PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full daily sun for abundant repeat blooming; tolerates partial shade but produces fewer flowers in low light.
Watering
Water deeply at the base to saturate root zone, allowing the top 5–7 cm of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Hardy to USDA Zone 5; withstands mild winter frost but benefits from mulch protection in extreme cold regions.
Characteristics
- Leaf: Glossy dark green oval leaves with finely serrated margins; dense foliage.
- Flower: Large fully double blooms (10–12 cm wide) in deep burgundy to near-black hues; strong old-rose scent.
- Stem: Sturdy upright stems with sharp, curved thorns ideal for cutting.
Care Guide
Watering
Water 1–2 times weekly during active growth; increase frequency during prolonged heatwaves
Fertilization
Apply balanced rose fertilizer every 4 weeks. Stop fertilizing in late summer to encourage stem hardening for winter dormancy.
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations.Pruning
- Prune dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late winter/early spring to improve airflow and light penetration.
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly by cutting back to the first set of healthy leaves to encourage continuous flowering.
- Cut back stems by one-third annually to maintain a compact shape and promote vigorous new growth.
- Remove suckers growing from the rootstock to preserve the hybrid rose's desired traits.
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirms no toxicity to cats; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset from fibrous plant material.
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans; petals are edible in small quantities.
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Deep burgundy blooms symbolize passion and sophisticated elegance in floral arrangements and garden design.
Usage: Cut flower production, formal garden borders, container planting for patios.
