English Rose Rosa Francine Austin = 'Ausram' (S/gc)
ABOUT
The Rosa Francine Austin, often referred to as just 'Francine Austin', is a visually captivating rose that epitomizes the charm and elegance of this type of bloom. The flowers of Francine Austin are notable for their distinctly cupped shape, which gently unfurls as they open. Each bloom boasts a densely packed collection of petals, which create a full and lush appearance. The color of the Francine Austin is particularly striking, often displaying a soft pink hue that can vary in intensity. The petals may feature a warmer, more creamy pink at the edges that deepens to a richer pink at the center, giving the flowers a multi-dimensional and vibrant look. As the Francine Austin rose bush grows, it may become adorned with clusters of these gorgeous flowers, which can create a bountiful and romantic display. While each flower itself is a singular work of art, in clusters, they deliver an even more impactful visual experience, transforming the bush into a centerpiece of any garden. The leaves of the Francine Austin rose are typically lush and dark green, providing a perfect backdrop that highlights the beauty of the blooms. The foliage may have a matte finish and acts as an excellent contrast to the bright, often glistening petals. Overall, the Francine Austin rose is a stunning plant, with its delightful cupped flowers, varying shades of pink, and verdant foliage contributing to its overall allure and making it a treasured addition to any rose lover's collection.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Francine Austin Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'Ausram'.
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant commonly known as the English Rose is not considered toxic to humans. However, ingesting any part of the plant, especially in large quantities, could cause discomfort or an upset stomach due to the plant matter that is not meant for human digestion. It's important to note that while English Roses themselves are not toxic, the use of pesticides or other chemicals on the plant may be harmful if ingested.
To pets
The English Rose is not toxic to pets. However, similar to humans, ingestion of the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea due to the ingestion of non-digestible plant material. If your pet consumes a part of an English Rose, monitor for any signs of distress and contact your veterinarian if symptoms arise, especially if a significant amount has been ingested or if there is a known sensitivity to plants.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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: Rosa 'Francine Austin' produces beautiful, cupped rosettes with a soft yellow color, making it a highly attractive addition to any garden.
- Fragrance: This rose variety is known for its delightful and strong fruity fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden space.
- Repeated Flowering: Rosa 'Francine Austin' has the ability to bloom multiple times throughout the growing season, providing long-lasting color and interest.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Roses attract bees and other pollinating insects, which are essential for the health of gardens and the pollination of many other plants.
- Landscape Versatility: These roses can be planted in beds, borders, and containers, offering flexibility in landscape design.
- Disease Resistance: 'Francine Austin' is bred for increased resistance to common rose diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Cut Flower Use: With its attractive blooms and pleasant scent, 'Francine Austin' makes an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
- Historical Significance: As part of Austin family roses, 'Francine Austin' comes with a legacy of carefully bred English garden roses with desirable gardening traits.
- Garden Wildlife Support: Roses in general provide habitat and support local wildlife, including beneficial insects and birds.
- Emotional Well-being: The process of tending to a rose garden can offer relaxation and satisfaction, contributing to emotional well-being.
- 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
- Edible petals: The petals of the rose can be used in cooking, for instance, to make rose water, syrups, or to add a floral touch to dishes and desserts.
- Floral arrangements: The 'Ausram' roses with their vibrant colors and full blooms are ideal for creating stunning floral displays and bouquets.
- Natural dye: The petals can be used to produce a natural dye for fabric, with hues ranging from soft pinks to rich purples depending on the mordant used.
- Perfumery: The scent of roses is highly valued in the production of perfumes and scented products, and 'Ausram' may contribute its fragrance to such formulations.
- Companion planting: Roses can be planted alongside other garden crops to attract beneficial insects and possibly deter pests through intercropping.
- Crafts: Dried rose petals and buds can be used in crafting, such as in homemade potpourri mixtures or in papermaking.
- Wedding confetti: The biodegradable petals serve as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional confetti at weddings and celebrations.
- Religious ceremonies: In many cultures, roses have symbolic importance and are used in rituals and ceremonies.
- Botanical illustration: The rose's aesthetic appeal makes it a popular subject for botanical art and illustration.
- Culinary garnish: Fresh or crystallized rose petals can be used as an elegant garnish for cakes and desserts, adding both beauty and a hint of flavor.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The rose is not traditionally used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: As a rose, the 'Ausram' is widely recognized as a symbol of love and deep affection. Roses have been associated with love for centuries and are often used to express romantic feelings.
- Beauty: Roses are admired for their beauty and form, making them a representation of physical and inner beauty.
- Honor: A rose like 'Ausram' can also symbolize honor and reverence, often used to convey respect.
- Devotion: The rose is a testament to strong devotion and loyalty, especially in romantic contexts.
- Secrets and Mystery: With its complex layers, a rose can represent secrets being kept or the unfolding of mysteries.
- Balance: The symmetry of the rose reflects balance, suggesting harmony and equilibrium in life.
- New Beginnings: A rosebud, in particular, symbolizes new starts and hope for the future.
- Water
The David Austin Rose 'Francine Austin' should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, increase the frequency to twice a week if there is no rainfall. Each watering should provide around 1 to 2 gallons of water depending on the size of the bush and soil conditions. During periods of extreme heat, additional watering may be necessary to maintain proper soil moisture. In winter, reduce watering to only when the soil is dry to the touch, as the plant requires less water during dormancy.
- Light
The David Austin Rose 'Francine Austin' thrives in full sun, which means it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for the plant would be an area that receives morning sun and is protected from the intense afternoon heat if possible. The plant can handle some light shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can result in fewer blooms and an increased risk of diseases.
- Temperature
The David Austin Rose 'Francine Austin' prefers a temperature range between 65°F and 75°F for optimal growth. It can survive winter temperatures down to around 20°F but should be protected from hard freezes and extreme summer heat above 100°F. The ideal temperature promotes healthy foliage and vibrant blooms.
- Pruning
Pruning the David Austin Rose 'Francine Austin' promotes vigorous growth, shapes the plant, and encourages more blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring when new growth begins but after the threat of frost has passed. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems and thin out any congested areas to improve air circulation. Cuts should be made at a 45-degree angle 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud. Annual pruning ensures the health and beauty of the rose.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The ideal soil mix for the English Rose should be rich in organic matter with good drainage. A blend of equal parts loam, sand, and peat or compost is beneficial. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Repotting
English Roses planted in the ground don't require repotting. For those grown in containers, repotting every 2 to 3 years or when root-bound is advisable, typically in late winter or early spring.
- Humidity & Misting
English Roses thrive in moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to various conditions. It is not humidity-sensitive like some tropical plants, so average outdoor humidity should suffice.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with full sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
The English Rose is suitable for USDA zones 5-10.
- Life cycle
The life of Rosa 'Ausram', also known as Francine Austin, begins with seed germination, where the seed requires well-drained soil, warmth, and moisture to sprout roots and shoots. The next stage is the seedling phase, where the young plant develops its first true leaves and continues to establish a root system. As it matures into the vegetative stage, the plant experiences significant growth of foliage and stems, building a sturdy framework for future blooms. During the flowering stage, Rosa 'Ausram' produces lush, fragrant blooms that are often reblooming, adorning the plant in various flushes throughout the growing season. Following pollination, which may be done by insects, birds, or human intervention, the plant may produce hips (fruits containing seeds) that can be harvested for propagation or left to disperse naturally. Finally, the plant enters a dormancy phase during colder months, conserving energy to restart the cycle in the next growing season.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to early summer
Rosa Francine Austin, commonly known as a type of English Rose, is commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This method, popular for its simplicity and effectiveness, typically involves cutting a piece of the rose's stem that has recently matured. Cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches long and taken from the current year's growth. The best time to take softwood cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The bottom end of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to stimulate root growth and then planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least two sets of leaf nodes are submerged. Cuttings need to be kept moist and are usually covered with a plastic bag or placed in a greenhouse to maintain high humidity until roots have developed, which usually takes about four to eight weeks.