Rose Rosa 'Astra Desmond' (Ra)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Astra Desmond' is characterized by its stunning flowers that boast a rich, velvety appearance. The petals are a deep hue, usually in shades that range from red to pink, and they are often tightly packed in a classic rose bloom shape. Each flower typically has multiple layers of petals, which can give them a ruffled or full look. These flowers are adorned with a subtle fragrance that can add an additional layer of sensory delight to the garden. The leaves of Rosa 'Astra Desmond' are glossy and have a deep green color, which creates a beautiful contrast with the vivid flowers. The foliage is comprised of leaflets that are oval-shaped with pointed tips and slightly serrated edges, which is characteristic of rose plants. The stems are often armed with thorns that can vary from small and fine to larger and more pronounced, serving as a natural deterrent to browsing animals. It's worth noting that Rosa 'Astra Desmond' exhibits a growth pattern typical of rose bushes, forming a shrub-like appearance with branching stems that bear flowers at their tips during blooming season. This rose can add a splash of color and elegance to gardens, making it a popular choice for ornamental planting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Astra Desmond Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Astra Desmond' (Ra).
ToxicityTo humans
The rose, specifically Rosa 'Astra Desmond', is not considered toxic to humans. This plant does not typically pose a risk if ingested and isn't known to produce poisoning symptoms.
To pets
Roses, including Rosa 'Astra Desmond', are generally not toxic to pets. They are considered pet-friendly and ingestion of rose petals or leaves does not typically lead to poisoning or serious health effects. However, thorns can cause physical injury if not careful.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
3 feet [0.91 meters]
Spread
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Varies
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Ra or Rose 'Astra Desmond' offers visually attractive blooms that enhance garden beauty.
- Landscaping Versatility: These roses are suitable for a variety of landscaping purposes from borders to focal points.
- Pollinator Friendly: Roses attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Fragrance: The Ra exudes a pleasant scent that can create a fragrance garden or enhance sensory enjoyment.
- Emotional Wellbeing: The sight and smell of roses are known to enhance mood and promote relaxation.
- Cultural Significance: Roses are symbolically important in many cultures, representing love, honor, and devotion.
- Habitat Creation: Roses can provide shelter and food for various small wildlife, including birds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Decorations: The petals of the rose can be crystallized with egg whites and sugar and used as elegant decorations for cakes and desserts.
- Natural Fabric Dye: Rose petals can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a variety of colors from soft pinks to rich purples depending on the process.
- Rose Petal Bath: Dried rose petals can be added to bathwater for a fragrant and relaxing soak, which is often used in spa treatments for its luxurious feel.
- Floral Water: Rosewater, made by steeping the petals in water, can be used as a scented rinse for linens or as a refreshing facial mist.
- Culinary Flavoring: The petals can be used to infuse sugar or butter, adding a subtle rose flavor to baked goods or spreads.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried petals can serve as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper confetti at weddings or celebrations.
- Natural Potpourri: Rose petals can be dried and mixed with spices to create a natural potpourri that freshens the air without chemicals.
- Bookmarks: Laminated single rose petals can be turned into delicate bookmarks that bring a touch of beauty to reading materials.
- Art & Craft Supplies: Pressed rose petals can be used in various craft projects, including card making, scrapbooking, and decoupage.
- Garden Mulch: After roses have lost their bloom, the remaining petals can be scattered around the garden as a mulch to help retain soil moisture and add nutrients as they decompose.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe rose is commonly associated with attracting love and creating a romantic atmosphere in Feng Shui. To harness this energy, place pink roses in the southwest corner of your home or garden, as this is the area related to love and relationships.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As with many roses, the 'Astra Desmond' variety is strongly associated with love, representing deep affection and romantic emotion.
- Beauty: Roses are universally regarded as symbols of beauty and admiration, and the 'Astra Desmond' rose, with its attractive blooms, is no exception.
- Honor: Giving someone this rose can be a way of showing respect and honor, recognizing someone's achievements or character.
- Devotion: The endurance of roses as symbols of love also conveys a message of devotion and loyalty in relationships.
- Mystery: With its unique coloration, the 'Astra Desmond' rose might also represent the mystery or enchantment of love, hinting at depths yet to be discovered.
- Passion: The rose's traditional association with deep emotion also includes passion, making it a symbol for intense, sometimes overwhelming, feelings.
WaterHybrid Tea Roses, such as the 'Astra Desmond', should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage root growth. Depending on weather conditions, watering once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons of water may suffice—ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry spells, water twice a week. Morning watering is advisable to allow foliage to dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. In the cooler months, reduce watering frequency to prevent root rot.
LightHybrid Tea Roses like the 'Astra Desmond' thrive in spots with full sun, receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sun each day. These roses do best with morning light, which dries the dew on the leaves and helps prevent disease. An ideal location would be an open space away from large trees or buildings that could create shade.
TemperatureThe 'Astra Desmond' Hybrid Tea Rose prefers temperate climates with temperatures ranging from about 32°F to no more than 90°F. The ideal growing temperature for this rose variety is between 65°F and 75°F. It is essential to protect the plant from extreme cold, and insulating the base with mulch can help it survive winter temperatures that drop below freezing.
PruningPrune Hybrid Tea Roses like 'Astra Desmond' to maintain their shape, encourage new growth, and remove dead or diseased wood. Do this once a year in early spring, cutting back about one-third of the plant's height and thinning out crowded areas. After flowering, deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering throughout the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe optimal soil mix for growing 'Astra Desmond' rose should be well-draining with rich organic matter, such as a blend of loam, peat, compost, and coarse sand. The pH level should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure healthy growth and flowering.
Repotting'Astra Desmond' roses, typically grown outdoors, don't require repotting. However, if grown in containers, they may need repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and alleviate root bounding.
Humidity & Misting'Astra Desmond' roses prefer moderate humidity and thrive outdoors. They are adaptable to the humidity found in most garden environments without needing special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep well-ventilated.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil and space for air flow.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe Rosa 'Astra Desmond', commonly known as a type of garden rose, starts its lifecycle as a seed or more commonly through vegetative propagation methods such as cuttings or grafting. Once a suitable environment is provided, including rich soil, adequate sunlight, and water, it will enter a germination or rooting phase where the plant begins to develop roots and shoots. As it grows, it enters the vegetative stage, during which foliage develops and the plant grows in size and strength. Following this, the rose bush enters the flowering stage, producing buds that bloom into the characteristic roses, typically in late spring or early summer. After pollination, possibly involving insects like bees, the plant may produce rose hips that contain seeds, thereby facilitating the potential continuation of its life cycle. As a perennial, the Rosa 'Astra Desmond' then goes dormant in the winter before resuming growth in the spring, repeating this cycle for many years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Rosa 'Astra Desmond', commonly known as Astra Desmond rose, is typically propagated through the method of semi-hardwood cuttings. This is a popular technique wherein a mature, yet still somewhat flexible, piece of stem from the current or last season's growth is cut. Ideally, this process is carried out during the late summer months. The cutting, about 6 to 8 inches long, is snipped just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves are removed. The cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. It's important to maintain a humid environment around the cutting, which can be achieved by covering it with a plastic bag or dome to retain moisture. Under the right conditions, the cutting will take root within several weeks, after which it can eventually be transplanted to a more permanent location in the garden.
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