Shropshire Lad Rose Rosa A Shropshire Lad = 'Ausled' (PBR) (S)
ABOUT
Rosa 'A Shropshire Lad', also commonly known as Shropshire Lad Rose, is a striking and attractive variety of rose that is noted for its beautiful blooms and lush foliage. The flowers are a charming blend of soft peachy pink with hints of apricot, often exhibiting a cupped to slightly rosette shape that adds a touch of romanticism to the garden. Each flower is comprised of numerous petals, which can create a sumptuous, full and rounded appearance as they open and mature. The petals have a delicate and velvety texture that invites touch, exuding a sublime fragrance that is a mixture of fruity and floral notes, making this rose a sensory delight. The blooms are typically borne in clusters, which adds to the visual impact of the shrub, offering a profuse display of color when in peak bloom. This rose is equipped with a robust and healthy foliage, characterized by a lush and glossy green color that provides an excellent backdrop for the soft-colored flowers. The leaves have a classic shape and are held by sturdy stems which bear the weight of the flowers well. Overall, the Shropshire Lad Rose is a charming and highly ornamental plant that exudes an English garden aesthetic, valued for its enchanting blooms and delightful scent. Its gorgeous flowers and healthy greenery make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and romance to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Shropshire Lad Rose, David Austin Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'Ausled'
ToxicityTo humans
The Shropshire Lad rose is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, thorns on rose bushes can cause physical injury if not handled carefully. While not poisonous, eating significant quantities of roses, particularly the leaves, can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or upset due to the fibrous plant material, which is not intended for human consumption.
To pets
The Shropshire Lad rose is not toxic to pets. It poses no particular poison risk if ingested. However, just as with humans, the thorns can potentially cause injury to pets. Eating parts of any rose plant might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the ingestion of non-digestible material, but this does not typically result from toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Peach
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: 'Ausled' offers visual interest with its romantic, cup-shaped flowers and attractive coloration, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Aromatic Scent: The flowers emit a pleasing fragrance, which can create a pleasant olfactory experience in the garden or when used in cut-flower arrangements.
- Prolific Blooming: Known for its repeat-flowering nature, it provides extended visual interest throughout the growing season.
- Adaptability: It can grow in a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, fertile soil, making it flexible for different garden conditions.
- Disease Resistance: Bred for improved resistance to common rose diseases such as rust, powdery mildew, and black spot, it may require less chemical treatment.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Hardiness: It is relatively hardy in appropriate climates (roughly USDA zones 6 through 9), able to withstand moderate winter temperatures.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for use in mixed borders, as a standalone specimen, or trained as a climber on walls, trellises or arches for varied landscape uses.
- Low Thorn Density: Compared to some other roses, 'Ausled' has fewer thorns, making maintenance and handling easier and less painful.
- Color Variety: Its blooms are known for changing color as they age, from soft peachy pink to a lighter hue, adding dynamic color changes to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The petals of the rose can be used to create natural dyes for fabric or paper, providing a range of pink to orange hues depending on the mordant used.
- Rose hips, the fruit of the rose plant, can be used in crafts as beads or added to potpourri for their shape and color.
- Those with culinary skills might use the rose's fragrant petals to flavor and decorate gourmet chocolates or desserts, adding an elegant touch.
- Essential oils extracted from the rose can be used in homemade perfumes or scented candles, offering a fresh and natural fragrance.
- The plant can serve as a natural barrier or hedge with its thorny stems, providing a beautiful yet protective border for a property.
- Floral arrangements and bridal bouquets often include roses for their beauty and symbolism, making this particular variety a choice for its soft peachy pink color.
- Roses can be pressed and used in scrapbooking or as a method of preserving memories in journals and keepsakes.
- The petals of the rose can be scattered in baths as a luxurious and aromatic addition to a relaxing soak.
- A rose garden can serve as an educational tool for botany students or enthusiasts, showcasing the growth patterns and lifecycle of rose varieties.
- Fallen rose petals can be collected and used to line walkways for events or ceremonies, creating an enchanting and romantic atmosphere.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Roses are universally recognized as a symbol of love and affection. 'A Shropshire Lad' rose, with its gentle blooms, suggests a tender, romantic love.
- Beauty: This rose variety, like many others, represents beauty due to its pleasing visual appeal and delicate structure.
- Honor: The name 'A Shropshire Lad' carries a sense of nobility and might be associated with the honor of the English countryside referenced in A. E. Housman's poetry.
- Devotion: The longevity and faithful blooming of roses symbolize devotion in relationships and personal pursuits.
- Femininity: Roses often symbolize femininity and elegance, capturing the essence of grace and charm.
- Passion: The rose's association with deep affection also extends to passion, making it a common token of intense emotional desires.
- Secrets: The complex arrangement of rose petals can denote mysteries or secrets, tying into historical uses of roses in confessions or clandestine messages.
- Balance: 'A Shropshire Lad' rose, with its well-formed petals and harmonious color, can represent balance and symmetry in life.
WaterShrub Roses like 'Ausled', commonly known as "A Shropshire Lad," should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage robust root growth. Provide approximately 1-2 gallons of water per week, although this can vary with climate and soil conditions; in hot, dry weather, watering may need to be more frequent. It's best to water early in the day directly at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. During the winter or cooler months, reduce watering as the plant's water needs decrease. Always ensure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
LightA Shropshire Lad Shrub Rose requires full sun to thrive, meaning it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for this rose would be in an open area, away from large trees or structures that could cast shade, ideally in a south or west-facing position. Ample sunlight is essential for the health of the rose, good flower production, and disease prevention.
TemperatureShrub Roses like 'Ausled' prefer moderate temperatures and can survive in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. The ideal temperature range for A Shropshire Lad is between 65°F and 75°F, but it can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F once established. It can also withstand high summer temperatures but may require additional watering during these periods. Ensuring proper mulching will help regulate soil temperature and protect the roots in both extreme cold and heat.
PruningPruning A Shropshire Lad Shrub Rose is important to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and remove dead or diseased wood. Prune in late winter or early spring, after the last frost but before new growth starts. Prune about one-third of the oldest canes to the ground to promote vigorous growth, and shorten the remaining canes to shape the bush. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done throughout the blooming season to encourage further blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Shrub Rose prefers well-drained loamy soil, enriched with organic matter. A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal. Mix in compost and aged manure for best results.
RepottingShrub Roses like 'Ausled' rarely require repotting as they are usually planted directly in the ground. They can remain in the same spot for many years.
Humidity & MistingShrub Roses adapt to average outdoor humidity levels. They do not have specific humidity requirements other than usual outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good air circulation, and room to grow.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot with rich, well-draining soil and ample space.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycle'Shropshire Lad' rose begins its life cycle when the dormant bare-root plant or potted specimen is planted in well-drained soil in a sunny location. The plant then enters a vegetative stage where it develops a strong root system and shoots that soon produce compound leaves. Following the establishment of foliage, the rose bush enters the blooming stage, typically in late spring to early summer, where it produces clusters of fragrant, peach-pink flowers. These flowers are succeeded by the formation of hips (seed-bearing fruits) if not deadheaded. In autumn, the plant prepares for dormancy by slowing its growth and might shed leaves in response to cooler temperatures. Each year, the rose bush re-emerges from dormancy in spring to resume growth and flowering in a perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Rosa 'A Shropshire Lad', commonly known as the English Rose, is best propagated through softwood cuttings. This process is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still somewhat tender but has begun to mature. The ideal cutting for propagation should be about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, taken from a healthy, disease-free branch. It's crucial to make a clean cut just below a leaf node and remove the bottom leaves, leaving a few at the top. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can enhance the chances of successful rooting. Then the cutting is inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of potting soil and perlite, ensuring good drainage, and the environment is kept humid by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. The cutting needs consistent moisture and should be kept out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which can take a few weeks to a few months.
