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Rosa Blushing Drift® (Groundcover Rose)

Rose Blushing Drift®, Rosa 'MEIfranjin', Groundcover Roses, Shrub Roses, Drift Roses

osa 'Blushing Drift', Rose 'Blushing Drift', Groundcover Roses, Pink Roses, Rose Bushes
osa 'Blushing Drift', Rose 'Blushing Drift', Groundcover Roses, Pink Roses, Rose Bushes
Rosa 'Blushing Drift', Rose 'Blushing Drift', Groundcover Roses, Pink Roses, Rose Bushes
osa 'Blushing Drift', Rose 'Blushing Drift', Groundcover Roses, Pink Roses, Rose Bushes

Rosa Blushing Drift® or Blushing Drift® Rose, part of the Drift® Groundcover Roses collection, is cherished for its soft blush-pink blooms, compact growth habit, and exceptional garden performance. Ideal for small spaces, walkways, and containers, this low-maintenance rose brings elegance and delicate charm to any landscape.

Roses belong to the Rosaceae family, which includes other plants such as Apples (Malus domestica), Peaches (Prunus persica), and Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa).


Description

Rosa Blushing Drift® offers a beautiful combination of subtlety and practicality, producing abundant clusters of blush-pink double flowers that softly fade to a creamy white as they mature. The blooms reveal golden stamens, creating a charming contrast against the glossy, deep-green foliage that is highly disease-resistant.

Blooming continuously from spring to frost, this rose maintains its beauty and reliability throughout the growing season. Its graceful arching habit and versatility make it an excellent choice for various garden settings, whether as a groundcover, border plant, or container feature.


Plant Type and Habit

This rose is a low-growing, spreading shrub, ideal for small spaces, container planting, or as a groundcover. Its compact habit and arching stems make it a versatile addition to any landscape.


Plant Size

  • Height: Up to 18 inches (45 cm)
  • Width: Up to 30 inches (75 cm)

Flowers

The Blushing Drift® Rose produces delicate and abundant blooms:

  • Color: Blush-pink fading to creamy white, with golden stamens.
  • Size: Approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) across.
  • Fragrance: Mild fragrance.
  • Bloom Time: Continuous from spring to frost.
  • Form: Double flowers packed with 25 petals.

Foliage

  • Type: Glossy, deep green leaves.
  • Notable Features: Strong disease resistance ensures a healthy and vibrant plant throughout the season.

Hardiness

This Drift Rose is winter-hardy in USDA Zones 4–11, making it a reliable choice for various climates.


Wildlife

This groundcover rose is beneficial to pollinators and wildlife:

  • Pollinators: Attracts bees and butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
  • Wildlife Value: The dense foliage provides shelter for small animals.

Uses

This Drift Rose offers versatility in landscaping and garden design:


Deer and Rabbit Resistance

Deer and rabbits can cause damage.


Toxicity

Drift Roses are non-toxic to humans and pets, making them a safe addition to gardens.


Invasiveness

Drift Roses are non-invasive and a controlled, manageable addition to gardens.

osa 'Blushing Drift', Rose 'Blushing Drift', Groundcover Roses, Pink Roses, Rose Bushes


Care Guide: How to Grow and Care for Drift Roses

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for planting, growing, and maintaining Drift Roses.

Planting Drift Roses

In Ground

  • Choose a Sunny Spot: Drift Roses need at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
  • Prepare the Soil: Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s container and loosen the soil at the bottom to improve aeration.
  • Planting: Remove the plant from its container, gently loosen the roots, and place it in the hole. Ensure the base of the plant is level with the surrounding soil.
  • Backfill and Mulch: Fill the hole with soil, crumble it to remove air pockets, and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
  • Watering: Water thoroughly and continue watering regularly until the plant is established.

In Containers

  • Select the Right Pot: Use a container with drainage holes, two sizes larger than the current pot.
  • Potting Soil: Add well-draining potting soil and place the plant in the container, ensuring it sits straight.
  • Fill and Water: Fill the container with soil, leaving 1–2 inches (2-5 cm) of space at the top, and water thoroughly.

Pruning and Deadheading

  • Annual Pruning: Prune Drift Roses in late winter or early spring, cutting them back to 6–8 inches (15-20 cm). This encourages healthy growth and maintains a compact shape.
  • Deadheading: Though Drift Roses are self-cleaning, removing spent blooms can improve appearance. Cut just above the first five-leaflet set.

Watering and Fertilizing

  • Watering: Water deeply at the base 1–2 times a week. Increase frequency during dry periods.
  • Fertilizing: Use a balanced rose fertilizer after the first bloom cycle. Avoid fertilizing late in summer to prevent tender growth before frost.

Winter Care

  • In-Ground Plants: Mulch with 2–3 inches (5-7 cm) of organic matter to protect roots. Wrap the plant with burlap in areas with harsh winters.
  • Containers: Bring potted Drift Roses indoors after the first frost and store in a cool, dark place.

Propagation

Drift Roses can be propagated for home use through various methods:

  • Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn.
  • Use softwood cuttings rooted under glass during spring or summer.
  • Employ chip budding in summer for reliable growth.
  • Ensure proper care and conditions for successful propagation.
  • Ideal for home gardeners to expand their collection of low-maintenance roses.

Pests and Diseases

Drift Roses are known for their excellent disease resistance, but like any plant, they can occasionally face issues from pests and diseases. Understanding common problems and how to address them can help keep your Drift Roses healthy and thriving.

Pest Resistance

These roses may attract common pests such as aphids, spider mites, scale insects, or caterpillars. These pests can damage foliage, flowers, and stems, reducing the plant’s vigor.

Disease Resistance

These roses may be susceptible to several fungal diseases, including rose black spot, rust, and powdery mildew. These diseases often thrive in humid conditions, causing leaf discoloration, defoliation, or stem dieback. Disorders like rose blindness (failure to bloom) and flower balling (petals failing to open) may also occur under certain conditions. In severe cases, honey fungus, a soil-borne pathogen, can damage the plant’s root system.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 11
Plant Type Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa, Rosa - Groundcover Rose, Rosa - Shrub Rose
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 30" (80cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fragrant
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Rosa White Drift® (Groundcover Rose)
Rosa Lemon Drift® (Groundcover Rose)
Rosa Buttercream Drift® (Groundcover Rose)
Rosa rubiginosa (Sweet Briar)
Rosa ‘Hermosa’ (China Rose)
Rosa ‘Cramoisi Superieur’ (China Rose)
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Recommended Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Nepeta (Catmint)
Salvia (Sage)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 11
Plant Type Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa, Rosa - Groundcover Rose, Rosa - Shrub Rose
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 30" (80cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fragrant
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rosa (Rose) Rosa (Groundcover Roses) Rosa (Shrub Roses)
Not sure which Rosa (Rose) to pick?
Compare Now

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    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

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