Tea rose Rosa × odorata 'Pseudindica' (ClCh)

Water

The Old Blush rose should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root growth. It's best to water this rose bush early in the morning, using about 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant at each watering session. During the growing season, water the plant once a week, making adjustments for rainfall or high temperatures, which might increase the plant’s water needs. In particularly hot or dry weather, check the soil moisture depth with your finger; if the top 2 inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water. During the winter, reduce watering significantly, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry.

Light

The Old Blush rose thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and flowering. The ideal spot for this plant is in a location where it can receive morning sunlight, which helps dry the dew on the leaves and thus reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid overly shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming and weak growth.

Temperature

The Old Blush rose performs best in temperate climates with temperatures ranging between 70°F and 90°F during the growing season. It is cold-hardy and can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about 10°F, but prolonged exposure to extreme cold may damage the plant. Ideally, maintain a temperature range that does not exceed 90°F for extended periods, as excessive heat can stress the roses.

Pruning

Pruning the Old Blush rose is essential to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and improve air circulation amongst the branches, which can help prevent disease. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak branches and cutting back about one-third of the previous year's growth to stimulate strong, healthy canes. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can be done throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Roses should be rich with organic matter, well-draining, and have a pH between 6.0-7.0. A blend of one-third each of topsoil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal for Roses.

Repotting

Roses should generally be repotted every 2 to 5 years, or when the root system outgrows the container, to promote healthy growth and blooming.

Humidity & Misting

Roses prefer moderate humidity levels around 40-60%; too high humidity can increase the risk of fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, adequate water, and regular feeding for Roses.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun, and protect from extreme weather.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Rosa × odorata 'Pseudindica' (ClCh), commonly known as the Old Blush China Rose, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon finding the right conditions of soil, temperature, and moisture, will germinate and sprout. The seedling then grows into a young plant, developing a strong root system and foliage through the vegetative stage. As it matures, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing fragrant pink blooms that attract pollinators, thus facilitating cross-pollination. Following pollination, the flowers develop into rose hips (fruits) containing seeds, which when dispersed, have the potential to grow into new plants. After flowering, the plant goes into a period of dormancy, especially in regions with colder winters. Throughout its lifetime, which can span several decades, the China Rose will experience cycles of growth, blooming, and dormancy, perpetuating its species through both vegetative propagation and seed production.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Rosa × odorata 'Pseudindica', commonly known as the China Rose, is through cuttings. This can be done in late spring or early summer when new growth is lush and green. A 6 to 8-inch (15 to 20 cm) stem cutting should be taken from a healthy, disease-free bush, making sure the cutting has a few leaves and at least two or three nodes. The bottom of the cutting is usually dipped in rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful root development. Afterwards, the cutting is planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a humid environment with indirect sunlight. Maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging the soil is crucial for the cutting to form roots and eventually grow into a new plant. The surrounding temperature should ideally be around 70°F (about 21°C) for optimal rooting.