American Pillar Rose Rosa 'American Pillar' (Ra)
ABOUT
The American Pillar rose is a striking plant known for its vibrant display. It is adorned with large, showy clusters of flowers that have a brilliant pink hue with a white center, giving a stunning visual contrast. The blooms are very profuse and cover the plant in abundance, creating a dazzling floral display. The petals are plentiful and overlapping, which adds to the density of each flower, giving it a lush appearance. This rose variety also features a rich green foliage that creates a lush backdrop for the flowers. These leaves are usually glossy, lending an appealing texture to the plant's overall look. The stems are sturdy with a rugged appearance and bear numerous thorns, which is characteristic of rose plants. It's commonly appreciated for its arching growth habit, which means it tends to spread out, giving it a robust and somewhat wild appearance. The American Pillar rose is renowned for its ability to bloom profusely throughout its blooming season, which adds to its allure in gardens and landscapes where a visual impact is desired.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
American Pillar Rose
Common names
Rosa 'American Pillar'
ToxicityTo humans
Roses, including the cultivar known as 'American Pillar', are not generally considered toxic to humans. They do not contain substances known to cause serious harm if ingested. However, the plant’s thorns may cause physical injury if not handled properly, and some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation from contact with the plant's foliage, thorns, or sap. Ingesting large quantities of rose petals or leaves, although not commonly toxic, may cause stomach discomfort or gastrointestinal distress due to natural plant compounds and the fibrous nature of the plant material.
To pets
Roses, which include the 'American Pillar' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of the rose plant may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, primarily due to the indigestible nature of the plant material rather than chemical toxicity. The main concern with roses and pets is the physical danger posed by the thorns, which can cause injury if the pet attempts to chew on the plant or gets entangled in it.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Ra is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are crucial for pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant pink flowers, Ra adds color and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Erosion Control: Ra's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in garden settings.
- Habitat Creation: Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small wildlife.
- Privacy Screening: When planted in rows, Ra can create a natural and attractive privacy screen.
- Aromatic Flowers: The blooms of Ra emit a pleasant fragrance that can enhance the sensory appeal of a garden.
- Low Maintenance: Ra is known for being a hardy plant that requires minimal care once established.
- Provides Shade: When grown as climbers, Ra can offer shade and reduce the heat in certain areas.
- Cultural Significance: Roses, including Ra, have been symbols of love and beauty in many cultures, enriching the cultural value of a garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Creating natural barriers: Rosa 'American Pillar' can be grown as a dense hedge to delineate property boundaries or to provide privacy from neighbors.
- Erosion control: The robust root system of the rose helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Wildlife habitat: This variety of rose can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small wildlife.
- Education and research: It can be used in botanical gardens and educational programs to teach about plant growth or as a subject in horticultural studies.
- Landscape design: Used as an ornamental component in garden design, offering structure and a burst of color.
- Photography and art: The vibrant blooms of the rose make it a popular subject for photographers and artists.
- Crafting: Petals and hips can be used for crafting, such as in potpourri or as natural dyes for fabrics.
- Thematic gardens: Ideal for inclusion in historic or heritage gardens to represent styles from specific eras.
- Support for climbing plants: The sturdy canes can serve as a support structure for lighter, climbing plants or vines.
- Aromatherapy: The rose's fragrance can be captured and used in aromatherapy practices for its soothing qualities.
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: The rose is universally recognized as a symbol of love, with different colors expressing different aspects of love. "American Pillar" roses, with their vibrant blooms, suggest a robust and enthusiastic love.
- Beauty: Roses are often associated with beauty, both physical and inner beauty, due to their exquisite and elegant form.
- Honor: Roses, particularly when given as a gift, can symbolize honor and respect. They're often used in events that celebrate achievement and excellence.
- Devotion: The enduring nature of rose plants, which can continue to bloom for many years, is commonly seen as a sign of devotion or fidelity.
- Passion: The intense and vivid appearance of the "American Pillar" rose can represent deep feelings and passionate emotions.
- Secrecy: Historically, roses have symbolized confidentiality or secrecy, with the term "sub rosa" (under the rose) indicating a conversation meant to be kept secret.
- Spirituality: In some contexts, the rose can represent spiritual attainment, the unfolding of mysteries, or the journey toward inner wisdom.
WaterAmerican Pillar roses require consistent moisture levels, so water them deeply once a week, providing about 1.5 gallons of water per plant. During hot or dry spells, increase watering to twice a week, ensuring you're watering the base of the plant to minimize wetting the foliage and decreasing disease risk. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot and other problems. In winter, reduce watering, but do not allow the plant to completely dry out.
LightAmerican Pillar roses thrive in full sun conditions, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. To promote healthy growth and bloom production, plant them in a spot where they will receive uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day. Morning light is especially beneficial as it helps dry dew from the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
TemperatureAmerican Pillar roses perform best in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F but can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 90°F. They need to be protected from harsh winter winds and frosts, which can damage canes and roots. During extreme heat, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the blooms from fading or wilting too quickly.
PruningAmerican Pillar roses should be pruned to remove dead or diseased wood and to shape the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Thin out overcrowded canes to improve air circulation and light penetration, which promotes healthier growth. Pruning is also necessary to remove spent flowers and encourage reblooming throughout the season. The best time typically falls after the last hard frost and before the plant breaks dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe American Beauty Rose thrives in well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter like compost or aged manure. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 to 6.5 for optimal growth and health.
RepottingThe American Beauty Rose, being a vigorous climber, is typically planted in the ground and does not require repotting. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years in early spring.
Humidity & MistingThe American Beauty Rose prefers outdoor conditions with natural airflow and does not require specific humidity levels, although it does benefit from morning dew and general outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal to grow American Beauty Roses indoors; they need full sun.
Outdoor
Plant American Beauty Rose in full sun, enrich soil, water freely, prune yearly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the 'American Pillar' rose (Ra) starts with seed germination, where the seeds sprout roots and shoots after a period of stratification that mimics the winter season. Following germination, the seedlings grow into young plants, developing a root system and foliage through the vegetative stage. As the plants mature, they enter the budding stage, during which flower buds form and prepare to bloom. The blooming stage is next, showcasing the plant's vibrant, large cascading clusters of flowers in late spring or early summer, which is a key characteristic of this cultivar. After pollination, often by bees and other insects, the plant produces hips, which contain seeds for the next generation. 'American Pillar' roses reach the end of their life cycle when they experience environmental stress or old age, resulting in plant senescence and eventual death, but they can live for many years with proper care and favorable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Rosa 'American Pillar', commonly known as the American Pillar Rose, is through softwood cuttings. This process typically begins in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is mature enough to hold its shape but still flexible. To propagate by cuttings, a 6 to 8 inch (15 to 20 centimeters) section of healthy, non-flowering stem is cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The stem is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture, ensuring at least one leaf node is below the surface. The cutting needs to be kept moist and in a warm spot with indirect light until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually planted in the garden.
