English Rose Rosa Chawton Cottage = 'Harxcel'
ABOUT
Rosa Chawton Cottage, known as 'Harxcel', is a visually enchanting rose variety that showcases a delightful display of blossoms. The roses are notable for their graceful form, often featuring classically shaped flowers that can be full and rounded or slightly cupped. The petals unfold in a soft and romantic manner, exuding an air of traditional rose charm. The color of the blooms is a captivating feature, with shades that can range from soft pastel hues to more vibrant tones, depending on the particular cultivar. Each blossom is meticulously formed with layers of petals, sometimes with a frilled or ruffled edge that adds to their intricate beauty. The roses emit a rich and inviting fragrance, which can be described as sweet and heady, contributing to the overall sensory experience of the plant. The foliage of Rosa Chawton Cottage contrasts with the flowers, typically lush and abundant, providing a verdant backdrop for the stunning blooms. The leaves can vary from deep, glossy green to lighter shades of green, with a robust and healthy appearance that complements the roses well. These plants may display a spreading habit, with stems that gracefully arch and bear the weight of the flowers. The presence of thorns along the stems is a reminder of the plant's resilience and adds a touch of wildness to its cultivated beauty. Overall, Rosa Chawton Cottage presents a breathtaking display with its exquisite blooms and aromatic presence, evoking the charm and romance associated with classic rose gardens. Its appearance is a testament to the timeless beauty of roses, earning it admiration and a beloved place in many gardens.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Chawton Cottage Rose, Austen Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Harxcel'.
- Toxicity
To humans
The Rosa Chawton Cottage, commonly known as the rose, is not typically considered toxic to humans. Roses are generally recognized as safe, and there are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from ingesting rose parts. Roses have been used historically in culinary and medicinal contexts without reports of significant toxicity. However, some people may experience mild stomach upset if they consume rose petals, leaves, or hips in large quantities.
To pets
The rose is generally considered non-toxic to pets. While ingesting roses might cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, they are not known to contain substances that are highly toxic to animals. Eating the thorny stems might cause more physical injury than poisoning, as the thorns can cause pain and possible puncture injuries in the mouth or throat. Otherwise, the rose does not pose a serious threat of toxicity to pets.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: The Chawton Cottage Rose adds visual interest to gardens with its pink blooms and classic rose form.
- Fragrance: It emits a pleasant scent which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, supporting biodiversity.
- Landscape Versatility: This rose can be used in various garden designs, including borders, rose gardens, and as a specimen plant.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a long flowering season, usually from late spring to fall, providing extended garden color.
- Cut Flowers: Blooms can be used for bouquets and arrangements, adding beauty indoors.
- 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
- Culinary Garnishes: The petals of the rose can be used to add a splash of color to salads or desserts for an elegant touch.
- Natural Fabric Dye: Rose petals can be boiled to create a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a gentle, pastel color to textiles.
- Flavoring for Beverages: Dried rose petals can infuse water or teas with a delicate flavor and aroma.
- Bath Additive: Rose petals can be added to bathwater for a luxurious, fragrant soak that's visually appealing.
- Homemade Potpourri: Dried roses provide a fragrant component for homemade potpourri mixes, adding both scent and color.
- Aromatherapy: The scent of roses is used in aromatherapy for relaxation and to uplift mood, often in the form of essential oils.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried rose petals serve as an environmentally friendly option for celebratory confetti at events like weddings.
- Natural Air Freshener: A bowl of dried rose petals can subtly perfume a room without the use of artificial scents or chemicals.
- Artistic Decorations: Pressed roses can be used for decorative purposes in arts and crafts, such as in scrapbooking or card making.
- Bookmarks: Dried, flattened roses make for unique and ornate bookmarks, holding a reader’s place while providing a pleasant scent.
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: Roses are universally recognized as symbols of deep affection and romance. The Rosa Chawton Cottage, with its beautiful blooms, represents timeless love and passion.
- Beauty: The aesthetic appeal of roses makes them symbols of beauty and perfection, reflecting the exquisite nature of the Rosa Chawton Cottage's flowers.
- Honor: Roses, especially those named after places or people like the Rosa Chawton Cottage, often signify honor and reverence for traditions or individuals.
- Devotion: Given as a gift or cultivated with care, the Rosa Chawton Cottage exemplifies deep devotion and commitment.
- Mystery or Secrecy: Traditionally, roses have been symbols of mystery and the keepers of secrets. A rose like the Rosa Chawton Cottage could be emblematic of an untold or private matter.
- New Beginnings: The blossoming of roses signifies new beginnings and hope, so the Rosa Chawton Cottage might represent the start of something fresh and inspiring.
- Water
The English Rose 'Chawton Cottage' requires consistent watering, especially during its first few growing seasons to establish a deep, extensive root system. Water the plant thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. During particularly dry periods, you may need to water every two to three days. Generally, applying about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week should be sufficient, but be careful not to overwater as roses do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Adjust your watering to ensure the soil is moist but well-drained.
- Light
The English Rose 'Chawton Cottage' thrives best in full sunlight, needing at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be in an open area not overshadowed by taller plants or structures. Ensure that the planting location doesn't receive only afternoon sun, as the intense heat can stress the plant.
- Temperature
The English Rose 'Chawton Cottage' prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, though it can tolerate a range from just above freezing to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing the rose to extreme cold or heat, as temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit can cause damage, and consistent temperatures above 90 degrees may hinder bloom production and cause heat stress.
- Pruning
Pruning the English Rose 'Chawton Cottage' is important to promote healthy growth, remove dead or diseased wood, and shape the plant. It's best to prune early in the spring when new buds begin to swell but before they have opened. Aim to prune at least once a year, cutting back the plant by about one-third to maintain its size and encourage robust new growth. Remove any spindly or broken stems, and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Roses prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good mix for Rosa 'Chawton Cottage' would include two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part compost or well-rotted manure.
- Repotting
Roses planted in the ground do not require repotting; however, if Rosa 'Chawton Cottage' is grown in a container, repotting every 2 to 3 years is beneficial to refresh the soil and support growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Roses such as Rosa 'Chawton Cottage' thrive best in moderate humidity conditions; they do not require particularly high humidity levels, and average outdoor humidity is typically sufficient.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light, consistent watering, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, rich soil, water deeply, ensure proper drainage.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Rosa 'Chawton Cottage' begins with the germination of the seeds, which occurs when environmental conditions are favourable with adequate warmth and moisture. Following germination, the seedlings emerge and establish themselves with the development of roots, shoots, and leaves during the vegetative growth stage. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, during which buds form and open into the characteristic blooms of the rose, usually showcasing color and fragrance, and attracting pollinators. After pollination, if successful, the flowers develop into fruits known as rose hips, which contain seeds for the next generation. Once the rose hips mature, they can be dispersed by various means, like animals or wind, enabling the seeds to spread and potentially germinate in a new location. As a perennial, 'Chawton Cottage' will go through this cycle annually, with periods of dormancy typically occurring during colder months.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa Chawton Cottage, or 'Harxcel', is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. This popular method involves taking cuttings from the rose bush in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still flexible but has started to harden (semi-hardwood). Cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long and include several leaf nodes. The cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting is kept under high humidity, either in a greenhouse or under a plastic cover, until roots have established, which can take several weeks. During this time, it is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once rooted, the new rose plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before planting out into the garden.