The listings are grouped by variety . In addition, there are articles, some books, garden tools, and supplies for sale and an index. In addition, there are 200 color photographs of roses , most by Louise Clements. Of course, the catalog also includes ordering and shiping information . The philosophy of Heirloom Old Garden Roses is to sell only roses grown on their own roots.
Most roses sold, at least in the USA, are buds grafted onto a rootstock.
Heirloom claims that own root roses are more winter hardy, live longer, perform better, do not produce suckers of a different type rose and are less likely to suffer from rose virus. But neither of these statements is true. These roses are much easier to care for than hybrid teas and are more attractive for just about every purpose except possibly winning rose shows. Many are roses that can be planted as shrubs or in a perennial garden rather than in a separate rose garden. Except for clipping off dead tips at the end of the winter, they are care-free, if you choose.