Hybrid Tea Rose Rosa First Great Western = 'Oracharpam' (PBR) (HT)
ABOUT
The Rosa First Great Western, known as a variety of the rose plant, showcases a stunning display with its remarkable and eye-catching flowers. The blooms are typically lush and full, characterized by rich layers of petals that create a deeply cupped shape, giving them a luxurious and sumptuous look. The color of the petals is often a vibrant shade that can range from a deep velvety crimson to a more subdued burgundy hue, sometimes with subtle touches of purples or pinks along the petal edges or as the flowers mature. The petals themselves tend to have a velvety texture that catches the light, lending the blooms a gentle sheen and making the color appear even more intense. At the center of each flower, you might find a cluster of prominent stamens, which add another layer of visual interest and attract pollinators. A single rose may boast a generous number of petals, contributing to its opulent appearance. The foliage of the plant is typically lush and green, forming a striking backdrop for the stunning flowers. The leaves are often glossy with a leathery feel, and their shape is usually oblong with serrated edges, which may sometimes turn to hues of golden yellow or bronze in the autumn months. The stems of the rose are classically armed with thorns, which vary in size and frequency along the length of the stem. When in full bloom, the roses exude a fragrance that can be quite powerful and alluring, with many describing it as a classic rose scent with possible undertones of fruits, spices, or even myrrh. The scent serves to not only captivate the senses of garden visitors but also to attract pollinators to the garden. Despite the exclusion of size-related descriptors, it's clear that Rosa First Great Western is a robust and floriferous plant, capable of producing a profusion of blooms that can create a standout visual impact in any garden or landscape setting where it is grown.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Rosa 'Oracharpam', First Great Western Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'Oracharpam'.
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant known as the Hybrid Tea Rose is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting any part of this plant. While the rose hips (the fruit of the rose plant) can be eaten and are often used in teas and jams, it is essential to remove the hairs inside the fruit, which can be irritating if ingested. Accidental ingestion of rose petals, leaves, or stems is not expected to cause significant symptoms. However, thorns on the roses can cause physical injury if handled improperly.
To pets
The Hybrid Tea Rose is typically non-toxic to pets. Dogs and cats that ingest parts of the rose such as petals, leaves, or stems are not likely to experience poisoning. The main concern with pets is the potential physical harm from the thorns, which can lead to injuries if a pet were to chew on or swallow a part of the plant with thorns. If a pet consumes the hairy seeds found inside rose hips, it could cause mild gastrointestinal irritation. However, overall, the Hybrid Tea Rose is not known for being poisonous to pets.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet 10 inches (1.47 meters)
Spread
3 feet 4 inches (1.02 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive Blooms: Rosa 'First Great Western' produces beautiful and large flowers which are aesthetically pleasing in the landscape.
- Repeat Flowering: This variety typically blooms multiple times throughout the growing season, offering long-term visual interest.
- Fragrance: The blooms often exude a delightful scent that can add an olfactory dimension to gardens or bouquets.
- Landscape Versatility: Suitable for mixed borders, garden beds, and can be used as a standalone specimen.
- Disease Resistance: It has been bred for improved resistance to common rose diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Cut Flower Use: The sturdy stems and large blooms make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees and other pollinators, which are beneficial for garden health and biodiversity.
- Year-Round Interest: With proper care, it provides seasonal interest from flowering to the display of hips, as well as attractive foliage.
- Ease of Care: While some maintenance is required, it is generally considered manageable for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Hardy: Capable of withstanding a range of climatic conditions once established, which is suitable for many temperate areas.
- 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
- Rose petals can be used to infuse vinegars, giving them a delicate flavor and aroma suitable for salad dressings and marinades.
- Rosewater distilled from rose petals can be used in cooking, particularly in Middle Eastern recipes for desserts like baklava or rice pudding.
- Dried rose petals can serve as a natural confetti for weddings or romantic celebrations, creating an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic confetti.
- Pressed rose flowers and petals can be used in crafting, such as for making handmade paper, bookmarks, or framed art.
- Rose petals can be infused into oils or melted wax to create homemade candles with a natural floral scent.
- Roses can be used in textile dyeing, providing a range of natural colors from soft pinks to rich browns depending on the mordant used.
- Edible rose petals can be used to decorate cakes and desserts, adding elegance and a touch of edible floral beauty.
- Rose hips, the fruit of the rose plant, can be used to make a tangy, vitamin C-rich herbal tea.
- They can also be woven into necklaces or garlands, dried for decorative potpourri, or used in sachets as a natural moth repellent for wardrobes.
- Fresh or dried rose petals can be added to handmade soaps for their natural color and fragrance, enhancing the sensory experience of bathing.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Roses can be used in Feng Shui to attract love and create a soothing, positive environment. They should be placed in the southwest area of the garden or a room to enhance relationships and romance.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: As a rose, the Rosa First Great Western symbolizes love. It is often considered emblematic of deep emotion, affection, and romantic devotion due to the timeless association of roses with the heart.
- Beauty: Given the universally recognized beauty of roses, this variety also connotes beauty and perfection, echoing the near-perfect form and color of its blooms.
- Honor: Roses have a tradition of symbolizing honor and respect, making them appropriate tributes for recognizing someone's achievements or character.
- Devotion: The long-lasting nature of many rose blooms, including the Rosa First Great Western, can represent enduring devotion and commitment.
- Mystery: The rich, luxurious color of this rose may also signify mystery or intrigue, much like a deeply colored sunset or a profound emotion that's challenging to convey.
- Passion: The intense hue and fragrance of the Rosa First Great Western are emblems of passion, depicting fervent romantic and emotional connections.
- Water
Hybrid Tea Roses like the 'First Great Western' should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Typically, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water is sufficient, but this can vary depending on climate conditions. During hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary, possibly twice a week. It is best to water early in the morning directly at the base of the plant, using a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease. During the winter or in cooler climates, water less frequently, ensuring the soil does not become waterlogged.
- Light
Hybrid Tea Roses, including 'First Great Western,' thrive in areas with full sun, which means they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for these roses would be an open area that's free from shade and shadows cast by larger trees or buildings. It's important to ensure that the plant is not placed in an area where it will be exposed to strong winds which can damage the plant and dry out the soil more quickly.
- Temperature
Hybrid Tea Roses like the 'First Great Western' are best suited to temperate climates and can typically handle a range of temperatures. They can survive minimum winter temperatures of around 20°F but may need protection if temperatures drop lower. The ideal growing temperature range for these roses is between 65°F and 75°F during the day. Temperature fluctuations and extreme heat can stress the plant, so providing some shade during peak afternoon heat may be beneficial in very hot climates.
- Pruning
Pruning Hybrid Tea Roses like the 'First Great Western' is crucial for maintaining plant health and encouraging robust blooms. They should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts; this is usually the best time for major pruning. Remove any dead or diseased wood, and thin out the center of the plant to promote good air circulation. Also, cut back remaining canes by about one third to one half to encourage new growth. It is generally recommended to prune these roses once a year, but light deadheading of spent flowers can be done throughout the blooming season to encourage continued blooming.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Hybrid Tea Rose requires a well-draining soil mix with organic matter such as compost and aged manure. It prefers a loamy soil with a pH around 6.0 to 6.5. Additionally, a soil mix with bone meal can encourage strong root development.
- Repotting
Hybrid Tea Roses, being large and deep-rooted, are usually not repotted regularly. They can remain in the same location for several years unless the soil is depleted or the plant outgrows its space.
- Humidity & Misting
Hybrid Tea Roses thrive best in moderate humidity conditions. They do not require high humidity levels and can suffer from fungal diseases if the humidity is too high.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, occasional pruning, consistent watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, rich soil, space for roots, frequent watering.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Rosa 'First Great Western' (PBR) (HT), commonly known as a type of Hybrid Tea Rose, starts its life cycle as a dormant bare-root plant or potted specimen. After planting, the canes sprout new shoots in spring as temperatures warm, entering a growth phase of developing leaves and stems. Blooms begin to appear in late spring to early summer, showcasing the plant's large, fragrant flowers that continue to blossom through the growing season. As a perennial, the rose will enter a period of dormancy in the fall and winter, where growth ceases and the plant conserves energy. Pruning is typically done in late winter or early spring to promote vigorous new growth and shape the plant for the upcoming bloom season. With proper care, including watering, feeding, and disease prevention, the Hybrid Tea Rose can repeat this cycle for many years, often living for several decades.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa 'First Great Western', commonly known as the 'Oracharpam' hybrid tea rose, is typically propagated through a method called bud grafting or budding during the late summer. In this process, a single bud is taken from the rose variety that is to be propagated and inserted under the bark of the rootstock, which is a rose that has been selected for its strong root system. The bud then grows into a new rose plant that has the characteristics of the 'Oracharpam'. The union is usually wrapped with a special budding tape to hold it in place and protect it while the bud heals and begins to grow, which may take several weeks. As the bud begins to grow and establish itself, it is important to gradually remove the tape to prevent girdling the plant.