Roses.

Just an OK book, wasn't expecting it to be only about British roses and care, but there are some good tips.