Content
- 1 Breeding history
- 2 Description and characteristics of the Swanee ground cover rose
- 3 Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
- 4 Varieties of Swanee roses
- 5 Reproduction methods
- 6 Growing and care
- 7 Pests and diseases
- 8 Application in landscape design
- 9 Conclusion
- 10 Reviews of ground cover park rose Swanee
Along with tall types of roses, varieties with creeping shoots are widely used in landscape design, which are characterized by long and abundant flowering. Using them allows you to give any composition a sense of sophistication. Therefore, they have become an indispensable element for the most daring design decisions. These types of culture include the ground cover rose Swanee or Swanee, as it is sometimes called. It has the ability to grow quickly and cover large areas of the flower bed, filling the free space.
Breeding history
The Swany groundcover rose was developed in France in 1978. Its originator is Meilland. The founder of the nursery, Maria Luisa Meilland, worked on the creation of this variety.
Swanee is based on two evergreen roses: Rosa sempervirens and Rosa wichurana. The resulting variety was able to take only the best qualities from its progenitors. Thanks to this, Swanee has become one of the most sought-after ground cover crop varieties.
Initially, this variety was given an intermediate name "MEIburena", but already at the very first exhibition it was presented under the current name. Since then, Swanee has become the standard of ground cover roses, since in its characteristics and decorativeness it significantly surpassed all species known at that time.
Description and characteristics of the Swanee ground cover rose
This variety is considered one of the most popular among ground cover types of roses, and this is no coincidence. The plant retains its decorative effect throughout the season and does not require complex care.
The Swanee groundcover is a lush bush with numerous creeping shoots. Plant height reaches 50-60 cm, and the diameter varies from 1.50 to 2.0 m, depending on growing conditions. The shrub forms long, thin shoots that bend well, but cannot be broken. They are densely leafy. The bark of young shoots of the Swanee rose is bright green, but as they age, it becomes dull and acquires a brown-gray tint. Small thorns in the form of a rounded hook are located along the entire length of the branches.
Young leaves are light green in color, but later they become darker and acquire a beautiful shine. This significantly improves the decorative effect of the shrub. Leaves are alternate. They consist of 5-7 oblong-oval plates, which are fixed to one common petiole. The length of each segment does not exceed 2.0-2.5 cm, and the width barely reaches 1.5 cm. The surface is smooth on both sides.
The Swanee rose blooms continuously throughout the season. This is achieved by constantly building up new shoots, on the tops of which buds are formed. The beginning of this period falls on the end of May or the first ten days of June, depending on the region of cultivation. The flowers of this ground cover rose are quite large, as for this species. Their diameter at full disclosure reaches 5-6 cm.
The shrub forms numerous rounded-pointed buds, which are collected in umbrella-shaped inflorescences on long stems. Each of them consists of 5-14 pieces, and in adult bushes their number can reach 20. Flowers consist of graceful, slightly curved petals. They have a pure white hue, but in the center of the flower there may be a pale pink color.
The aroma of this variety is pleasant, floral, but mild. The smell intensifies slightly only in the midday and evening hours.
The root system is mostly concentrated in the upper layers of the soil. It is branched and is located horizontally to the ground surface.
The ground cover rose Swanee white has an average level of frost resistance. The shrub can withstand temperatures ranging from -12 to -20 degrees. Since most of its inflorescences are formed on last year's shoots, the plant needs a mandatory shelter for the winter. This is not difficult to do, since the Swanee ground cover rose forms low bushes.
This crop variety, under favorable conditions, practically does not suffer from fungal diseases. But in the case of prolonged rains and cool weather, the plant's immunity decreases. To avoid this, prophylactic spraying of the shrub with fungicides should be carried out.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
According to the description provided by the photo and reviews of gardeners, the Swanee ground cover rose is distinguished by high decorative qualities and undemanding care, which makes it stand out from the background of other varieties. But, like other species, it has not only advantages, but also some disadvantages. Therefore, when choosing them, you need to pay attention so that it later does not become an unpleasant surprise.
Main advantages:
- long, abundant flowering;
- versatility in landscape design;
- unpretentiousness to care;
- good winter hardiness;
- resistance to fungal diseases;
- high decorative qualities;
- large diameter of flowers;
- suitable for cutting;
- breeds easily;
- quickly recovers in case of freezing.
Disadvantages:
- the shrub does not have the ability to cleanse itself;
- weak aroma of flowers;
- with prolonged rains, the decorative effect of the rose decreases;
- requires shelter for the winter.
Varieties of Swanee roses
The high popularity of the Swanee ground cover rose inspired its originator to create other species based on this variety. They all have common characteristics, but there are also clear differences. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the popular Swanee subspecies so that there is no confusion.
Swany Mimi
The variety was obtained in 2001 and was originally given the technical name MEIshasen. Rose Swanee Mimi is distinguished by medium-sized bushes, the shoots of which have practically no thorns. Initially, the buds are pink, but when they bloom, the outer petals become light, and the bright color remains only in the center. This gives the variety a special tenderness and sophistication. The diameter of the flowers of this rose is no more than 3 cm. But the shrub forms a huge number of them, therefore, during flowering, the foliage is practically invisible.
Super Swany
The variety was bred in 1987. Super Swanee forms sprawling bushes, the height of which in rare cases reaches 1.4 m. The flowers of this variety are densely double, almost white, but a pale pinkish tint along the edge of the petals is allowed. Their diameter is about 5-6 cm.
Pink Swany
This variety of ground cover rose was obtained in 2003 and is intended specifically for group plantings.Pink Swanee's flowers are densely doubled and even with full disclosure, their center is not exposed. The height of the shrub reaches 60-80 cm, and the diameter is about 110 cm. But since there are 90-100 petals in each pink Swanee rose, visually the plant seems to be much larger than its size. Flowers are pink with a slight purple tint. Their diameter is 7-8 cm.
Rose Red Swany
This variety of ground cover rose is distinguished by spreading bushes, up to 2.0 m in diameter and about 60 cm high. The flowers of Red Swanee are bright red in color with a pleasant delicate aroma. Also, the variety is characterized by delicate petals. The flowering period is long, it begins in early summer and lasts until autumn frosts.
Reproduction methods
This variety is easily propagated by layering and cuttings. The first method is quite simple and can be used even by a gardener who does not have much experience. To do this, it is enough to deepen several shoots 5-10 cm into the soil, leaving only the top on top and keep the soil constantly slightly moist throughout the season. You can separate the layers from the mother bush for the next year.
The grafting method is more complicated, but it makes it possible to obtain a large number of seedlings. To do this, before flowering, cut the lignified shoots into pieces 10 cm long with 2-3 internodes. The lower leaves should be completely removed, and the upper leaves should be left for sap flow. After that, powder the cut with any root former and plant the cuttings in the ground. To create optimal conditions, cover them with transparent caps. Young seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent place only at the age of 2 years.
Growing and care
It is possible to plant a ground cover Swanee rose in open ground in the spring in the central and northern regions, as well as in the fall in the southern regions. For this variety, you should choose sunny and slightly shaded areas with fertile soil and good aeration.
2 weeks before the procedure, you need to prepare a planting pit 50 by 50 cm in size.At the bottom of it, lay drainage with a layer of 7-10 cm, and on top pour a soil mixture of turf, sand, humus and peat in an equal volume. When planting, the root collar of the seedling must be deepened by 2 cm.
When growing this variety, you need to adhere to the standard care rules. They consist in timely watering in the absence of seasonal rains. For this you need to use settled water with a temperature of + 18- + 20 degrees. Irrigation should be done in the evening to avoid burning the foliage.
Also, the Swanee ground cover rose needs feeding. Therefore, in the spring, at the beginning of the growing season, it must be fertilized with nitroammophos (30 g per 10 l) or fermented chicken droppings (1:15). In the future, phosphorus-potassium mineral mixtures should be used, which will increase the number of buds, prolong flowering and increase the frost resistance of the shrub. The frequency of their use is once a month.
To prevent weeds from growing under the shoots of the Swanee rose, it is necessary to lay a layer of tree bark 3 cm thick.This mulch will not only help reduce watering, but also prevent the roots from overheating in the heat, and will also provide the necessary acidity level of about 6.0-6.5 pH ...
A groundcover Swanee rose does not need a bush shaping. Therefore, annually in the spring, it is necessary to remove only damaged and frozen shoots, which reduce decorativeness. For the winter, this shrub requires shelter. To do this, initially cover the root system with a thick layer of earth and compact it. And then completely protect the rose with agrofibre.
Pests and diseases
This variety shows resistance to diseases and pests. But if the growing conditions do not match, as well as in the absence of proper care, the immunity of the Swani rose is reduced.
Possible problems:
- Powdery mildew... The disease manifests itself as a white bloom on the leaves, which then turns dirty gray. This interferes with photosynthesis and leads to wilting of the plates. For treatment, Topaz should be used.
- Black spot... The disease progresses with sudden changes in day and night temperatures. Initially, black dots appear on the leaves, and then they grow to spots. As a result, premature leaf fall occurs, and the shoots are completely bare. For treatment and prophylaxis, "Skor" should be used.
- Aphid... Small pest that is localized on young leaves and tops of shoots. It feeds on rose juice. With a massive defeat, the buds are deformed, and the shrub stops blooming. To fight, you should use "Confidor Extra".
- Spider mite... Microscopic pest that cannot be seen with the naked eye. The lesion can be recognized by the dull shade of the leaves, slow growth, deformed buds and a small cobweb at the tops of the branches. For destruction you should use "Actellik".
Application in landscape design
The Swanee ground cover rose is widely used in landscape design. Its creeping shoots are capable of successfully masking all unsightly surfaces. Therefore, shrubs are often planted on slopes and near high curbs. Also, this variety is ideal for alpine slides, foreground flower beds and landscaping the entrance to the gazebo.
On sale you can also find the standard Swanee rose, as its cascading shoots look very elegant at a height, giving the impression of a flower fountain.
Conclusion
The Swanee ground cover rose is a highly decorative type of culture that is deservedly popular with gardeners around the world. And the ability of this shrub to fit into any landscape design only contributes to this. It is important to remember that the plant must be completely covered for the winter in order to preserve the shoots that will bloom next season.