Leander Rose Rosa Leander = 'Auslea' (S)
ABOUT
Rosa Leander, known commonly as 'Leander Rose', is a striking plant characterized by its lush foliage and bountiful blooms. The leaves have a deep green hue and a glossy finish, creating a lovely backdrop for the flowers. The blooms of the Leander Rose are quite stunning, noted for their rich, apricot-orange to pink shading. The buds open to reveal loosely cupped flowers that gradually progress to form a large, rosette shape. Each flower displays a collection of numerous, neatly arranged petals, contributing to an overall look of abundant fullness. The petals of this rose are velvety to the touch, which adds to its allure. At the center, one can often observe a lighter tone, with the color deepening towards the outer petals. This gradient adds to the dramatic effect of the bloom. The flowers are known to possess a strong, delightful fragrance, which can envelop the surrounding air and make Leander Rose a popular choice for gardens. During its blooming season, the rose plant is a hub of activity, attracting various pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. As the season progresses, this rose can also produce attractive hips that add another layer of visual interest to the plant. The Leander Rose's display is further complimented by its robust nature and overall resilience, making it not only a beautiful addition to any space but also a reliable and hardy specimen.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Leander Rose, English Leander Rose, David Austin Leander Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'Auslea'
- Toxicity
To humans
The Rosa Leander, commonly known as a type of rose, is generally not considered toxic to humans. Roses are not known to contain any toxins that would cause poisoning if ingested. However, it is not advisable to eat roses due to the potential for pesticides and herbicides on the plants, as well as the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort from swallowing the tough, fibrous plant material. Ingesting large quantities of rose petals or other plant parts may cause stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea due to the physical plant material, but not from inherent toxicity.
To pets
Similar to humans, roses, including the Rosa Leander, are not toxic to pets. Pets that ingest parts of this plant may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, mainly due to the irritation caused by the physical nature of the plant material rather than the presence of toxic compounds. As with all plants, it is important to prevent pets from eating excessive amounts, as thorns can cause mechanical injuries and use of pesticides or herbicides on the plants could potentially be harmful.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Landscaping Aesthetic - Rosa Leander adds a classic and elegant touch to gardens with its large, pink blooms and attractive foliage.
- Wildlife Attraction - The flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Fragrance - It emits a strong and pleasant fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience in a garden setting.
- Cutting Garden Plant - The roses are excellent for cutting and can be used in floral arrangements.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, Rosa Leander shows a good degree of drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Disease Resistance - This cultivar has been bred for increased resistance to common rose diseases such as black spot and rust.
- Long Blooming Period - It provides a long season of blooms, offering color and interest in the garden for an extended period.
- 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
- Artistic inspiration: Artists and photographers often use the stunning blooms of Roses as subject matter for their work, capturing the beauty of the petals and the vivid colors in their paintings and photographs.
- Wedding decorations: Roses, with their classic beauty, are commonly used in bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and decorations to add romance and elegance to wedding ceremonies and receptions.
- Natural dye: The petals of Roses can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of pink to red hues depending on the concentration and mordant used.
- Floral waters and tonics: Rose petals are sometimes distilled to produce floral waters or tonics that can be used in homemade cosmetics or as a facial spritz for a refreshing scent and feeling.
- Culinary garnish: Edible varieties of Roses can be used as an attractive and edible garnish on cakes, desserts, and gourmet dishes, imparting a subtle floral flavor and elegance.
- Perfumery: Rose petals are a key ingredient in many perfumes, providing a classic and sophisticated floral note that is a staple in the industry.
- Aromatherapy: The essential oils derived from Rose petals are used in aromatherapy to create a calming and uplifting environment, believed to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Botanical illustration: Roses are a popular subject for botanical illustrators, who meticulously document the intricate details and form of the plant for scientific and educational purposes.
- Symbolic gift: As a symbol of love and appreciation, Roses are a traditional gift for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, anniversaries, and as a sign of gratitude or sympathy.
- Flower pressing: Rose petals can be pressed and preserved for use in craft projects, such as handmade greeting cards, bookmarks, or framed botanical art.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The rose is associated with love and romance in Feng Shui, and can be used to attract or strengthen these energies in one’s home. Place rose flowers or images in the southwest corner of your home or garden to enhance romantic and love prospects.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: The most common symbolic meaning associated with roses is love. The deep, rich color and the delicate form of the 'Auslea' rose epitomize deep, passionate love and an expression of strong romantic feelings.
- Beauty: Roses are often associated with beauty, both inner and outer. The 'Auslea' rose's aesthetic appeal represents the beauty in the world and the appreciation of it.
- Honor: Presenting a rose like 'Auslea' to someone can symbolize honor and respect. It is a way of recognizing someone's achievements or virtues.
- Devotion: The rose is a symbol of undying love and devotion. Giving an 'Auslea' rose may express a deep and unwavering commitment to a loved one.
- Mystery: The complex structure of a rose, with its layers of petals, can represent mystery and something waiting to be revealed, akin to peeling back the layers to discover what's within.
- Water
The English Rose 'Leander' requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water this rose deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons per plant, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil to encourage deep root growth. During the hottest parts of summer, watering frequency may need to increase to twice per week, especially in very hot or windy climates. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases; instead, apply water directly to the base of the plant. During winter and in periods of heavy rainfall, reduce the amount of supplemental watering.
- Light
English Roses, including 'Leander', thrive in a location where they receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot would be one that gets morning sun, which dries dew quickly and helps prevent diseases. Partial shade in the afternoon can be beneficial in extremely hot climates to prevent scorching, but too much shade can lead to fewer blooms and weak growth.
- Temperature
'Leander' roses prefer a temperate climate and perform best when daytime temperatures are between 65 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a range of temperatures and are hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 10. Minimum winter temperatures should not fall below -20 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent cold damage, and during extreme summer heat, protective measures may be needed to ensure the plant does not suffer heat stress.
- Pruning
Prune 'Leander' roses to maintain their shape, encourage vibrant new growth, and improve air circulation which helps prevent disease. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just as the buds begin to swell. Remove any dead or diseased wood, thin out crowded branches, and cut back the remaining canes by about one-third to one-half. Pruning should be done annually for the health and aesthetics of the plant.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The English Rose, known commonly as Rosa Leander, thrives in well-drained loamy to sandy loam soil enriched with organic matter. A soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0 is ideal for this rose. Mix in compost and aged manure to create the perfect growing environment complemented with adequate drainage material like perlite or coarse sand.
- Repotting
English Roses like Rosa Leander typically don't require frequent repotting since they are outdoor plants. However, if grown in large containers, they may need repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
- Humidity & Misting
English Roses, such as Rosa Leander, prefer outdoor conditions where the humidity is naturally regulated. Although they do not require high humidity levels, maintaining average air moisture without excess ensures healthy growth.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, ample water, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, regular watering, and pruning.
Hardiness zone
5-10 USDA.
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Rosa 'Leander' ('Auslea') (S), commonly known as Leander Rose, begins with seed germination, which occurs when the seeds experience suitable temperature and moisture conditions, often in spring. Following germination, the seedling stage establishes a small rosette of leaves on the ground as the root system develops. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative growth phase where stems elongate, leaves expand, and the root system spreads, eventually forming the characteristic woody structure of the rosebush. The reproductive phase follows, entailing the blooming of fragrant, usually pink or apricot flowers typically from late spring to fall, which are capable of self-pollination or cross-pollination by insects. After pollination, the plant produces rose hips (fruit) containing seeds, leading to seed dispersal, which can propagate new plants if they land in favorable conditions. Finally, in many climates, roses enter a period of dormancy during winter when above-ground growth ceases until conditions are suitable for the next growth cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa 'Leander' is a popular cultivar that can be propagated through a process called softwood cuttings, which is particularly effective for this rose variety. This method usually takes place in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still flexible but slightly mature. A cutting of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) is taken, with the cut made just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the stem is dipped in a rooting hormone before being placed into a pot filled with a mixture of potting soil and perlite to ensure good drainage. The cutting should then be kept moist and in a warm environment out of direct sunlight until roots develop, which may take several weeks. Once the roots establish, the rose can be transplanted to its permanent location. This method is favored by many gardeners due to its simplicity and effectiveness.