Boule de Neige Rose Rosa 'Boule de Neige' (Bb)
ABOUT
The Rosa 'Boule de Neige', commonly known as the 'Ball of Snow' rose, is a classically elegant shrub with a romantic flair. This particular rose variety is renowned for its beautiful blooms which are reminiscent of bygone eras. The flowers are lush and fully double, exuding an old-fashioned charm. Each bloom possesses a pure white hue, often with hints of ivory or cream, especially at the center as the petals start to unfurl. The roses are generously sized and packed with numerous velvety petals that create a rounded, globe-like shape, which gives the plant its distinctive name 'Ball of Snow'. As the roses mature, they may exhibit a slight openness at their heart, revealing a lovely, intricate petal structure. The foliage of the 'Ball of Snow' rose provides an attractive backdrop to its stunning flowers. The leaves are glossy green, contributing a vibrant contrast that highlights the purity of the white blossoms. The plant proudly displays its elegant flowers atop sturdy stems which are dotted with thorns as is typical for rose bushes. The 'Ball of Snow' rose is also appreciated for its repeat flowering habit, gracing gardens with multiple flushes of blooms throughout the growing season. Moreover, this rose is known for its delightful fragrance. The scent can be described as a light yet noticeable perfume, which adds an additional layer of sensory appeal to the plant. The aromatic quality of the blossoms makes them a popular choice for cutting gardens, as they bring both visual beauty and a pleasant aroma to indoor arrangements. Overall, the 'Ball of Snow' rose is a captivating plant that would surely stand out in any garden with its pristine white flowers and graceful presence.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Boule de Neige Rose, Ball of Snow Rose, Snowball Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'Boule de Neige'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Rose is generally recognized as non-toxic to humans. Most rose species and their cultivars, including Rosa 'Boule de Neige', pose minimal risk if ingested. Roses do not typically cause serious poisoning in humans, and there are no significant symptoms associated with ingesting parts of these plants. However, it's important to note that roses have thorns that could cause physical injury if handled improperly, and plant parts might cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.
To pets
The plant commonly known as Rose is generally considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Rosa 'Boule de Neige' does not contain substances known to be poisonous to pets. Just as with humans, ingesting rose petals or leaves might result in mild gastrointestinal upset but is unlikely to cause serious health issues. However, caution is advised to prevent pets from injury by the plant’s thorns.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Rosa 'Boule de Neige', also known as the Bourbon rose, is prized for its beautiful, lush white blooms that add classic elegance to any garden.
- Historical Significance: Being a variety of Bourbon rose, it carries historical value, marking an important group of roses dating back to the 19th century.
- Fragrance: This rose is known for its delightful and strong fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience of any garden or landscape setting.
- Pollinator Attraction: Roses are known to attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Versatility: Rosa 'Boule de Neige' can be used in various landscaping designs, including formal gardens, mixed borders, and as specimen plants.
- Emotional Wellbeing: The presence of flowering plants like Bourbon roses can contribute to emotional wellbeing, enhancing mood and providing relaxation through their beauty.
- Seasonal Interest: With a generally long blooming season, this rose can provide extended periods of interest in the garden, from late spring to fall.
- Cultural Symbolism: Roses often symbolize love and appreciation, making the Bourbon rose a meaningful gift or a symbolic addition to a garden.
- Habitat Enrichment: Planting a variety of flowering plants like Rosa 'Boule de Neige' can enrich the habitat for local flora and fauna.
- Soil Erosion Control: The root system of rose bushes can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain settings.
- Educational Opportunities: Roses like the Bourbon rose offer opportunities for education about plant care, horticultural practices, and historical varieties.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rosa 'Boule de Neige', or the Snowball Rose, petals can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a soft pink hue to textiles when used in the dyeing process.
- The strong fragrance of the Snowball Rose can be captured in potpourri blends, providing a long-lasting natural rose scent to freshen up rooms.
- These roses can be used in floral waters for cosmetic use, imparting the scent of roses to homemade toners and sprays.
- Snowball Rose petals can be crystallized with sugar and used to decorate desserts and cakes as an edible garnish with a touch of elegance.
- Petals from the Snowball Rose can be included in homemade paper, giving it texture and a unique floral appearance for crafts or special stationery.
- The rose hips produced by the Snowball Rose, when dried, can serve as a natural bead alternative for making eco-friendly jewelry.
- When Snowball Rose petals are infused in oils, they can create natural rose-scented candles or aromatherapy oils for diffusers.
- The soft petals of the Snowball Rose can be used to stuff scent pillows, offering a gentle, soothing aroma to promote relaxation and sleep.
- Rosewater made from the Snowball Rose can be used as a natural rinse in hair care to add fragrance and promote shine.
- The plant's hips, leaves, and petals can be combined in compost to contribute to a nutrient-rich, organic garden mulch.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rose is often used in Feng Shui to attract love and create a positive and soothing environment. White roses, like 'Boule de Neige', can be used to promote purity and innocence or to bring calm and peaceful energy into a space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rose is not specifically associated with Zodiac sign compatibility and therefore, "The Rose is not used in astrology practice".
Plant Symbolism- Purity and Innocence: The name 'Boule de Neige' translates to 'Snowball' in French, suggesting a symbolism of purity and innocence associated with the white, snow-like blooms of this rose.
- Renewal and New Beginnings: White roses often symbolize new beginnings and the renewal that comes with them, reflective of the clean, unblemished appearance of the flower.
- Reverence and Honor: Giving a Boule de Neige rose can be a sign of reverence and honor towards someone, indicative of the high esteem in which white roses are generally held.
- Spirituality and Higher Thoughts: The color white has spiritual connotations, often connected with higher thoughts and otherworldly realms, which is apt for this rose.
- Sympathy and Remembrance: White roses like Boule de Neige are frequently used in arrangements meant to express sympathy or to serve as a token of remembrance for a loved one who has passed away.
WaterThe Boule de Neige rose should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. The amount of water typically needed is 1 to 2 gallons for each plant, depending on the weather and soil conditions. The best method is to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During periods of extreme heat or drought, additional water may be needed to keep the soil moist.
LightThe Boule de Neige rose thrives best in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot is an area that offers bright morning light with some protection from the intense afternoon sun, particularly in hotter climates. Good light is crucial for healthy growth and flower production.
TemperatureThe Boule de Neige rose prefers a temperate range, thriving in temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal conditions include a climate that offers cool nights and warm days.
PruningThe Boule de Neige rose should be pruned to shape the plant, encourage new growth, and remove dead or diseased wood. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Aim to prune about a third of the oldest canes each year to rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Boule de Neige rose thrives in well-draining loamy soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or aged manure. The best soil mix would consist of equal parts garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage. This rose prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, typically between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingBoule de Neige roses are generally not repotted as they are outdoor plants. However, if grown in containers, repotting may be needed every 2 to 3 years during the dormant period to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingBoule de Neige roses, like most roses, prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to a range of conditions. They do well in average garden environments, where the humidity typically ranges from 40% to 60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure ample light, well-drained soil, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, amend soil, prune annually, monitor pests.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleRosa 'Boule de Neige', commonly known as the Boule de Neige Rose, begins its life cycle as a dormant bare-root plant or potted specimen. Once planted in well-draining soil with adequate sunlight, it enters a growth stage where leaves, stems, and roots develop. This perennial shrub then enters a blooming phase, typically in late spring to early summer, producing lush, double white flowers resembling snowballs. After pollination, usually involving insects like bees, the plant may produce rose hips, which contain seeds. As the growing season ends, the rose enters a period of dormancy in colder climates, conserving energy for the next cycle. With proper care, pruning, and winter protection where needed, the Boule de Neige Rose can live and continuously cycle through these stages for many years.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagating the Rosa 'Boule de Neige', commonly known as the Boule de Neige Rose, is through softwood cuttings. This process usually begins in late spring or early summer when the stems are new and still flexible. Cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches long and have several leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root development. Then, the cutting is planted in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite. The pot needs to be kept in a warm environment with high humidity and indirect sunlight. It can take several weeks for the cutting to root adequately enough to be transplanted. Once rooting is established, the new plant can be transferred to its permanent location in the garden.
