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, precipitation and diseases. The First Lady rose corresponds to these characteristics. This plant tolerates the effects of adverse factors well without losing its decorative properties.
History of selection
The hybrid rose First Lady was 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 released in 2005.
Description of the rose Shrub 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 can be deformed due to the bending 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 have a high growth rate, so spacious areas are recommended for this variety.
The leaves are large, up to 10 cm in length. The plates are ovoid in shape. There are small nicks on the edges. The leaves are collected on short stalks, 2-5 pieces each.
First Lady roses begin to bloom at the end of May.
The buds open very slowly. The flowers have a round shape. Their diameter reaches 12 cm. The “First Lady” variety refers to densely double roses. The flower is a ball of a large number of petals tightly adjacent to each other.
The plant remains decorative 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 repeatedly, 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 is characterized by a high level of resistance to cold. The plant belongs to winter hardiness zone 6 and tolerates frosts down to -23 degrees.
Roses are not harmed by heavy rain, provided that they are planted in a well-drained area where there is no stagnation of liquid. Due to precipitation, flowers do not lose their attractiveness.
The variety has average resistance to drought.The First Lady rose bush develops best in well-lit areas. But in the summer, it is necessary to ensure that the plant does not lack 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 only develop when the bush is planted in contaminated soil in the early stages of the growing season. Young seedlings that have not had time to adapt to open ground conditions are considered the most sensitive.
Description of the rose “First Lady”:
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
The variety has earned popularity among flower growers and landscape designers due to its excellent characteristics. A large number of undeniable advantages distinguish First Lady roses from other types.
Main advantages:
- lush, long-lasting flowering;
- low sensitivity to rain;
- high winter hardiness;
- absence of fungal diseases;
- rapid growth of shoots.
The following disadvantages of the plant are identified:
- need for supports and garter;
- low resistance to drought;
- possibility of pest damage.
For full flowering, the rose needs regular feeding. Without fertilizers they wither faster. If during the budding period the plant does not have enough sunlight, there is a risk that flowering will not begin.
Reproduction methods
Adult bushes (from 3 years old) with a developed root system tolerate division well. The rose is removed from the soil and cleared of soil. Several stems with roots are separated and immediately planted on the site. To stimulate the growth of underground shoots, surface ones need to be shortened.
Dividing roses can be done in spring or autumn, after flowering.
Hybrid tea varieties propagate well by cuttings. Cut off shoots with 2-3 buds and several leaves. They are rooted in containers with nutritious soil and planted in open ground in the fall.
The long arched shoots of the hybrid tea rose “First Lady” allow propagation by layering. Select one young stem, from which the leaves are removed, bent 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 September, before the onset of cold weather. Rose needs a well-lit place. Only partial shading is allowed, preferably during midday hours.
When preparing the site, it is necessary to remove weeds and dig up the soil. A drainage layer of pebbles or expanded clay is poured into the bottom of a planting hole 60-70 cm deep. 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 out the roots.
- Cover with soil.
- Compact the surface layer.
- Water the plant.
- Mulch the top with bark, sawdust or dry manure.
The root collar is buried 3-4 cm
The plant needs regular watering. It is carried out 1-2 times a week, depending on weather conditions. For each bush use 15-20 liters of water. In September, the frequency of watering is reduced until completely canceled.
In spring, the bush is fed with nitrogen fertilizers. They are applied during active growth of shoots and leaves.
Before flowering, add potassium and phosphorus. Repeated feeding with this fertilizer is carried out between the 1st and 2nd wave of flowering. In autumn, the bush is fed with potassium.
Sanitary pruning is required twice a year. In spring, shoots are shortened by 2-3 buds to stimulate their growth. At the end of summer or autumn, faded buds are removed.
Preparations for winter begin in September with the application of potassium fertilizer and abundant watering. The bush must be pruned before frost sets in. The remaining shoots are spudded and covered. In the southern regions of Russia such procedures are optional.
Pests and diseases
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, bushes are sprayed with fungicide.
Common rose pests include:
- aphid;
- pennitsa;
- leaf roller;
- spider mite
The source of pests for the First Lady rose are other infected plants in the garden.
If insects are detected, it is necessary to spray the bush with an insecticidal agent. For preventive purposes, the plant can be treated with a soap solution, infusion of garlic or calendula.
Application in landscape design
Typically, the First Lady rose is used in the garden for single plantings. The bushes harmonize perfectly with a regular lawn or meadow grass. Often roses are planted in several bushes side by side. They should be placed in a row so as not to obscure each other. The distance between bushes is at least 50 cm.
First Lady roses are also well suited for planting in combination with other plants.It is recommended to use undemanding shrubs with dense foliage that tolerate sunlight well as neighbors.
The rose can be planted next to:
- brunneroy;
- hosta;
- thyme;
- hellebore;
- Heuchera;
- astilbes.
In mixborders, the “First Lady” variety is recommended to be combined with hydrangeas, phlox, peonies and delphiniums. Roses need to be left central in the flower garden, placing lower plants around them.
Conclusion
Rose 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 occurs in two stages. The decorative appearance of the bushes is not affected by unfavorable weather conditions.
Reviews with photos about rose scrub First Lady
