Gertrude Jekyll Rose Rosa Gertrude Jekyll = 'Ausbord' (PBR) (S)
ABOUT
The Rosa Gertrude Jekyll, also known as 'Ausbord', is a captivating rose variety known for its enchanting beauty and captivating fragrance. It is notably admired for its richly colored blooms that are quintessentially rose in character. The flowers of this plant are a distinct and vibrant pink, emanating a classic, old-fashioned appeal. Each individual bloom is densely packed with petals, featuring a deeply cupped shape that is traditional of many rose varieties. The petals are soft and silky to the touch, exuding a strong and delightful fragrance reminiscent of old rose scents mixed with a hint of fresh lemon. As the plant goes through its flowering cycle, the blooms emerge from beautifully formed buds, gradually unfurling their delicate petals to display their full splendor. The foliage of the rose is equally appealing, consisting of lush green leaves that present a striking backdrop to the vividness of the flowers. These leaves have a slightly glossy texture, which can catch the sunlight and create a subtle sheen, enhancing the overall aesthetic of this rose. With diligent care and ideal growing conditions, the Rosa Gertrude Jekyll maintains a robust and healthy appearance, gracing gardens with its recurring flushes of stunning blooms throughout its blooming seasons.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Gertrude Jekyll Rose, Shrub Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'Ausbord'
- Toxicity
To humans
The common name for Rosa Gertrude Jekyll = 'Ausbord' is simply 'rose'. Generally, roses are not considered poisonous to humans. However, ingesting large quantities of rose petals, leaves, or hips could potentially cause mild stomach upset due to the plant's natural defense mechanisms such as thorns which can cause physical injury if not handled with care, but serious toxicity is unlikely. There are no significant toxic effects associated with roses known to cause poisoning in humans from ingesting any parts of the plant.
To pets
The common name for Rosa Gertrude Jekyll = 'Ausbord' is 'rose'. Roses are not considered poisonous to pets either. Similar to humans, ingesting parts of a rose plant may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, but is unlikely to cause serious toxicity. The major concern with roses and pets are physical injuries from the thorns, rather than poisoning. There are no widespread reports of pets being poisoned by ingesting parts of a rose plant.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: The Rosa 'Gertrude Jekyll' is highly prized for its beautiful double flowers, which add color and visual interest to gardens.
- Fragrance: This variety is known for its strong and pleasing old rose scent, making it a popular choice for perfuming outdoor spaces.
- Versatility: It can be grown as a shrub or trained as a climber, providing flexibility in garden design and landscaping.
- Bee-Friendly: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
- Repeat Flowering: Capable of producing multiple flushes of blooms throughout its growing season, extending its display time.
- Hardiness: It's a robust plant that can handle a range of climates, making it suitable for many different garden settings.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms have long stems and are durable, making them excellent for cutting and using in floral arrangements.
- Historical Charm: This rose cultivar mirrors the quintessential English garden style, offering a sense of tradition and timelessness.
- 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
- Botanical Illustration: The Gertrude Jekyll rose is often depicted in botanical art due to its striking appearance and can be used to teach or demonstrate illustration techniques.
- Photography: Amateurs and professionals alike use this rose variety for its vibrancy and perfect form as a subject for photography, honing their skills and capturing nature's beauty.
- Wedding Decorations: Its intensely pink blooms and strong fragrance make it an attractive choice for natural wedding décor, from centerpieces to bridal bouquets.
- Culinary Garnish: Petals from the Gertrude Jekyll rose can be used as edible decorations on cakes and desserts, adding both color and a light floral essence.
- Perfume Industry: While not unusual, the exceptional fragrance of the Gertrude Jekyll rose is sometimes used as a source for scent in perfumes and scented products.
- Scented Crafts: The dried petals can be used in potpourri or homemade sachets to add a natural, floral fragrance to drawers and wardrobes.
- Educational Resource: This rose can serve as a learning specimen in horticulture courses for students studying plant growth, propagation, and care techniques.
- Tattoo Design Inspiration: The unique color and form of the Gertrude Jekyll rose can be inspirational for tattoo artists and individuals seeking a nature-themed tattoo.
- Fabric Design: The rose's image can be used in the pattern for fabric prints, appearing in fashion, home textiles, and upholstery designs.
- Artisan Soaps and Bath Bombs: The petals or scent of the Gertrude Jekyll rose is sometimes incorporated into handmade bath products, lending a luxurious and natural element.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The rose is used in Feng Shui practice and can enhance the love and marriage area, which is the southwest corner of the garden or home, according to the bagua map. Roses should be healthy and well-cared for to maintain good chi and promote positive relationships.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: As a type of rose, the Gertrude Jekyll rose represents love in its many forms, with its lush, full blooms often symbolizing deep affection and emotion.
- Beauty: This rose variety, with its rich pink petals and quintessential rosy shape, signifies beauty both in a physical and an inner sense, reflecting the harmony of its appearance.
- Perfection: The rose is often associated with an ideal state or perfection, and the 'Ausbord' (Gertrude Jekyll) is no exception, embodying a sense of flawlessness through its classic form.
- Femininity: Named after a famous female horticulturist, the Gertrude Jekyll rose evokes femininity, symbolizing grace, gentleness, and traditional feminine virtues.
- Passion: The warm pink hues of this rose are suggestive of passion, not just in love, but also in life, representing a fervent enthusiasm for one's endeavors.
- Devotion: Since roses are often given to show commitment, the Gertrude Jekyll rose is emblematic of unwavering devotion to a person, cause, or pursuit.
- Nostalgia: The Gertrude Jekyll rose, with its old-fashioned appearance and fragrance, often conjures a sense of nostalgia, hearkening back to the roses of English country gardens.
- Water
The Gertrude Jekyll rose should be watered deeply and thoroughly, ensuring that the water penetrates the root zone. Ideally, this plant should be watered once a week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons per plant during the growing season. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease. It's essential that the soil has good drainage to prevent water-logging, which can cause root rot.
- Light
Gertrude Jekyll roses thrive in locations where they can receive full sun for at least six hours a day. The best spot for this plant would be in an area that is sheltered from strong winds but still gets plenty of direct sunlight. Morning sun is especially beneficial as it helps to dry dew from the leaves, thereby reducing the risk of fungal infections.
- Temperature
Gertrude Jekyll roses perform best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range from the high 30s to the low 90s. To ensure optimal growth and flowering, protect the plant from extreme cold and frost by providing mulch or covering during unexpected cold snaps. These roses are generally hardy but will not survive prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing without adequate protection.
- Pruning
Prune Gertrude Jekyll roses to promote healthy growth, remove dead or diseased wood, and shape the plant. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring, just as new growth appears. Cut back canes by about one-third to one-half of their length, always cutting at a 45-degree angle just above an outward facing bud. Also remove any thin, weak canes, and deadhead spent flowers regularly during the blooming season to encourage repeat blooming.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
For the Rosa 'Gertrude Jekyll', the best soil mix is well-draining, fertile, and enriched with organic matter such as compost or aged manure. The ideal pH level for this rose should be between 6.5 and 7.0, ensuring a slightly acidic to neutral soil environment.
- Repotting
Roses, such as the Rosa 'Gertrude Jekyll', typically are not potted and repotted regularly since they are most often planted directly in the garden soil. If you must repot, do so when the plant is dormant in late winter or early spring every few years if growth is restricted.
- Humidity & Misting
The Rosa 'Gertrude Jekyll' thrives in average outdoor humidity levels; it does not require specific humidity adjustments. However, ensuring good air circulation around the plant can help prevent disease, which is particularly important in humid conditions.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Not ideal for indoor growth; requires ample sunlight.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, and water deeply.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Gertrude Jekyll rose begins its life as a dormant bare-root or potted plant which, once planted in fertile, well-drained soil, starts to develop roots and shoots. During early spring, new growth emerges and the plant enters a vegetative stage of stem and leaf development, preparing for flowering. The flowering stage typically occurs from late spring to early summer, during which the plant produces its distinctive, fragrant pink roses in repeat flushes throughout the growing season if deadheaded regularly. After the peak blooming period, the plant may continue to produce some flowers but with less frequency while energy is directed to growth and possibly seed production if flowers are not deadheaded. As autumn approaches, the plant begins to enter a period of dormancy, where growth slows and the plant prepares to withstand winter conditions. Following winter dormancy, the cycle restarts with new spring growth, continuing the perennial life cycle of the Gertrude Jekyll rose.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Early spring
The Rosa Gertrude Jekyll 'Ausbord' is typically propagated through softwood cuttings during late spring or early summer. The favored method involves selecting a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cutting a piece approximately 6 inches (about 15 cm) long. This cutting should have at least three sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix, with the lower two-thirds of the stem buried. The pot should be kept moist and placed in indirect sunlight until roots have developed, after which it can be transplanted to a more permanent location. This method is popular for its relative simplicity and the high success rate of the cuttings taking root.