Hybrid Tea Rose Rosa Britannia = 'Frycalm' (PBR) (HT)
ABOUT
Rosa Britannia, commonly referred to as rose, is characterized by its striking flowers which are typically large and full, showcasing an exquisite blend of warm pink petals that may transition to a paler pink or cream towards the outer edges. The blooms are known for their classic rose shape, featuring a high-centered bud that gradually opens to a slightly cupped flower form as it matures. The petals are velvety to the touch with a ruffled look that adds to their visual appeal. They may exhibit a subtle fragrance that can vary from plant to plant. The foliage of Rosa Britannia is typically a glossy, deep green color, providing a luscious backdrop that contrasts and accentuates the beauty of the flowers. The leaves may have a leathery texture and are often shaped with a gently serrated edge, adding to the ornamental aspect of the plant. As a rose, the plant bears stems that may carry thorns, which vary in density and size across individual plants. Thorns play a role in the plant's defense mechanism and can be an aspect to consider when handling or pruning. The overall structure of the Rosa Britannia is such that it presents a bushy appearance, with its branches forming a robust framework from which the alluring blooms stand out.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Britannia Rose, Hybrid Tea Rose, Frycalm Rose.
Common names
Rosa Britannia = 'Frycalm' (PBR) (HT)
- Toxicity
To humans
Hybrid Tea Rose is not considered poisonous to humans. However, ingesting large quantities of roses, including the Hybrid Tea Rose, could potentially cause stomach upset or discomfort due to the plant material, which is not intended for consumption. There have been no significant reports of poisoning from this plant in humans.
To pets
Hybrid Tea Rose is generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause serious poisoning if ingested. However, as with any plant, consumption of large amounts could potentially lead to gastrointestinal irritation, including symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, primarily due to the physical nature of the plant material rather than chemical toxicity.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Rosa Britannia, known as Hybrid Tea Rose, offers a traditional rose shape with a beautiful array of petals, making it an attractive feature in any garden.
- Fragrance: The Hybrid Tea Rose is renowned for its delightful and often intense fragrance, adding a pleasant scent to outdoor spaces.
- Variety of Colors: These roses come in a range of colors, allowing gardeners to choose shades that best fit their landscaping themes.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Hybrid Tea Roses attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Cut Flower Use: They make excellent cut flowers, lasting well in vases and creating stunning, fragrant indoor arrangements.
- Long Blooming Season: Hybrid Tea Roses have a longer blooming season compared to some other roses, providing color and interest for an extended period.
- Emotional Wellbeing: The beauty and scent of roses are known to have a positive effect on mood, increasing happiness and reducing stress.
- Landscape Versatility: They can be planted in borders, beds, and containers, making them suitable for various garden designs and sizes.
- Prestige and Heritage: The Hybrid Tea Rose is often associated with classic beauty and gardening prestige, adding a touch of elegance to a garden.
- Cultural Icon: Roses have significant cultural and symbolic meanings, often representing love and beauty in various celebrations and ceremonies.
- 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
- Artistic Dye: Petals of hybrid tea roses like Rosa Britannia can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of colors from soft pinks to deep reds depending on the concentration.
- Flower Arranging: The striking flowers and long stems of Rosa Britannia make them ideal for use in floral arrangements and bridal bouquets.
- Gourmet Cooking: Rose petals and hips can be used in cooking and baking; for example, Rosa Britannia petals can be crystallized for cake decorations or steeped to make rose water.
- Bath Additive: The petals of Rosa Britannia can be mixed into bath salts or bombs for a luxurious bath experience with a natural rose scent.
- Perfumery: The fragrant blooms of Rosa Britannia can be used to make natural perfumes or scented oils.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried petals of Rosa Britannia can be used as a natural and biodegradable alternative to traditional paper confetti at weddings and celebrations.
- Personal Stationery: Pressed Rosa Britannia flowers can be used to decorate personal stationery, adding a touch of elegance to letters and invitations.
- Bookmark Embellishment: The dried petals or pressed flowers of Rosa Britannia can be laminated to create unique and decorative bookmarks.
- Fragrant Drawer Sachets: Dried rose petals can be used to fill sachets to freshen up drawers and closets with the natural fragrance of roses.
- Candle Making: Rosa Britannia’s fragrant petals can be incorporated into homemade candles to add a subtle rose scent and decorative touch.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: As with most roses, the Rosa Britannia commonly symbolizes love and affection, reflecting the traditional association of roses with the heart.
- Beauty: The aesthetic appeal of its blooms conveys a deep sense of beauty, reflecting the admiration we have for the pleasing aspects of nature.
- Honor: In the context of its name Britannia, this rose may also represent honor and national pride, perhaps a nod to the cultural heritage of Britain.
- Patriotism: The name Britannia, a term for the United Kingdom, could suggest a sense of patriotism or loyalty to one’s country.
- Achievement: Often given as awards or in celebrations, roses can symbolize achievement and completion, acknowledging success or mastery.
- Perfection: The rose, being highly esteemed for its form and beauty, often stands as a symbol of perfection or an ideal to strive for.
- Water
Hybrid Tea Roses need regular watering, especially during dry spells. It is best to water them deeply and infrequently rather than giving them a little water often. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant per week, increasing to twice a week during hot or dry weather. Water in the morning at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering to minimize risk of disease.
- Light
Hybrid Tea Roses thrive in areas with full sun, meaning they require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for these roses is in an open area away from trees and large shrubs that can cast shade. Morning sunlight is particularly beneficial as it helps dry the dew from the leaves, reducing the risk of disease.
- Temperature
Hybrid Tea Roses prefer moderate temperatures and do best in regions where the temperature typically ranges between 65°F and 75°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 20°F but require winter protection in colder zones. During the summer, they can withstand temperatures up to 90°F, though prolonged heat can stress the plants.
- Pruning
Pruning is essential for Hybrid Tea Roses to maintain their shape, encourage air circulation, and promote vigorous growth. Prune in early spring after the last frost, removing dead or damaged wood and trimming about one-third of the plant to maintain a bushy, open form. Also remove any weak or twiggy branches to encourage strong new growth. Deadheading throughout the season encourages more blooms.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
For the Hybrid Tea Rose, a soil mix with good drainage is ideal; use a blend of one-third compost, one-third garden soil, and one-third sharp sand. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Hybrid Tea Roses, once established in the garden, do not need regular repotting; however, refresh the mulch and topsoil annually to ensure nutrient-rich conditions.
- Humidity & Misting
Hybrid Tea Roses do best with moderate humidity; ensure good air circulation to prevent disease but avoid overly dry conditions.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light, regular watering, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, enrich soil, water deeply, mulch, and prune.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life of the hybrid tea rose, also known by its cultivar name Rosa 'Britannia' (Frycalm), starts with the germination of seeds, although commercial propagation is typically done by cuttings or grafting for genetic consistency. Once established, the plant enters a vegetative state where it develops a strong root system and produces lush foliage. The next stage is budding, when the rose begins to form buds that will bloom into the characteristic large, fragrant flowers for which hybrid tea roses are renowned. These flowers go through a blooming period, usually from late spring to fall in cycles, depending on the climate and growing conditions. After pollination, which may be facilitated by insects, birds, or human intervention, the plant may produce hips that contain seeds, although many hybrid varieties are sterile and do not set seed. The plant then enters a dormant phase during the colder months, conserving energy to start the cycle anew in the next growing season.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Rosa Britannia, commonly known as a Hybrid Tea rose, generally has its prime propagation time in late winter to early spring, before the plant breaks dormancy, though it can be done during the growing season as well. The most popular method for propagating this variety is through cuttings. A gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a piece about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, making sure it has several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a mix of perlite and peat moss or a well-draining potting mix. The cutting is then kept in a humid environment with indirect light to encourage root development. This method often has a high success rate because it preserves the characteristics of the parent plant, which is especially important for patented varieties like Rosa Britannia that are protected by plant breeders' rights.