Rose Rosa City of London = 'Harukfore' (F)

Water

For the rose 'City of London', it is best to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During active growth in the spring and summer, water the plant deeply once a week, which may amount to about 1-1.5 gallons per plant, depending on weather conditions. In hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on rainfall and soil moisture levels. Always check the soil before watering; it should be moist at about 1 inch below the surface.

Light

The rose 'City of London' thrives in full sun conditions, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for the plant is an area with clear exposure to the sun from morning to mid-afternoon. Avoid locations where buildings or trees might cast significant shade on the rose bushes, as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering and weak growth.

Temperature

Roses, including the 'City of London', prefer temperatures ranging between 65°F and 75°F for optimal growth. They can survive minimum temperatures as low as 20°F when established and well-mulched, though new growth can be damaged by frosts. Maximum temperatures should ideally not exceed 90°F for extended periods, as the intense heat can stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning the rose 'City of London' is important to maintain plant health, shape, and to enhance blooming. Prune early in the spring after the last frost when buds start to swell, removing any dead or diseased wood, thinning out crowded areas, and shaping the plant. Pruning may also be required after the first bloom cycle in summer to encourage a second bloom in the fall.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Rosa 'City of London' should have good drainage, fertility, and slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). A mix could consist of equal parts loam, peat moss or well-rotted compost, and sharp sand or perlite to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. Regular soil tests can help maintain the desired pH level and nutrient balance.

Repotting

Roses typically do not require frequent repotting if planted outdoors, where they can thrive for years without being moved. Rosa 'City of London' should only be repotted if it outgrows its current container or if the soil becomes exhausted. This is typically every 2 to 5 years for container-grown roses.

Humidity & Misting

Rosa 'City of London' prefers a moderate humidity level that mimics its natural outdoor environment. The ideal range would be between 40-60% relative humidity. Outdoor plants generally receive the necessary humidity from the surrounding environment, so additional measures aren't usually required.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, in fertile, well-draining soil with space to grow.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA.

Life cycle

The Rosa 'City of London' or 'Harukfore' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, entering the seedling stage where the first shoots and root system develop. As it progresses into the vegetative stage, the plant grows leaves and stems, photosynthesizing to gain the energy required for further growth. During the flowering stage, the rose bush produces buds that eventually bloom into the characteristic flowers roses are known for. After pollination, often facilitated by insects, the flowers produce fruits known as hips, which contain seeds for the next generation. The plant then enters a period of dormancy, typically during colder months, where growth slows down significantly or stops temporarily. Finally, with the return of favorable conditions, the rose bush resumes growth, completing the cycle with renewed vegetative and flowering stages.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• The Rosa 'City of London' or 'Harukfore' (F), commonly referred to as a type of rose, is typically propagated through the method of softwood cuttings. This process is best carried out in late spring or early summer when the roses are actively growing, and the new stems are just beginning to harden but are not yet fully mature. To propagate by this method, one would take a cutting of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) from a healthy, disease-free plant, making a clean cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often treated with a rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite, and kept in a humid environment until roots form, which could take several weeks. This method is popular due to its simplicity and high success rate amongst rose cultivators.