Desdemona Rose Rosa Desdemona = 'Auskindling' (PBR) (HM)
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ABOUT
The Rosa Desdemona, often simply referred to as Desdemona, is a rose with a charming and captivating appearance that exudes an old-world charm coupled with modern hardiness. The plant is recognized for its beautifully shaped blooms which have a classic rosette form. The flowers, which emerge with regularity throughout the blooming season, boast a creamy white color with just the faintest blush of peach or pink at the center, creating a delicate and romantic visual display. As you look closer, you'll notice that the petals are arranged in a dense, spiral pattern that typifies many traditional rose varieties. This provides a fullness to each bloom, with the numerous overlapping petals adding depth and volume. There's a softness to the petals, invoking a sense of tender beauty. The roses themselves exude a delightful fragrance that is often described as complex and evocative with hints of a diverse range of scents. The heady perfume may remind one of myrrh, with possible undertones of almond blossom, cucumber, or lemon zest, depending on the individual's sense of smell and the environment in which the rose is grown. Foliage on the Desdemona is a lush matte green that forms a striking backdrop to the radiance of the blooms, allowing the flowers to truly stand out. The leaves are typically broad and healthy, adding to the plant’s overall vigor and robust appearance. The foliage further complements the visual spectacle throughout the seasons, providing a continuous flush of green even when the plant is not in flower. The overall presentation of the Desdemona rose is one of elegance and grace, making it a popular choice for gardens where a touch of classic beauty is desired. Each individual blossom invites you to pause and appreciate its intricate construction and the harmonious blend of color and fragrance that it offers. It's a plant that embodies the romance and enduring allure of roses, promising to be a centerpiece in any setting where aesthetics and sensory pleasure are treasured.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Desdemona Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Auskindling'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the English Rose is generally not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of this plant typically does not lead to serious poisoning. However, some individuals may experience mild stomach upset if they consume parts of the rose plant, though this is not commonly reported or considered a significant health risk. There are no severe symptoms of poisoning associated with the English Rose for humans.
To pets
The plant commonly known as the English Rose is not considered toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of this plant is not likely to result in serious poisoning for pets. While it is possible for pets, such as dogs and cats, to experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest the leaves, petals, or any other part of the rose plant, this is not common and typically not severe. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with the English Rose for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Rosa Desdemona, a type of English Rose, provides abundant, creamy white flowers with a touch of pink at the center, adding beauty and elegance to gardens.
- Fragrance: This variety is known for its strong, classic Old Rose scent with hints of almond blossom, cucumber, and lemon zest, enhancing the sensory experience of a garden.
- Repeat Flowering: It has the ability to bloom multiple times throughout the growing season, offering a continuous display of flowers.
- Disease Resistance: The Rosa Desdemona has been bred to have a higher level of resistance to common rose diseases, such as rust, powdery mildew, and black spot.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects: The blooms can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting the health of the local ecosystem.
- Compact Growth: It is suitable for smaller gardens or for growing in containers due to its bushy and compact growth habit.
- Versatile Landscaping Plant: This rose can be used in mixed borders, rose beds, or as a standalone specimen, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Long-lasting Cut Flowers: The robust and fragrant blooms are excellent for cutting and creating floral arrangements, bringing the garden's beauty indoors.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible petals: Rose petals from Rosa Desdemona can be used in culinary applications, such as infusing sugars or garnishing desserts for an elegant touch.
- Scented crafts: The petals can be dried and incorporated into potpourri, scented sachets, or homemade soaps to imbue them with a natural rose fragrance.
- Floral water: Petals can be steeped in water to create a fragrant rose water, often used in cooking or as a gentle facial toner.
- Artistic inspiration: The lush blooms and unique color can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, contributing to floral-themed artwork.
- Natural dye: The petals can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering a subtle hue for textiles and crafts.
- Rose syrup: The fragrant blooms can be simmered in sugar syrup, creating a floral sweetener for cocktails, teas, or as a drizzle over desserts.
- Garden design: The plant can be used to create 'living fences' or as part of a sensory garden, offering aesthetic appeal and fragrance.
- Educational tool: Roses can be used in educational settings to teach botany and plant biology, illustrating concepts like pollination and plant growth.
- Bio-coloring agents: Natural rose pigments can be explored as bio-coloring agents in sustainable art projects.
- Special events: The roses can be used to create natural confetti or to decorate venues for weddings and other celebrations to add a romantic ambiance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe English Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe English Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Roses are universally symbolic of love and passion. The Desdemona rose, with its beautiful blooms, represents a deep and enduring affection.
- Beauty: Named after a Shakespearean character known for her beauty, the Desdemona rose is symbolic of grace and elegance.
- Secrecy: Historically, roses have been a symbol of confidentiality. The term "sub rosa" (under the rose) indicates a private, secret holding of information.
- Balance: With its perfect form, the rose is often associated with harmony and balance in life.
- New Beginnings: The blooming of a rose signifies fresh starts and hope for the future, making it appropriate for many new ventures.
- Honor: The rose is also a symbol of respect and admiration, which may be why it is often used to honor individuals who are held in high regard.
WaterEnglish Roses like the Rosa Desdemona should be watered deeply and infrequently, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. During the growing season, if there isn't sufficient rain, provide additional water using a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system to ensure the water reaches the root zone rather than wetting the foliage, which can promote disease. Water early in the day to allow any moisture on the leaves to dry. In the hotter months, you may need to water twice a week, and always adjust watering based on rainfall, as overwatering can be as harmful as under-watering.
LightEnglish Roses such as the Rosa Desdemona thrive in full sunlight, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun each day. The best spot for this rose is in a garden area where it gets morning sunlight, which helps dry the dew on the leaves and prevent fungal diseases. Avoid planting in deep shade since insufficient light can lead to poor bloom and weak growth.
TemperatureEnglish Roses, including the Rosa Desdemona, prefer moderate temperatures and can withstand a range in most temperate climates. They can generally survive winter cold down to about 20°F but may require protection in colder climates. The ideal temperature for active growth and flowering falls between 65°F and 75°F. Extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, can impact their blooming and overall health.
PruningPrune the Rosa Desdemona in late winter or early spring, removing dead or broken wood and opening up the center of the plant for better air circulation. Shape the plant by cutting back canes that cross, and prune old woody stems to encourage rejuvenation. Pruning encourages a stronger, healthier plant and should be done annually for the best results.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Rosa Desdemona ('Auskindling') is well-drained garden soil with added compost and aged manure to enrich it. It prefers soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Make sure the soil allows for good drainage to prevent root rot.
RepottingRoses like Rosa Desdemona are typically planted in the ground and do not require repotting. If grown in containers, they should be repotted when they outgrow their current pot, which is usually every 2 to 3 years.
Humidity & MistingRosa Desdemona ('Auskindling') thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. It does not require special humidity considerations beyond the typical outdoor range.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good airflow, and adequate space for growth.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and regular pruning for best results.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleRosa Desdemona, or 'Auskindling', begins its life cycle as a dormant bare-root plant or potted specimen, which germinates when planted in fertile, well-drained soil, with adequate sunlight and moisture. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage, developing roots, shoots, and foliage. After a period of vegetative growth, it transitions to the reproductive stage, producing buds that eventually bloom into fragrant, creamy pink flowers typically from late spring to fall. Once pollinated, possibly by insects, the flowers can develop into rose hips (fruit) containing seeds that can disperse for propagation, although propagation is often achieved through cuttings or grafting in cultivated varieties like this one. As the growing season ends, Rosa Desdemona undergoes a dormant period in colder climates, shedding leaves and conserving energy, before resuming growth in the following spring. Over multiple years, the plant matures and can develop into a robust shrub, requiring regular pruning to maintain health and vigor.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Rosa Desdemona, commonly known as an English Rose, can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings usually in the late summer or by budding in late summer as well. One of the most popular methods is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This involves taking a cutting of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long from a healthy, disease-free shoot that has recently flowered. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed and the cut end should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a mix of equal parts peat and coarse sand. The cutting should then be placed in a well-lit area but not in direct sunlight, kept moist, and covered with a plastic bag to retain humidity until rooted, which typically takes several weeks.
