English Rose Rosa Gentle Hermione = 'Ausrumba' (PBR) (S)
ABOUT
The Rosa 'Gentle Hermione' is a stunning garden shrub with an enchanting aesthetic. This rose, which is a part of the esteemed collection of roses by a famous breeder, is named after a character from literature known for her grace and beauty, traits that this plant encapsulates perfectly. The plant's appearance is characterized by its beautiful blooms, which are a standout feature. The flowers are delicately shaped with a classic, cupped form that many admirers of traditional roses will find appealing. Each bloom is filled with numerous petals, resulting in a full and lush look that adds a romantic touch to any garden setting. The color of the flowers is a soft, pale pink, imbuing them with a gentle and affectionate vibe. This light blush shade can subtly vary, possibly displaying a slightly warmer or cooler tone depending on the light and surrounding conditions. Upon closer examination, one may notice a more intense hue at the center of the bloom, which gracefully fades to a lighter edge. These exquisite flowers exude a strong and delightful fragrance. Their scent is an intricate blend of myrrh with hints of almond blossom, cucumber, and lemon zest, creating a complex and pleasing aroma that can captivate the senses and enrich the garden experience. Foliage on this plant is also quite attractive, forming a nice backdrop for the stunning blooms. The leaves are a dark and glossy green, offering a striking contrast to the soft pink petals. This deep green coloration not only highlights the beauty of the flowers but also contributes to the overall health and vigor of the plant. Overall, the Rosa 'Gentle Hermione' presents a charming and picturesque display with its lovely blooms, delightful fragrance, and lush foliage. It can serve as an elegant addition to mixed borders, rose gardens, or even as a standalone specimen that exudes classic beauty and elegance.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Gentle Hermione Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Ausrumba'
- Toxicity
To humans
Rose (Rosa 'Gentle Hermione') is generally not considered toxic to humans. Roses do not contain compounds known to cause serious poisoning when ingested. However, roses have thorns that can cause physical injury if not handled properly. It is important to be cautious and avoid accidental ingestion of significant quantities, especially by children, but eating rose petals or other parts of the plant typically does not lead to poisoning. Ingesting large amounts may cause stomach discomfort due to the fibrous plant material, but serious consequences are unlikely.
To pets
Rose (Rosa 'Gentle Hermione') is not toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. It is considered non-toxic by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). While it is not expected to cause poisoning if pets ingest parts of a rose plant, there is a risk of physical injury from the thorns. In addition, eating large amounts of the plant may lead to gastrointestinal upset including vomiting or diarrhea due to the indigestible matter, but significant toxicity is not anticipated. Always monitor pets around plants and discourage them from chewing on non-food items.
- 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: Provides beautiful pale pink flowers that add elegance and charm to gardens.
- Fragrance: Offers a pleasant and intense old rose fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden or outdoor area.
- Disease Resistance: Shows good resistance to common rose diseases like rust and black spot, making it a hardy choice for gardeners.
- Attracts Wildlife: Helps support local ecosystems by attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination.
- Repeat Flowering: Capable of providing multiple flowering cycles throughout the growing season for long-lasting visual interest.
- Hardiness: Demonstrates resilience in various climates and can thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.
- Compact Growth: Suitable for smaller gardens or limited spaces due to its compact and bushy growth habit.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established, making it a practical choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Cut Flowers: Produces blooms that are suitable for cutting and using in floral arrangements or bouquets inside the home.
- Heritage Value: As part of David Austin’s English Roses collection, it carries the prestige and horticultural value associated with traditional English garden roses.
- 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 make natural dyes for fabrics and papers, offering a range of colors from soft pinks to rich purples depending on the process used.
- Dried rose petals can be added to homemade potpourris to provide a sweet fragrance that can freshen up living spaces.
- Rosewater, made from the petals of roses, can be used in cooking to flavor pastries, sweets, and certain savory dishes with a floral essence.
- Rose hips, the fruit of the rose plant, can be used to make jams, jellies, and syrups that have a unique, tangy taste.
- Pressed rose flowers and petals can be used in art and craft for decoration and making greeting cards or bookmarks with a floral touch.
- Rose plants can be used in landscape design to create stunning hedges that provide both privacy and a display of beauty.
- The essential oil extracted from roses is a commonly used fragrance component in perfumes, lotions, and bath products.
- In cultural ceremonies, such as weddings or funerals, roses can play a symbolic role and are used in decorations, bouquets, and tributes.
- Rose petals can be used to fill sachets that when placed in drawers or closets give linens and clothing a pleasant smell.
- When used in companion planting, roses can benefit other plants in the garden by attracting beneficial insects and possibly deterring certain pests.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: As is common with roses in general, the Rosa 'Gentle Hermione' often symbolizes love and affection, capturing the essence of beauty and romantic sentiments.
- Elegance and Grace: The delicate appearance and poised growth habit of 'Gentle Hermione' reflect elegance and grace, making the rose a symbol of these refined qualities.
- Charm: The 'Gentle Hermione', with its enchanting and fragrant blooms, is often associated with charm and the enchanting effect it can have on people.
- Femininity: The rose is traditionally connected with feminine beauty and softness, and the 'Gentle Hermione', with its soft pink petals, upholds this association.
- Timelessness: Roses are often seen as timeless symbols of beauty and emotion, and 'Gentle Hermione', with its classic shape and color, supports this symbolism.
- Healing: Roses have been used in various cultures as a symbol of healing and rejuvenation, both emotionally and physically.
- Water
The Gentle Hermione Rose should be watered thoroughly but infrequently, aiming for deep hydration to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil. During the growing season, it's generally recommended to water about once a week, providing roughly 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, depending on weather conditions. If rainfall is sufficient, additional watering may not be necessary. However, during hot, dry spells, water may be needed twice a week. It's best to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and the risk of fungal diseases.
- Light
Gentle Hermione Roses thrive best in full sunlight, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They should be planted in a location where they can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the morning and into the afternoon. Light dappled by the late afternoon can help protect the roses from the intense heat of the day in very hot climates.
- Temperature
The Gentle Hermione Rose is hardy and can generally tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 90°F. However, the ideal growing temperatures for this rose are between 65°F and 75°F. Adequate winter protection may be necessary if temperatures plunge below the minimum threshold.
- Pruning
Pruning the Gentle Hermione Rose is crucial for maintaining plant health and promoting vigorous blooms. Prune in early spring, removing dead or weak stems, and shape the plant by cutting back by about one-third to promote new growth. Deadhead spent blooms throughout the blooming season to encourage more flowers. A more significant pruning should occur in late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Gentle Hermione Rose prefers well-drained loamy soil enriched with organic matter. A balanced pH from 6.0 to 7.0 suits this rose variety best. Ideal soil mix should combine two parts garden soil, one part organic compost, and one part coarse sand or perlite for drainage. Regular fertilization during the growing season is beneficial for optimal plant health and bloom production.
- Repotting
Gentle Hermione Roses are typically grown outdoors and do not require frequent repotting. When grown in containers, they should be repotted once they outgrow their current pot or every two to three years. Use the aforementioned soil mix when repotting to ensure the plant continues to thrive.
- Humidity & Misting
The Gentle Hermione Rose thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. While specific humidity requirements are not stringent for roses, maintaining a humidity range of 40-60% is generally suitable. Avoiding overly dry or extremely high humidity conditions can prevent stress and disease for these plants.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, ample airflow, and consistent watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich soil, water regularly, and provide mulch.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Rosa Gentle Hermione, also known by its cultivar name 'Ausrumba', starts its life cycle when the seeds germinate in early spring, given suitable conditions of soil and temperature. Following germination, the seedlings develop into young plants with a basal set of leaves, and as they mature, they form robust woody stems with thorny protrusions. This perennial shrub progresses through a vegetative state where it produces lush, green foliage and then enters the flowering stage, which typically occurs in late spring to summer, showcasing fragrant, full-petaled pink blooms. After pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, the flowers develop into fruit known as rose hips in late summer or autumn, which contain the seeds for the next generation. During winter or in colder climates, Rosa Gentle Hermione may undergo a period of dormancy where growth slows down significantly. As the cycle repeats each year, the plant can live for several years, growing larger and producing more blooms with each passing season.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Rosa 'Gentle Hermione' is a variety of rose that can be propagated through a process called softwood cuttings, which is best undertaken during late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. For propagation, select a healthy stem that has recently bloomed and cut a piece about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) long. Ensure that the cutting has at least two or three leaves attached but remove any flowers or buds to redirect the plant's energy into root development. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and protect the cuttings from direct sunlight until they establish roots, which typically takes several weeks. Softwood cutting is the most popular and effective method for propagating this rose variety.