Cecile Brunner Rose Rosa 'Cécile Brünner' (Poly)
ABOUT
The Cecile Brunner rose, also affectionately known as the "Sweetheart Rose," is a beloved garden classic with a charming and delicate appearance. This rose variety is celebrated for its exquisitely formed, small flowers, which often grace the plant in abundant clusters. Each bloom showcases a soft, pastel pink hue that can sometimes appear almost blush-like in its delicacy. As its nickname suggests, the blossoms evoke the daintiness of a sweetheart's affection with the petals typically arranged in a tight, spiral formation that slowly unfurls from a pointed bud. The petals have a silky, high-quality texture that feels luxurious to the touch, and their edges may exhibit a slight crimping that adds to the flower's intricate beauty. The foliage of the Cecile Brunner rose is a lush, deep green that creates a striking contrast against the softness of the blooms. The leaves are typically glossy, contributing a vibrant, healthy sheen to the plant's overall aesthetics. When in full bloom, this rose plant can become a visually arresting showcase, its numerous clusters of petite flowers evoking an almost frothy, romantic effect which can be a highlight in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweetheart Rose, Mignonette, Cécile Brunner Climbing Rose, Little Cecile Brunner
Common names
Rosa 'Cécile Brünner' (Poly).
ToxicityTo humans
The Sweetheart Rose is not considered toxic to humans. Generally, roses are not poisonous, and the Sweetheart Rose is no exception. However, thorns on rose plants can cause physical injury if not handled properly.
To pets
The Sweetheart Rose is also not toxic to pets. Roses are considered non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Nonetheless, the thorns could cause injury if pets try to chew on the stems, but ingestion of the petals or leaves does not typically lead to poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Cécile Brünner rose, with its small, delicate pink blooms and lush green foliage, adds a romantic and classic charm to gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Season: This variety is known for its extended blooming period, providing a long-lasting display of flowers from spring into early fall.
- Versatility: It can be trained as a climber, grown as a shrub or potted plant, making it suitable for a variety of garden spaces and styles.
- Low Maintenance: Despite its delicate appearance, the Cécile Brünner rose is relatively easy to care for, requiring only basic pruning and care to thrive.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, making it an ideal plant for regions with water restrictions or xeriscaping needs.
- Pest Resistance: This rose variety shows a good resistance to pests and diseases, meaning fewer chemical interventions are required.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is appealing to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms hold well when cut, making excellent arrangements for indoor enjoyment.
- Historical Significance: Having a timeless quality, this variety, introduced in the late 19th century, provides a historical connection and storytelling element to a garden.
- Emotional Wellbeing: Its beautiful flowers and pleasant scent can contribute to a sense of calm and wellbeing for those who spend time in its presence.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rosa 'Cécile Brünner', commonly known as Sweetheart Rose, can be used in potpourri mixes due to its fragrance; dried petals can add a delicate scent to a room.
- The petals of Sweetheart Rose can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of pink tones depending on the mordant used.
- Sweetheart Rose bushes can serve as natural fencing or living barriers in gardens due to their dense growth habit and thorns.
- The petals of Sweetheart Roses can be pressed and included in handmade paper, adding color and texture to the final product.
- Rose hips produced by the plant, when dried, can be used for decorative purposes in craft projects or as part of floral arrangements.
- Sweetheart Rose can be utilized as a natural source of fragrance in homemade candles or wax melts when the petals are infused in the wax.
- These roses can be incorporated into event decor, such as weddings or parties, for table centerpieces or venue adornments due to their subtle, elegant appearance.
- When grown in a dense pattern, Sweetheart Roses can provide habitat and shelter for small beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
- The canes of Sweetheart Rose bushes can be used in basket-weaving and other crafts for structure due to their length and flexibility when green.
- Flower arranging enthusiasts may use Sweetheart Roses for practicing the art of Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sweetheart Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sweetheart Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The 'Cécile Brünner' rose, often known as the Sweetheart Rose, represents enduring love and romantic feelings, making it a popular choice for expressing affection.
- Beauty: This rose variety is admired for its exquisite, delicate blooms, symbolizing the timeless beauty and elegance often associated with roses.
- Innocence: With its soft pink hues, the Sweetheart Rose often denotes purity and innocence, reminiscent of a gentle and chaste love.
- Charm: The Sweetheart Rose is known for its charming, petite flowers, embodying the allure and enchantment that roses hold in the world of flora.
- Gratitude: A bouquet of Sweetheart Roses can symbolize appreciation and thanks, making them a thoughtful gesture for showing gratitude.
WaterThe Sweetheart Rose requires regular watering to maintain moist but well-drained soil. During the growing season, water these roses deeply once a week with about 1-2 gallons of water per plant, ensuring the roots are well saturated. Increase the frequency to twice a week during hot, dry spells. In the cooler months, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on rainfall and soil moisture. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, and water early in the day to allow foliage to dry out.
LightSweetheart Roses thrive in a location that receives full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot is one that provides morning sun, which helps to dry dew from the leaves and reduces the risk of fungal diseases. These roses can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, but full sun is best for robust growth and optimal flowering.
TemperatureThe Sweetheart Rose prefers a temperate climate and performs best when daytime temperatures average between 70°F and 85°F. It can survive temperature extremes; however, it should be protected from temperatures below 20°F to prevent cold damage. The plant's ideal growing conditions include warm days and cooler nights, which help to encourage vibrant blooms.
PruningPruning the Sweetheart Rose is essential for maintaining plant health, encouraging new growth, and enhancing flower production. Prune in late winter or very early spring, just as the buds begin to swell, removing dead or diseased wood and thinning out the center to improve air circulation. Prune about one-third of the plant, shaping it and cutting back the remaining canes to outward-facing buds to encourage outward growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Sweetheart Rose or 'Cécile Brünner' prefers well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter such as compost. A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal. For potting, a mix of one-third garden soil, one-third compost or well-rotted manure, and one-third sand or perlite ensures good drainage and fertility.
RepottingSweetheart Roses generally do not need frequent repotting and can thrive for years without being moved. However, if they outgrow their container or the soil is exhausted, repotting in spring every 2 to 5 years is advisable.
Humidity & MistingSweetheart Roses do well in average outdoor humidity levels. They are quite adaptable but prefer a range of 40% to 60% humidity, which is common in many outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright spot, water thoroughly; ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny area, enriched well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleRosa 'Cécile Brünner', commonly known as the Sweetheart Rose, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in the soil, although cultivation commonly occurs through vegetative propagation such as cuttings or grafting. Following germination or establishment, the plant enters a vegetative growth phase characterized by the development of a strong root system and foliage. The Sweetheart Rose then progresses to the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, where buds form and bloom into small, delicate pink roses, highly prized for their beauty and fragrance. After pollination, which may be facilitated by insects, the flowers develop into fruit, known as hips, containing seeds for the next generation. In the fall and winter, the plant enters dormancy, conserving energy and resources to survive adverse weather conditions, with leaves often dropping and growth ceasing until favorable conditions return. As spring resumes, the cycle begins anew with fresh buds and the continuous annual growth of this perennial bloom once the conditions are favorable for growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The best time to propagate the Sweetheart Rose, or Rosa 'Cécile Brünner', is during late winter to early spring before the plant breaks dormancy. Among the various methods of propagation, the most popular is stem cuttings. To propagate Sweetheart Roses using stem cuttings, one should cut a section of stem about 6 to 8 inches long from a healthy, disease-free mother plant. This cutting should have at least two to three sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The stem is then planted in a well-draining soil mixture, ensuring that at least one set of leaf nodes is below the soil surface. The soil should be kept moist until the cutting has rooted, which can be checked by gentle tugging to feel for resistance after a few weeks, indicating root growth.
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