Hansa Rose Rosa 'Hansa' (Ru)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Hansa', commonly known as the Hansa rose, is admired for its richly colored blooms and lush foliage. The flowers of the Hansa rose are vibrant, with a deep purple-red hue that can almost appear velvety in texture. The blossoms are notably large and double-flowered, meaning they have many layered petals, creating a very full and rounded appearance. Blooms typically showcase a classic old-fashioned rose form with a nodding or cupped shape, often clustering together to create a dramatic visual impact. The petals themselves may display slight variations in color, with the intense tones sometimes giving way to lighter shades around the edges or at the base, lending a two-toned effect to the flowers. As the blossoms mature, their color can lighten, and they tend to release a heavy, sweet fragrance that is characteristic of the Hansa rose, filling the air around them. The foliage of the Hansa rose is also noteworthy – leaves are a rich green color, providing a striking contrast to the deep purples and reds of the flowers. The leaves are typically glossy, which adds a shimmering effect to the overall look of the plant on sunny days. Additionally, like many roses, the Hansa is equipped with thorns along its stems, which can range in size and are usually firm and sharp. As the seasons change, so too does the Hansa rose. In the cooler months, the plant will show fewer flowers, and eventually, the leaves may drop as it enters a period of dormancy. However, with the return of warmer weather, the Hansa rose bursts back to life with renewed vigor, ready to display its sumptuous blooms once more. Overall, the Hansa rose is treasured for its striking appearance, combining the romantic allure of traditional roses with the robustness and vibrancy that make it a favorable choice for many garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Hansa Rose, Rugosa Rose, Hansa Rugosa Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Hansa' (Ru)
ToxicityTo humans
The Hansa rose is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects from ingesting any part of the Hansa rose plant. However, it's generally not advisable to eat ornamental plants.
To pets
The Hansa rose is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not associated with poisoning in animals if they ingest parts of the plant. However, the thorns on rose bushes can cause physical injury if pets try to chew on the branches.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Hansa Rose is known for its large, showy, purplish-pink flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Fragrance: This rose variety is highly fragrant, providing a pleasant scent in the garden or when used in cut flower arrangements.
- Disease Resistance: Rosa 'Hansa' has good resistance to common rose diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Cold Hardy: It is well-suited for cooler climates, as it is capable of withstanding harsh winter conditions.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, which can help support local ecosystems.
- Long Blooming: It has a long blooming period, often from late spring to frost, providing long-lasting color in the landscape.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Hansa Rose is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional pruning.
- Versatility: This plant is versatile in landscape use, suitable for borders, hedges, or as a standout specimen plant.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: The petals of 'Hansa' roses may have anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe skin irritations.
- Antioxidant: Rose hips from the 'Hansa' plant are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which could contribute to immune system health.
- Astringent: The tannins in rose petals may provide astringent properties, which can help tone the skin and reduce redness.
- Vitamin C source: Rose hips of the 'Hansa' are known to be a good source of vitamin C, which is important for collagen production and skin health.
- Antibacterial: Some components in roses have been found to exhibit antibacterial properties beneficial for skin health.
- Mood enhancement: The fragrance of the 'Hansa' rose is often used in aromatherapy to help improve mood and reduce stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Dye: The petals of the Hansa rose can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering hues ranging from soft pinks to deep reds.
- Floral Arrangements: Beyond the garden, Hansa roses can be cut and used in floral arrangements, retaining their shape and fragrance indoors.
- Bath Additives: Petals from the Hansa rose can be added to bathwater for a luxurious and aromatic bath experience.
- Perfumery: The strong fragrance of the Hansa rose makes it a candidate for homemade perfumes or scented oils.
- Scented Bookmarks: Dried petals of the rose can be placed within the pages of a book to act as a natural bookmark and provide a pleasant scent.
- Decoration: Dried Hansa rose petals can be used for decorating purposes, such as in potpourri mixes or to adorn place settings at a table.
- Culinary Garnish: The rose petals can be used as an elegant edible garnish on desserts, adding a touch of color and a hint of floral flavor.
- Crafting: The petals can be incorporated into paper making for creating textured and visually appealing handmade papers.
- Wedding Confetti: Biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than traditional confetti, dried Hansa rose petals can be used for throwing over the newlyweds.
- Scent Sachets: Dried petals can be packed in small cloth sachets to create natural air fresheners for drawers and closets.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rugosa rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rugosa rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a rose, the Hansa rose is traditionally associated with love and deep affection. It often symbolizes romantic emotions and the beauty of the heart.
- Beauty: Roses are universally recognized for their beauty. Hansa roses, with their lush and vibrant blooms, embody this meaning, representing both physical allure and inner grace.
- Passion: The intense color of the Hansa rose's petals can signify passion and strong, fervent feelings, marking it as a flower of deep-seated emotion.
- Mystery: The Hansa rose, with its rich, velvety petals, may hold a symbolism of mystery, likely due to its complex fragrance and intricate flower structure, alluding to hidden depths and secrets.
- Devotion: As with many roses, the Hansa rose can symbolize devotion, conveying a heartfelt commitment and loyalty often found in close relationships.
WaterThe Rugosa Rose should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, increase watering frequency to every 4 to 5 days, especially in the absence of rainfall or during periods of drought. It's best to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow the foliage to dry out during the day, which helps prevent disease. In the winter months, watering can be reduced, but ensure the soil doesn't completely dry out, especially for newly planted roses that are establishing roots.
LightRugosa Roses require full sun, which means they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant them in a location that provides ample morning light to help dry dew from the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. These roses are adaptable but truly thrive when they receive plenty of sunshine.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Rugosa Roses is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, although they're quite hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive hot summers too, but it's important to ensure they get enough water during periods of extreme heat to prevent stress.
PruningPrune Rugosa Roses in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased wood and to shape the plant. Pruning can also be done after the first flowering to encourage another bloom cycle. Generally, these roses do not require heavy pruning, but removing spent flowers and thinning out dense growth can improve air circulation and the overall health of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHansa Rose plants thrive in well-draining loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of one-third garden soil, one-third compost or well-rotted manure, and one-third sharp sand or fine gravel is ideal. Mulching helps retain moisture and maintain soil health.
RepottingHansa Roses, being shrubby plants, are typically not repotted as they are planted directly in the ground. They do not require frequent transplanting but may need to be moved every couple of decades if soil conditions deteriorate or the plant outgrows its space.
Humidity & MistingHansa Roses prefer average outdoor humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions when planted outdoors in the garden. They are adaptable to the typical humidity found in most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, ample airflow, and room to grow. Not ideal indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny, well-drained area; mulch; water deeply.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Hansa Rose begins its life when a seed germinates, ideally in well-drained soil with adequate sunlight. Upon sprouting, the seedling grows through a vegetative stage where it develops a root system, stems, and leaves. As it matures, the Hansa Rose enters the budding phase, characterized by the formation of buds that will develop into its distinctive fragrant, deep pink to purple flowers. Following pollination, typically by insects, these flowers eventually give way to fruit, known as rose hips, which contain seeds for the next generation. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during colder months, reducing metabolic activities to survive through winter. In spring, the Hansa Rose recommences its growth cycle, sprouting new shoots and leaves, leading back to the budding and flowering stages, thus completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The Rosa 'Hansa', commonly known as the Rugosa Rose, can be propagated through a method known as hardwood cuttings, which is quite popular for its simplicity and effectiveness. This process is ideally done during late autumn or early winter when the plant is dormant. Gardeners take cuttings from mature stems that are the thickness of a pencil, usually about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in length, making sure each cutting has several nodes. The bottom cut is made just below a node, and the top cut is made above a node to increase the chances of successful rooting. The cuttings are then planted in prepared soil with the bottom two-thirds of the cutting buried and the top one-third above the soil. The soil should be kept moist but not too wet to encourage root growth while avoiding rot. With this method, roots typically develop over the winter months, and by spring, the cuttings can start to grow as new Rugosa Rose plants.
