Rosa chinensis ‘Old Blush’ (Monthly Rose)

Rosa chinensis ‘Old Blush’ – Monthly Rose: An In-depth Look

Rosa chinensis ‘Old Blush’, also known as the Monthly Rose, is a cherished cultivar of Rosa chinensis that has captivated gardeners for centuries with its continuous blooms of pink flowers. This semi-double rose is celebrated for its hardiness and enduring charm in gardens worldwide.

Native: Rosa chinensis is native to China, where it has been cultivated since the 18th century, making it one of the oldest garden roses still widely grown today. ‘Old Blush’ was introduced to Europe in 1752. It belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae, which includes roses, peaches, cherries, apricots or strawberries.

Plant Type and Habit: ‘Old Blush’ is a deciduous shrub with a bushy, rounded habit. It can be trained as a short climber. It is known for its vigorous growth and ability to repeat bloom, setting it apart from many other varieties.

Size: It typically reaches 3-5 feet in height (90-150 cm) and 3-4 feet in spread (90-120 cm), making it a versatile addition to any garden space.

Flowers: The flowers of ‘Old Blush’ are soft pink with a deeper flush and a moderate, fruity fragrance. They are semi-double to double, cupped-to-flat, up to 2.5 inches (6 cm), and borne in small clusters.

Bloom Time: Notably, ‘Old Blush’ blooms in flushes from spring until frost, providing an almost continuous display of flowers.

Fruits: Like many roses, it produces decorative rose hips in autumn, adding to its seasonal interest.

Foliage: Its glossy mid-green leaves are borne on twiggy, almost thornless stems, providing a lush background for the soft pink blooms.

Hardiness: ‘Old Blush’ is remarkably hardy, suitable for USDA zones 6 through 10.

Uses: It is ideal for mixed borders, rose gardens, on a trellis or for screening, and as a specimen plant. Its historic charm also makes it a favorite for heritage and cottage gardens.

Wildlife: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while the hips provide food for birds in winter.

Toxicity: Roses are generally considered non-toxic to pets and humans, making them safe for inclusion in family gardens.

Deer and Rabbits: Deer and rabbits can cause damage.

Invasiveness: This rose is not considered invasive. Its growth is manageable, making it a respectful garden inhabitant.

Benefits: ‘Old Blush’ enriches the garden with its historic beauty, continuous blooms, and ability to attract wildlife. It’s also valued for its low maintenance and disease resistance compared to many modern roses.

Growing and Caring for a Chinese Rose

Growing and caring for the Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis) can be a rewarding experience, as this plant graces gardens with its vibrant blooms and rich history.

Light: Plant in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Chinese Roses can tolerate part shade and are suitable for a north-facing situation. Full sun encourages healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Soil: Preferably, the soil should be rich, well-drained, and loamy. Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost to improve structure and fertility. Chinese roses tolerate poor soils.

Planting: The best time to plant is in early spring or fall when the weather is cooler. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Mix in some well-rotted manure or compost with the excavated soil. Place the plant in the hole so that the graft union (the swollen part where the rootstock meets the scion) is just above soil level. Backfill, firming the soil gently, and water thoroughly.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Chinese roses are somewhat drought-tolerant but perform best with regular watering.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears. You can also supplement with a liquid rose fertilizer according to package instructions during the growing season to encourage blooms.

Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak growth and shaping the plant. Pruning encourages ventilation and light penetration, which can reduce disease risk. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle about 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud.

Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Avoid piling mulch against the stem to prevent rot.

Winter Care: In colder regions (zones below 6), protect the base of the plant with a mound of mulch or soil to insulate against freezing temperatures.

Chinese Rose Propagation – A Step-By-Step Guide

Propagating Chinese roses can be a rewarding gardening project. This rose can be propagated through several methods, including cuttings, layering, and seeds. However, cuttings and layering are more commonly used for their effectiveness in producing clones of the parent plant. Here’s how you can propagate Chinese Roses:

Propagation by Cuttings:

Timing: The best time for taking cuttings is in late spring to early summer when new growth is semi-hardened.

Selecting Cuttings: Choose healthy, disease-free stems from the current year’s growth. Each cutting should be about 6-8 inches long (15-20 cm), with at least three sets of leaves.

Preparation: Cut just below a leaf node, and remove the lower leaves to expose a few nodes. The top set of leaves should be trimmed to reduce moisture loss. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development.

Planting: Plant the cuttings in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. Insert the cuttings about 2 inches deep (5 cm), ensuring at least one node is buried. Water thoroughly and cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain humidity.

Care: Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop in 4-8 weeks. Once established, gradually acclimate the young plants to outdoor conditions before planting them in their permanent locations.

Propagation by Layering:

Select a Low-Growing Branch: Choose a healthy, flexible branch that can be easily bent to the ground.

Wounding: Make a small cut or remove a strip of bark from the underside of the branch at a point where it touches the ground. This encourages rooting.

Securing the Branch: Bend the branch down to the ground, and secure the wounded section in a shallow trench filled with soil. Leave the tip of the branch exposed.

Rooting: Keep the area moist. Roots should develop at the wound site within a season.

Separation: Once a good root system has formed, cut the new plant from the parent and transplant it to its desired location.

Chinese Rose: Pests, Diseases, Common Problems

The Chinese Rose (Rosa chinensis), while resilient and adaptable, is not immune to pests, diseases, and other common garden problems

Pests

Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. Increase humidity around your roses, rinse plants with water, or use miticides if necessary.

Japanese beetles: They skeletonize the foliage and can decimate blooms. Handpick in the early morning or use pheromone traps as a deterrent.

Scale insects are tiny, sap-sucking pests that attach themselves to plant stems and leaves, appearing as small bumps. They weaken plants by extracting vital nutrients, leading to yellow foliage and stunted growth. Controlling them involves horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.

Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can cause leaf curling and distortion. They also excrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold. Use a strong water jet to knock them off, encourage natural predators, or apply insecticidal soap.

Diseases

Black Spot: A fungal disease causing dark spots on leaves, leading to yellowing and defoliation. Ensure good air circulation, water at the base of the plant, remove affected foliage, and apply fungicides if needed.

Powdery mildew: Appears as a white powdery substance on leaves and stems, inhibiting photosynthesis. Improve air circulation, water in the morning, and use fungicidal treatments.

Rust: Causes orange to yellow spots on the undersides of leaves. Remove affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply appropriate fungicides.

Common Problems

Poor Flowering: This can be due to insufficient sunlight, over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, or lack of pruning. Ensure roses get 6-8 hours of sunlight, balance your fertilization strategy, and establish a regular pruning routine.

Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot. Ensure well-draining soil and water only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.

Leaf Drop: Stress from either underwatering, overwatering, or sudden changes in temperature can cause leaves to drop. Maintain consistent watering practices and protect roses from extreme weather changes.