Albertine Rose Rosa 'Albertine' (Ra)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Albertine' is a rambler rose renowned for its vibrant display of blooms. The flowers are large and cup-shaped, presenting a warm, deep pink hue that gently fades to lighter shades at the edges. These roses are richly fragrant, with an aroma that can infuse the air around them. The petals are soft and numerous, with a somewhat ruffled texture that gives the blossoms a lush, romantic appearance. The foliage of the 'Albertine' rose comprises glossy, dark green leaves that create a striking backdrop for the flowers. The leaves can catch the light, enhancing the overall visual impact of the plant. The stems have a scrambling nature and are often covered with thorns, typical of many rose varieties. These thorns help the rose to anchor itself when climbing on supports. Clusters of these sumptuous flowers emerge in abundance, creating a look that’s both opulent and dense. Following the flowering season, the plant may produce small, reddish-orange fruits, known as hips, which can add an extra touch of interest in the late season. The overall appearance of Rosa 'Albertine' is that of a bountiful, enchanting rose that exudes classic charm and is often used to adorn arbors, trellises, and other garden structures.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Albertine Rose, Climbing Rose Albertine.
Common names
Rosa 'Albertine'
ToxicityTo humans
The Albertine rose is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects from ingesting parts of this plant. However, it's always a good idea to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not meant for consumption and can cause unintended reactions or be harmful if treated with pesticides and other chemicals.
To pets
The Albertine rose is also not toxic to pets. Dogs and cats that ingest parts of this plant are not at risk of poisoning. However, the thorns can cause physical injury if a pet tries to chew on the plant, and there is always a potential risk of gastrointestinal upset from ingesting non-food items.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
8 feet (2.4 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ra is known for its vibrant blooms that add a splash of color and aesthetic appeal to any garden.
- It can serve as a natural privacy screen or fence when planted in rows.
- Its dense and bushy growth habit provides habitat for birds and beneficial insects.
- Ra's flowers can be used in bouquets and floral arrangements for their beauty and fragrance.
- The plant can be a source of enjoyment for hobbyist gardeners through planting, pruning, and care.
- As a climbing rose, Ra can be used to cover trellises, arbors, and walls, adding a romantic and traditional look to landscapes.
- It has a strong fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden or outdoor space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rose petals from 'Albertine' can be used to make natural dyes for fabric, with colors ranging from light pinks to deep reds depending on concentration and mordant used.
- The canes of 'Albertine' roses can be woven into artistic shapes or used as natural supports for other climbing plants when trimmed appropriately.
- When dried, the petals of 'Albertine' roses can be incorporated into homemade potpourris, offering a lasting fragrance in home decor.
- The hips (fruit) of the 'Albertine' rose can serve as an ingredient in homemade jams or jellies, giving them a delicate, floral taste.
- Essential oil extracted from the 'Albertine' rose petals can be used in aromatherapy practices for promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
- Dried 'Albertine' rose petals can be used to fill sachets that provide a natural moth repellent for protecting clothes in storage.
- The strong fragrance of 'Albertine' roses makes them ideal for creating floral water or rosewater, often used in cooking or baking to add subtle flavor.
- Crushed 'Albertine' rose petals can be mixed into homemade soaps for both their scent and their gentle exfoliating properties.
- The petals of the 'Albertine' rose can be used to craft handmade paper, adding a decorative and fragrant touch to the finished product.
- Rosehips from the 'Albertine' rose can be used as a natural source of food for birds, especially in the winter when other food sources may be scarce.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Albertine rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Albertine rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a member of the rose family, Rosa 'Albertine' is often associated with deep affection, romantic love, and enduring passion, making it a common gift for lovers.
- Beauty: Roses are universally seen as symbols of beauty both because of their stunning appearance and their fragrant blooms, highlighting the aesthetic appeal of the Albertine rose in particular.
- Honor: Giving someone Rosa 'Albertine' can be an expression of respect and esteem due to the high regard in which roses are generally held.
- Devotion: This plant, like many roses, can represent devotion and loyalty in relationships, signifying a deep commitment between individuals.
- Secrecy: Historically, roses have been used to signify confidentiality; the term sub rosa ("under the rose") indicates a conversation meant to be kept secret, which applies to this rose's symbolic meanings as well.
WaterFor the Albertine Rose, water deeply once a week, providing about 1.5 gallons per plant to ensure moisture reaches deep into the roots. During hot, dry spells, increase watering to twice per week. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent diseases. It's essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. During winter, reduce watering significantly, as the plant requires less moisture during dormancy.
LightAlbertine Roses thrive in full sun with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for the plant would be an area with unobstructed access to sunlight, as this encourages healthy growth and abundant blooms. Partial shade is tolerable but may result in fewer flowers and weaker growth.
TemperatureAlbertine Roses perform best in moderate temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F for short periods, but prolonged exposure to cold can damage the plant. The maximum temperature they can tolerate is around 90°F, especially when sufficient water and mulch are provided to keep the roots cool.
PruningPrune Albertine Roses in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts, removing dead or diseased wood and thinning out crowded areas to promote air circulation. Cut back old canes by about a third of their length to encourage vigorous new growth and shape the plant. Pruning helps maintain the plant's health, encourages blooming, and ensures an attractive form. Avoid pruning during the fall, as this can stimulate new growth that's vulnerable to winter damage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAlbertine roses thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. A mix of loam, compost, and aged manure is ideal, providing nutrients and good drainage, essential for the health of these climbing roses.
RepottingAlbertine roses, being vigorous climbers, are not typically repotted as they are usually planted directly in the ground. Instead, they may require occasional rejuvenation of the soil around their base.
Humidity & MistingAlbertine roses prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable. They do well in average garden humidity without needing special humidity considerations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Albertine roses are not ideal for indoor growth due to size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, fertile soil, ensure good air circulation.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleRosa 'Albertine', commonly known as Albertine Rose, begins its life cycle as a dormant bare-root or potted specimen planted in well-drained soil, ideally in early spring or fall. The plant then enters a vegetative stage, during which it develops a strong root system and foliage through photosynthesis. As it matures, the Albertine Rose produces numerous buds in late spring that bloom into fragrant pink flowers in early summer, attracting pollinators for reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into hips (fruit), containing seeds that have the potential to grow into new plants. Post-blooming, the plant enters a period of senescence in late summer to autumn where energy is conserved, and some foliage may drop. Finally, the Albertine Rose becomes dormant in winter, reducing metabolic activity to survive cold temperatures, completing the cycle and ready to start again in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early summer
The Rosa 'Albertine', commonly known as the Albertine rose, is often propagated through a method called hardwood cuttings, which is typically done during the plant's dormant period in late fall or winter. This technique involves taking a cutting of the rose's stem that is about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long with several nodes. The bottom end of the cutting should ideally be cut at a slant just below a node, and any leaves should be removed. The cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a pot filled with a mix of sand and peat, or directly into the garden soil where it is kept moist until roots develop. It may be necessary to cover the cutting with a cloche or place it in a cold frame for protection during the colder months. This method of propagation is popular for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing new, genetically identical plants to the parent Albertine rose.
