Francis E. Lester Rose Rosa 'Francis E. Lester' (Hm/ra)

Water

The Francis E. Lester Rose should be watered deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root development. During active growth in spring and summer, watering should amount to about 1 gallon per bush every week, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy. Adjustments are necessary during periods of extreme heat or drought, potentially increasing watering to twice a week. In cooler weather or when rain is plentiful, reduce watering accordingly. Always water at the plant's base to keep foliage dry and prevent disease, preferably in the morning to allow any excess water on the plant to evaporate during the day.

Light

The Francis E. Lester Rose thrives in full sun conditions, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to perform best. The ideal spot is an area that receives morning sun, which is less harsh than the afternoon sun, and provides good air circulation to prevent disease. Avoid shady areas as this can lead to poor flowering and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Temperature

The Francis E. Lester Rose is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best when daytime temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive winter temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, protect the roses from extreme cold by offering winter protection if temperatures dip below this range, and ensure they have good air circulation and are not subject to prolonged periods of extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Prune the Francis E. Lester Rose to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage vigorous growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before the plant breaks dormancy. Remove any damaged or crossing branches to allow for good air circulation. Cut back the rose by about one-third of the previous year's growth to promote healthy new shoots and increase blooming potential.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Rosa 'Francis E. Lester', commonly known as the rose, should be rich in organic matter with good drainage. A mix of one-third compost, one-third garden soil, and one-third sharp sand would be ideal. The rose prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 to thrive.

Repotting

Roses like Rosa 'Francis E. Lester' are typically planted in the ground and don't require frequent repotting. However, if grown in containers, they should be repotted every two to three years to replenish nutrients and promote healthy growth.

Humidity & Misting

The Rosa 'Francis E. Lester', or rose, prefers moderate humidity levels. While specific humidity levels are not critical for outdoor roses, avoiding excessive humidity to prevent fungal diseases is advisable.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow in bright, indirect light; water regularly.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot, amend soil with compost.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA.

Life cycle

Rosa 'Francis E. Lester'—commonly known as the 'Francis E. Lester' rose—begins its life cycle with seed germination, where the seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy before they will sprout. Following germination, the seedling grows and establishes itself, developing a root system and foliage. As a perennial plant, it enters a vegetative growth stage, producing stems, leaves, and thorny canes characteristic of rose plants. When mature enough, it progresses to the flowering stage during the warmer months, often with an initial abundant spring bloom followed by intermittent flowering through summer, with pink to white blossoms that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into rose hips (fruit), containing seeds for future generations. Eventually, the plant enters a dormant phase in the winter, reducing its metabolic activity until favorable conditions return in spring, when the cycle can resume with new growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter-early spring

• The Rosa 'Francis E. Lester', also known as the Francis E. Lester rose, is commonly propagated through a method called softwood cuttings. This technique is usually performed during late spring or early summer when new growth is soft and flexible. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would select a healthy, disease-free shoot and cut a piece approximately 6 inches (about 15 centimeters) in length. The cut should be made just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cut end of the stem can then be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development before it is placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting requires a warm and humid environment to root successfully, which often involves placing a plastic cover over the pot to retain moisture. After several weeks, the cutting should begin to establish roots, at which point it can gradually be acclimated to less humid conditions before planting in its final location.