Content
Growing roses in various regions of Russia is complicated by unpredictable climatic conditions. Gardeners are advised to choose varieties that are resistant to low temperatures, rainfall and disease. The First Lady rose corresponds to these characteristics. Such a plant tolerates the influence of unfavorable factors well without losing its decorative effect.
Breeding history
Hybrid rose "First Lady" (First Lady) bred in the nursery of the German breeding company "Rosen Tantau". As a result of crossing several species, including O'Hara and Paradise, a new variety was obtained. It combines excellent decorative qualities and resistance to adverse conditions. The variety was bred in 2005.
Description of rose scrub First Lady and characteristics
A tall plant with long shoots - up to 150 cm. The width of the First Lady rose variety reaches 120 cm. The bush is symmetrical, but it can deform due to the inclination of long shoots. During the flowering period, a garter or the use of a frame support is recommended.
Stems with dark green soft bark, practically without thorns. The bush is not characterized by strong branching. Until the moment of flowering, the First Lady variety creates a decorative effect due to its dense foliage. It forms in mid or late April along with new shoots. The stems are distinguished by a high growth rate, therefore, spacious areas are recommended for that variety.
The leaves are large, up to 10 cm long. The plates are ovoid. There are small notches on the edges. Leaves are collected on short legs in 2-5 pieces.
First Lady roses bloom at the end of May
The buds open very slowly. The flowers are rounded. Their diameter reaches 12 cm. The "First Lady" variety belongs to dense double roses. The flower is a ball of a large number of petals tightly adjacent to each other.
The plant retains its decorative effect until late autumn. The buds open slowly and do not fade for a very long time. The color of the flowers is pink, white. Lilac and purple spots appear on some petals.
With proper care of the bush, wilting begins only at the end of August. The variety blooms again, without long pauses between waves.
The hybrid tea variety "First Lady" attracted the attention of gardeners not only for its decorative qualities. The presented variety of roses has a high index of resistance to cold. The plant belongs to the 6th zone of winter hardiness and normally tolerates frosts down to -23 degrees.
Roses are not harmed by heavy rain, provided that they are planted in a well-drained area where liquid stagnation is excluded. Due to atmospheric precipitation, the flowers do not lose their attractiveness.
The variety has medium drought tolerance. Rose bush "First Lady" grows best in well-lit areas. But in the summer, it is necessary to ensure that the plant does not experience a lack of fluid.
First Lady roses do not fade in direct sunlight
The described variety is practically insensitive to powdery mildew, rust and other fungal diseases. They can develop only when the bush is planted in contaminated soil in the early stages of the growing season. The most sensitive are young seedlings that have not had time to adapt to the conditions of open ground.
Description of the rose "First Lady":
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
The variety has earned popularity among florists and landscape designers due to its excellent characteristics. A large number of indisputable advantages distinguish the First Lady roses from the background of other species.
Main advantages:
- lush, long flowering;
- low sensitivity to rain;
- high winter hardiness;
- absence of fungal diseases;
- fast growth of shoots.
The following plant disadvantages are distinguished:
- the need for supports and a garter;
- low resistance to drought;
- the possibility of pest damage.
For full flowering, the rose needs regular feeding. Without fertilizer, they wither faster. If, during the budding period, the plant does not have enough sunlight, there is a risk that flowering will not start.
Reproduction methods
Adult bushes (from 3 years old) with a developed root system tolerate division well. The rose is removed from the soil, cleaned from the soil. Several stems with roots are separated, which are immediately planted on the site. To stimulate the growth of underground shoots, superficial ones need to be shortened.
Dividing a rose can be done in spring or autumn, after flowering.
Hybrid tea varieties propagate well by cuttings. Shoots with 2-3 buds and several leaves are cut off. They are rooted in containers with nutrient soil and planted in open ground in the fall.
Long arched shoots of the First Lady hybrid tea rose allow propagation by layering. One young stem is chosen, from which the leaves are removed, folded and covered with nutritious soil, without separating it from the main bush. After 4-5 weeks, roots appear on the shoot. It is separated from the bush and planted in a separate place.
Growing and care
Planting is carried out in early spring or in September, before the onset of cold weather. A rose needs a well-lit place. Only partial shading is allowed, preferably at midday.
When preparing the site, it is necessary to remove weeds and dig up the soil. At the bottom of the planting pit 60-70 cm deep, a drainage layer of pebbles or expanded clay is poured. A soil mixture with compost and peat is poured inside, leaving 20-25 cm from the surface.
Planting stages:
- Dip the root of the seedling into the clay solution.
- Place the rose in the hole.
- Spread the roots.
- Cover with soil.
- Compact the surface layer.
- Water the plant.
- Top with bark, sawdust or dry manure.
The root collar is buried 3-4 cm
The plant needs regular watering. It is held 1-2 times a week, depending on weather conditions. For each bush, 15-20 liters of water are used. In September, the frequency of watering is reduced until it is completely canceled.
In the spring, the bush is fed with nitrogen fertilizers. They are introduced during the active growth of the shoot and leaves.
Potassium and phosphorus are added before flowering. Re-feeding with this fertilizer is carried out between the 1st and 2nd wave of flowering. In the fall, the bush is fed with potassium.
Sanitary pruning is required twice a year. In the spring, shoots are shortened by 2-3 buds to stimulate their growth. In late summer or autumn, wilted buds are removed.
Preparation for winter begins in September with the introduction of potash fertilizer and abundant watering. Before the onset of frost, the bush must be cut off. The remaining shoots are spud and covered. In the southern regions of Russia, such procedures are optional.
Pests and diseases
The English rose scrub "First Lady" shows resistance to infections. The plant is not sensitive to powdery mildew, black spot and rust. Such diseases are possible only with prolonged waterlogging. To combat diseases and for prevention, the bushes are sprayed with a fungicide.
Among pests, roses are common:
- aphid;
- penny;
- leaf roll;
- spider mite.
Other infected plants in the garden are the source of the pests of the First Lady rose.
If insects are detected, it is necessary to spray the bush with an insecticidal agent. For preventive purposes, the plant can be treated with soapy water, infusion of garlic or calendula.
Application in landscape design
Usually rose "First Lady" in the garden is used for single plantings. The bushes are in perfect harmony with the usual lawn or meadow grass. Often, roses are planted in several bushes next to each other. They should be arranged in a row so as not to shade each other. The distance between the bushes is at least 50 cm.
First Lady roses are also well suited for planting in combination with other plants. As neighbors, it is recommended to use undemanding shrubs with dense foliage that tolerate sunlight well.
The rose can be planted next to:
- brunner;
- host;
- thyme;
- hellebore;
- geychers;
- astilbe.
In mixborders, the First Lady variety is recommended to be combined with hydrangeas, phloxes, peonies and delphiniums. Roses should be left central in the flower garden by placing lower plants around.
Conclusion
Rosa First Lady is a popular hybrid tea variety characterized by resistance to frost and disease. The plant is ideal for planting in open, well-lit areas. Flowering continues until early autumn and proceeds in two stages. The decorativeness of the bushes is not affected by unfavorable weather conditions.
Reviews with a photo about rose scrub First Lady
