Content
Rose Roald Dahl is a new variety characterized by almost continuous and abundant flowering. At the same time, like all English park species, it has high frost resistance, strong immunity and low maintenance requirements. All these qualities make it possible to grow the Roald Dahl rose without much difficulty, even for gardeners who do not have many years of experience. The variety is suitable for landscaping garden plots, parks, squares, as it can fit into any landscape design.
Rose "Roald Dahl" is not very susceptible to adverse weather conditions
History of selection
Work on developing this rose variety began in 2009 in England, and was carried out by David Austin. The seedling was obtained as a result of experimental crossing. Subsequently, work to improve its characteristics was carried out over 8 years. And only after confirmation of all varietal characteristics, this species was officially registered in 2016 and presented at the Chelsea flower show.
The park rose was named in honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the writer Roald Dahl, who published the short story “James and the Giant Peach” in 1961.
Description of rose Roald Dahl and characteristics
This variety is characterized by dense, branched bushes that, as they grow, acquire a lush, rounded shape. The height of the Roald Dahl rose reaches 120 cm, and the growth diameter is 1 m. The shrub forms flexible but strong shoots. They can easily withstand gusts of wind and loads during flowering, so they do not need additional support. The bark of young branches is green, but as they mature, it fades significantly.
The leaves are bright green in color with a glossy surface, with slight serration along the edges. They consist of 5-7 separate segments attached to a single petiole. The length of the plates reaches 12-15 cm.
The flowering period of the Roald Dahl rose begins in early June and continues until autumn frosts with short breaks. The shrub forms numerous pointed-rounded buds, which initially have an orange-red hue. As they open, they acquire a cup-shaped shape, and the tone noticeably brightens and becomes peachy.
The flowers of the Roald Dahl rose are evenly distributed on the bush, which significantly improves the decorative effect. When opened, they exude a pleasant, unobtrusive aroma, reminiscent of a tea rose with the addition of fruity notes. Double flowers of the Roald Dahl rose include 26-40 petals, so the middle is practically not exposed. Rose buds form inflorescences of 3-5 pieces. They bloom gradually, so the impression of continuous flowering throughout the season is created.
The diameter of the flowers of the Roald Dahl rose reaches 11 cm
The root system of the shrub is superficial, its growth diameter is 40-50 cm.It is located almost horizontally to the soil level, so when growing the Roald Dahl rose in the central and northern regions, it must be covered for the winter. The shrub can withstand frosts down to -23.3 degrees, but in the absence of snow its shoots may suffer.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Rose "Roald Dahl" by D. Austin has many advantages, so the new product has gained wide popularity among gardeners all over the world. But it also has certain disadvantages that are worth paying attention to. This will allow you to compare the characteristics of the variety with other park species and understand what its strengths and weaknesses are.
There are very few thorns on the stems
Main advantages:
- large flowers;
- increased resistance to diseases;
- easily propagated by cuttings;
- good frost resistance;
- a small number of thorns;
- forms rounded bushes;
- abundant and long flowering;
- immunity to bad weather conditions.
Flaws:
- high cost of seedlings;
- during hot periods, flowers quickly fall off;
- does not tolerate prolonged stagnation of moisture in the soil;
- Without shelter in the northern regions, shoots may freeze.
Reproduction methods
To obtain new seedlings of the English park rose "Roald Dahl" you need to use the cutting method. To do this, it is necessary to cut off a mature shoot from the bush at the end of spring before flowering and divide it into parts with 2-3 pairs of leaves.
To plant cuttings you need a shaded place. Before this, the lower leaves should be removed and the upper ones should be shortened by half to maintain sap flow. Then powder the cut below with any root former.You need to bury the cuttings in the soil up to the first pair of leaves, leaving a distance of 5 cm between them. After planting, you should build a mini-greenhouse to create optimal conditions.
Cuttings of the Roald Dahl rose take root in 1.5-2 months. During this period, the soil must always be kept moist, and the plantings must be ventilated regularly.
Growing and care
The park rose "Roald Dahl" by D. Austin must be planted in a sunny open area, protected from drafts. When planted in the shade, the shrub actively grows green mass, but blooms sparingly.
This variety prefers soil rich in organic matter with good moisture and air permeability. In this case, the level of groundwater in the area must be at least 1 m.
Caring for the Roald Dahl rose includes timely watering during a long absence of rain. To do this, use settled water at a temperature of +20 degrees. Moisturize at the root so that moisture does not fall on the leaves. You need to water the bush 1-2 times a week, wetting the soil under the bush to 15 cm.
This variety must be fed regularly. In the spring, during the period of active growth of shoots, organic matter or nitroammophos should be used (30 g per 10 liters of water). And during the period of bud formation, superphosphate (40 g) and potassium sulfate (20 g) for the same volume of liquid. Mineral fertilizers can also be applied in dry form. To do this, you need to make a small ditch along the edge of the root circle and pour granules into it. After this, level the soil and water the plant.
At the base of the bushes, it is necessary to constantly remove weeds so that they do not take away nutrients and loosen the soil. The Roald Dahl rose should be pruned annually in the spring. During this period, all damaged and dry shoots must be removed. Also, during the season it is necessary to shorten branches that stand out from the total mass.
Every autumn you should cut out old shoots, leaving no more than 7 pieces. on a bush
When growing Roald Dahl roses in the southern regions, the bushes need to be covered with soil for the winter. And in the central and northern regions it is necessary to additionally cover the shoots. To do this, you should make a wooden frame and wrap it with agrofibre.
Pests and diseases
This variety is highly resistant to powdery mildew and black spot. But in the case of a cool, rainy summer, the likelihood of damage increases. Therefore, it is recommended to spray the bush with copper-containing preparations as a preventive measure.
Of the pests, aphids can cause damage to the Roald Dahl rose. This pest feeds on the sap of shoots and leaves of plants. In the absence of timely measures, it damages the buds, so the bush loses its decorative effect. It is recommended to use Actellik for destruction.
Aphids are localized on the tops of young branches and on the underside of leaves
Application in landscape design
This variety can be used in single plantings and multi-level compositions. In the first case, the beauty of the bush will be emphasized by a well-groomed green lawn. The rose will also look spectacular against the backdrop of low-growing conifers, and its bare shoots below can successfully disguise a boxwood border.In the second case, the Roald Dahl rose should be planted in the center or used for the background.
Roses can also be grown as a pot plant
Conclusion
Rose Roald Dahl is a variety with a unique peach color of flowers, forming a huge number of buds throughout the season. And its high resistance to common diseases and adverse weather conditions allows it to be grown in regions with harsh climates. The only drawback is the high cost of seedlings compared to other species, but this does not stop gardeners.
Reviews with photos about the rose Roald Dahl
