Moyes Rose Rosa 'Geranium' (moyesii hybrid)
ABOUT
The 'Geranium' rose is a striking plant known for its vibrant floral display and distinctive foliage. The flowers of this rose boast a deep crimson hue, often with a velvety texture that draws the eye. Each bloom typically consists of a simple yet elegant arrangement of petals, which can create a captivating, almost cup-shaped appearance. When in full bloom, the 'Geranium' rose presents a generous flush of color that is particularly vivid against the backdrop of its foliage. The leaves of the 'Geranium' rose are equally noteworthy, with a lush green color and a slightly glossy finish. They offer a robust and healthy backdrop for the brilliant crimson flowers, creating a striking contrast that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any garden. The structure of the bush is robust and well-branched, giving it a hearty and full appearance that supports the mass of flowers it produces. In late summer and autumn, the 'Geranium' rose continues to interest gardeners and onlookers with its display of ornamental hips. These hips can be a bright red or orange color, adding yet another layer of visual interest to the plant. Even without its blooms, the rose retains a sense of vitality and interest through these colorful fruits and its sturdy, attractive foliage. Overall, the 'Geranium' rose is celebrated for its vivid blooms, strong framework, and the striking contrast between its deep red flowers and the verdant foliage, making it a favorite among rose enthusiasts and a beautiful specimen in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Moyes Rose, Geranium Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Geranium'
ToxicityTo humans
Roses, like the variety Rosa 'Geranium', are not considered toxic to humans. They generally pose no serious threat if ingested in small quantities. However, it is important to note that rose hips, the fruit of roses, can cause gastrointestinal irritation if consumed in large amounts due to their vitamin C content and the hairy seeds inside that can irritate the lining of the digestive tract. Additionally, the thorns can be a physical hazard and may cause infection if skin is punctured, but this is not related to toxicity.
To pets
Roses, including the Rosa 'Geranium', are not toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting roses may lead to minor gastrointestinal upset due to the indigestible nature of the plant material, but they do not contain substances known to cause serious poisoning in pets. It is important to be cautious of the thorns which can cause physical injury but are not a concern for toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Rosa 'Geranium' provides nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects, playing a role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant's vibrant and colorful blooms add beauty to gardens and landscapes, enhancing visual enjoyment.
- Wildlife Habitat: It can serve as a habitat for various species, offering shelter and food resources to birds and small mammals.
- Durable Landscaping: Rosa 'Geranium' is known for its hardiness and can be used in diverse landscape designs due to its resistance to many diseases and pests.
- Erosion Control: The plant's extensive root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly on slopes and in garden areas.
- Cultural Significance: Roses are often associated with symbolisms such as love and passion, making them a popular choice for public and private gardens.
- Variety in Design: The plant can be incorporated into various garden designs, from traditional rose gardens to modern landscapes, and can also be utilized as a hedge or screen.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant activity: The rose hips (fruit) of the plant contain vitamin C and other antioxidants, which may help in reducing oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Rose hip extracts have been known to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.
- Skin health: Preparations from rose petals or rose oil may be used in skin care for their potential soothing and astringent properties.
- Vitamin C source: Rose hips from Rosa species are one of the richest plant sources of vitamin C, which is important for immune system function.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Garnish: The rose petals of Rosa 'Geranium' can be candied or used fresh as an elegant garnish on desserts and cakes.
- Floral Water: Petals can be steeped in water to create a floral-scented water for use in culinary recipes or as a refreshing facial mist.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The deep color of the petals can be used to naturally dye fabrics or paper to create a soft pink hue.
- Botanical Art: Pressed or dried petals of Rosa 'Geranium' can be used in botanical art or crafts such as creating bookmarks, cards, or framed art.
- Sachets & Potpourri: Dried petals and buds can be included in sachets or potpourri mixes for a natural fragrance in drawers and closets.
- Rose Petal Jam: The petals can be used to make a fragrant and flavorful rose petal jam, a unique spread for toasts and pastries.
- Bath Soak: Petals can be added to a warm bath for a luxurious and aromatic soaking experience.
- Natural Confetti: Dried or fresh petals can serve as biodegradable confetti for weddings or celebrations.
- Flower Syrup: A sweet syrup infused with the flavor of Rosa 'Geranium' petals can be used to sweeten teas, lemonades, or cocktails.
- Book Preservation: Historically, rose petals were sometimes tucked into books to keep the pages smelling fresh and to deter insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The rose is universally symbolic of love and passion. With its deep red petals, the 'Geranium' rose is often associated with deep emotions and affection.
- Beauty: A rose is a symbol for beauty, and the 'Geranium' rose, with its striking appearance, is no exception, representing an admiration for beauty in all its forms.
- Honor: In historical contexts, the rose has been given to honor people who have achieved great things or shown great courage and respect.
- Devotion: Roses are often seen as representation of strong and faithful devotion between partners, particularly in long-lasting relationships.
- Mystery: The deep red color of the 'Geranium' rose can indicate an air of mystery or enigma, often associated with the unknown depth of feelings.
- Balance: In some cultural contexts, the rose represents balance due to its symmetrically placed petals that portray harmony and equilibrium.
WaterFor the Moyes Rose, which is the common name for the Rosa 'Geranium' (moyesii hybrid), thorough watering is key. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moistened to a depth of at least 18 inches. In hot and dry conditions, increase watering to twice a week. Each watering session should involve approximately 1 to 2 gallons of water, depending on soil type and weather conditions. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant to target the roots directly.
LightThe Moyes Rose thrives in full sunlight. It is best to plant it in a location where it will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun each day. Adequate sunlight is essential for robust growth and bloom production. Partial shade is tolerated, but flowering may be reduced.
TemperatureThe Moyes Rose does best in a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This rose can typically withstand winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected if temperatures dip below this. During the summer, the plant can handle temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit without distress, but it should be watered more frequently during extreme heat.
PruningPruning the Moyes Rose is essential to maintain plant health and encourage blooming. In late winter or early spring, before new growth starts, remove dead or diseased wood and thin out crowded areas. Cut back the remaining canes by about one-third to one-half, aiming to shape the bush and open up its center to sunlight and air circulation. Prune again lightly after the main bloom period to encourage additional flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Moyes Rose (Rosa 'Geranium') thrives best in well-draining loamy soil with organic matter such as compost or aged manure. A pH range from 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat moss or compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite will create an optimal growing medium for this rose.
RepottingMoyes Rose generally doesn't require frequent repotting and is often planted directly in the garden. If grown in a container, repotting may be needed every 2 to 4 years, ensuring that the container provides ample room for root growth.
Humidity & MistingMoyes Rose is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and will grow well in the average outdoor environment. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, but specific humidity levels are not critical to its health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, ample water, and good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun, water deeply.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleRosa 'Geranium', also known as Geranium Rose, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in spring, given appropriate conditions of moisture and temperature. As a seedling, it develops roots and shoots that push through the soil surface, unfolding into leaves and establishing a small plant. Vegetative growth continues as the Geranium Rose develops a woody stem and branches, leading to the mature shrub form. It reaches reproductive maturity within a few years, producing distinctive, bright red single flowers in late spring to early summer which are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, flowers develop into colorful, bottle-shaped hips (fruits) by autumn, which contain seeds for the next generation. This deciduous shrub then enters a period of dormancy in winter, dropping its leaves until the next growth cycle begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa 'Geranium', a hybrid of Rosa moyesii known for its attractive blooms and hips, is often propagated by hardwood cuttings, a process best undertaken in late autumn or early winter. To propagate by this method, one would select a healthy, mature stem from the current or previous year's growth and cut a segment about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in length, ensuring it has at least a couple of nodes. The bottom of the cutting should be cut just below a node, and the top just above one, making a straight cut on the bottom and an angled cut on the top to differentiate the two and encourage water runoff. To enhance rooting, the cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a prepared bed or pot with well-draining soil. The cuttings should be planted deep enough to hold them upright, with only the top one or two buds above the soil surface, and kept moist until roots have developed enough to allow the new plant to be transplanted to its permanent location.
