Bonica Rose Rosa Bonica = 'Meidomonac' (GC)
ABOUT
The Rosa Bonica, commonly known as the Bonica rose, boasts an appealing and opulent appearance. This charming rose plant is adorned with clusters of delicate blooms. Each flower displays a lovely soft pink hue, exuding a classic and romantic vibe. The blossoms are semi-double, meaning they have multiple layers of petals that are not as fully packed as a fully double rose. These rounded flowers are medium-sized and generally present a harmonious blend of symmetry and fullness, making them attractive to both casual observers and rose enthusiasts alike. The Bonica rose is known for its repeat-flowering characteristic, flowering profusely and providing a continuous display of its enchanting blossoms throughout the blooming season. The plant itself has a bushy growth habit, with a dense spread of dark green, glossy foliage that serves as a lush backdrop for the pink flowers. This backdrop of leaves is not only visually pleasing but also helps to highlight the pink blooms, enhancing their visual impact in the garden. The foliage is also quite healthy, which contributes to the overall robustness of the plant. Overall, the Bonica rose is a delightful and aesthetically pleasing plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden space with its charming blooms and lush foliage.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Bonica Rose, Bonica 82, Demon, Bonica Meidiland
Common names
Rosa 'Meidomonac'
- Toxicity
To humans
The Bonica Rose is not considered toxic to humans. Generally, members of the Rosa genus are not poisonous and are sometimes even used in culinary applications, such as rose hips for tea or rose petals in salads. However, it is always advisable to eat only those plants that are known to be safe and when you are certain about their identity. Despite the lack of toxicity, if a person were to ingest a large amount of any plant not typically consumed, it could potentially lead to digestive discomfort or an allergic reaction.
To pets
The Bonica Rose is not known to be toxic to pets. Roses, in general, are considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. However, the thorns on rose bushes can cause physical injury if a pet tries to chew on or swallow them. Therefore, while the plant itself is not poisonous, caution should be taken to prevent potential injuries from thorns. If a pet ingests part of a rose plant and exhibits signs of distress or abnormal behavior, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic appeal: Rosa Bonica, commonly known as Bonica rose, adds visual beauty to gardens with its plentiful pink blossoms.
- Low maintenance: This rose variety is known for being hardy and requiring less upkeep than many other roses, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Pest and disease resistance: Bonica roses are bred to be resistant to common rose diseases and pests, resulting in healthier plants with less need for chemical treatments.
- Long blooming period: The Bonica rose is celebrated for its long flowering season, often providing continuous color from late spring into fall.
- Attracts wildlife: The blooms of the Bonica rose attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Versatility in landscaping: This rose can be used in various landscape designs, including borders, hedges, and as stand-alone features due to its manageable growth habit.
- Improves mood: The presence of flowering plants like the Bonica rose can enhance emotional well-being through their beauty and fragrance.
- Cultural significance: Roses have a rich history and cultural importance, often symbolizing love and beauty, which can add an element of tradition to gardens.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Rosa Bonica petals can be used to make a natural dye for fabrics or art projects, imparting a delicate pink hue.
- The hips of Rosa Bonica, which appear after the flowers have faded, can be used to make herbal teas that have a tangy flavor.
- Petals from the Rosa Bonica can be added to salads or desserts for an elegant touch and a slight floral flavor.
- Rosa Bonica can be planted as a natural barrier or hedge, which can serve as a protective border for gardens due to its thorny stems.
- These roses can be used in potpourri mixes, providing a pleasant fragrance and adding to the visual appeal of the mixture.
- Rosa Bonica's petals can be pressed and used in craft projects, such as making handmade paper or floral bookmarks.
- The flowers can be used for educational purposes in botany classes to teach about the anatomy of a flower and plant reproduction processes.
- Rosa Bonica branches can be used in wreath-making, adding a natural and rustic element to decorations.
- The petals can be used to infuse oils, imparting their fragrance for use in homemade perfumes or scented candles.
- As part of a compost pile, fallen Rosa Bonica leaves and pruned branches can contribute to creating nutrient-rich soil for the garden.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The plant commonly known as the Bonica Rose is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Bonica Rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: As with many roses, the Rosa Bonica represents love. This can range from romantic attachment to deeper bonds and affections.
- Beauty: The rose is often associated with physical and inner beauty, mirroring the elegance of the Rosa Bonica's blooms.
- Perfection: Its well-formed flowers and harmonious growth habit symbolize an ideal or perfection one might strive for.
- Healing: Historically, roses are linked with healing properties, perhaps related to their use in medicinal preparations.
- Enduring Passion: The robustness and prolonged flowering season of Rosa Bonica echo the theme of lasting enthusiasm and passion.
- Femininity: Roses often represent femininity and the soft, delicate nature associated with it, which is embodied in the gentle appearance of this plant.
- Secrets: As a plant with concealed thorns, the Rosa Bonica might symbolize secrets or things that are not immediately apparent.
- Balance: This specific cultivar, with its resistance to disease and hardy nature, can stand for balance and harmony in life.
- New Beginnings: The recurrent blooming cycle of the Rosa Bonica offers a metaphor for new starts and rejuvenation.
- Water
The Bonica rose should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root growth, approximately once a week with 1 to 2 gallons per plant, depending on the climate and soil moisture. During the growing season, in hotter and drier periods, water should be increased to twice a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the winter, reduce watering to every two weeks or less, depending on rainfall. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases, focusing water at the base of the plant.
- Light
Bonica roses thrive in full sun exposure, which means they require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. The best spot for planting a Bonica rose is in a location where it gets morning sun, as this helps dry dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of diseases. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering will be less abundant, and the plant may become leggy as it reaches for the light.
- Temperature
The Bonica rose is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures; it prefers a climate with temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive winter temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may need protection in zones where temperatures drop below this. The ideal temperature range allows for the best growth and flowering conditions.
- Pruning
Prune Bonica roses to maintain their shape, remove dead or damaged wood, and encourage flowering. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or damaged canes and shaping the plant. Pruning should be done annually, cutting back about one-third of the previous yearโs growth to stimulate healthy new shoots.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for the Bonica Rose should be well-draining with organic matter, such as compost and peat moss, blended with loamy soil. The ideal soil pH for Bonica Roses is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
- Repotting
Bonica Roses, being shrub roses, are typically not repotted as they are planted directly in the garden. If grown in containers, repotting every 2 to 3 years is sufficient.
- Humidity & Misting
Bonica Roses prefer average outdoor humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions for healthy growth.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, ample water, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Bonica rose (Rosa 'Bonica' also known as 'Meidomonac' GC) begins with seed germination, where seeds develop in the hip after pollination and require a stratification period to break dormancy. Upon sprouting, the seedling goes through a period of growth, developing a root system and foliage. This is followed by the vegetative stage, where the plant establishes itself, producing stems and leaves actively. The Bonica rose then matures and enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, featuring flushes of pink blooms repeatedly throughout the growing season until fall. After flowering, the rose forms hips (seed pods) if not deadheaded, which mature and can be used for propagation or left to naturally disseminate seeds. Finally, the plant enters dormancy during the winter months, conserving energy and preparing for the next growing season.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa Bonica, more commonly known as Bonica Rose, is commonly propagated through a process called softwood cuttings, especially during late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate through this method, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot that has just started to harden and cut a length of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters). The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. This cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept under high humidity and indirect light until it begins to root, which typically happens within a few weeks. Regular misting can help maintain the necessary humidity.