Grown more for its blooms, as there is only a slight fragrance, Ballerina has a tight bush like habit that suits either being planted singularly or in a group.
They can grow quite tall (4-6ft) if allowed to and it is not unheard of for them to ramble into a nearby tree. Although best grown in full sun, Ballerina is probably one of the best roses to tolerate partial or dappled shade. It should be noted however planted in full shade they will become very leggy and flowering will be substantially reduced so is best avoided.
As with all roses planting should be in a humus rich soil. Roses have a PH value of 6.5 so slightly on the acidic side. Add a peat rich but not ericaceous compost and mix in a handful of fish blood and bone. The stock of the rose should be level with the soil and not buried. If you buy and plant a containerized rose almost all year round. Bear in mind not to plant if the ground is frozen. In summer or dry periods make sure you water regularly. The same applies if you purchase bare root roses which will usually only be available in winter.
I usually feed a handful of rose fertilizer in March and again in June, sprinkling the dressing around the base and forking in lightly. There are specialist rose fertilizers on the market such as Toprose but the cheaper Growmore is equally as effective.
Ballerina is reasonably resistant to mildrew and rust but although not as badly affected as some roses, Blackspot can be a problem in badly infected areas. In such cases spraying with a suitable garden fungicide is recommended. Pruning is required only to remove the dead flower clusters and to keep it in general shape.
Pictures(copyright simon tinks davis) Top: Summer at The Cricketers Pub Tangley village. Other photos pink flowering shrub rose Ballerina.
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