Lightning Strike Rose Rosa Lightning Strike = 'Raw967' (F)

Water

For the Lightning Strike Rose, it's important to maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1-1.5 gallons of water each time to ensure that the water reaches the deep roots. During the hotter seasons or in arid climates, you may need to water twice a week to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. It's best to water in the morning to allow any wet foliage to dry out over the course of the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Always check the soil moisture before watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

Light

The Lightning Strike Rose thrives in full sun, receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant it in a spot where it will be exposed to the morning sun, which is less intense, and can help dry morning dew, reducing the risk of diseases. Avoid locations that are shaded for most of the day, as roses require ample sunlight to produce vibrant blooms and healthy growth.

Temperature

The Lightning Strike Rose does best in temperate climates and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but will go dormant in colder weather. The ideal growing conditions are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the rose from extreme heat over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, possibly providing some afternoon shade in very hot climates to prevent heat stress.

Pruning

Prune the Lightning Strike Rose in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. This promotes healthy growth, removes dead or diseased wood, and helps maintain an attractive shape. Remove any thin, weak canes and cut back the remaining ones by about one-third to one-half. Pruning should be done annually to encourage vibrant blooms and strong foliage. The best time to prune is when the plant is still dormant, and there is no risk of frost damage to new cuts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for a rose, the common name for Rosa Lightning Strike = 'Raw967' (F), includes well-draining loam with organic compost. The ideal pH range for roses is between 6.0 and 7.0. To create a conducive growing environment, mix garden soil, compost, and coarse sand in equal parts to ensure fertility and good drainage.

Repotting

Roses generally do not require frequent repotting. Rosa Lightning Strike = 'Raw967' (F) should be repotted only if it outgrows its container or the soil becomes depleted, which typically occurs every 2 to 3 years. Choose a slightly larger pot each time to accommodate root growth.

Humidity & Misting

Roses do not need very high humidity. The preferred humidity level for Rosa Lightning Strike = 'Raw967' (F), like most roses, is between 40% and 60%. Ensuring adequate air circulation around the plant helps prevent fungal diseases that can thrive in humid conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, proper watering, and occasional fertilizing for indoor roses.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun with well-draining soil and provide regular water.

• Hardiness zone

  4-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Rose Lightning Strike begins with germination, where the 'Raw967' seeds sprout in well-drained soil under favorable conditions of warmth and moisture. During the seedling phase, the plant develops its first true leaves and gradually matures into a young rose bush, where it experiences vegetative growth, forming a sturdy stem and foliage. The vegetative stage is followed by the budding phase, where buds form at the nodes due to hormonal changes influenced by environmental factors. These buds blossom into the distinctive flowers of the Rose Lightning Strike during the flowering phase, showing off streaks of color and exuding fragrance, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruits, or rose hips, which contain seeds for the next generation. The plant then goes through a period of dormancy in colder months before the cycle restarts with the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Rosa Lightning Strike, also known as 'Raw967' (F), is typically propagated through softwood cuttings during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. This method is favored as it allows for a relatively quick production of new plants that are genetic clones of the parent. A suitable softwood cutting is about 4 to 6 inches long, taken from a healthy, non-flowering branch, with the cut made just below a leaf node. The leaves at the lower end are removed, and the base is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining medium like a mix of peat and perlite and kept under high humidity with at least indirect light. With proper care, the cutting will develop roots within a few weeks, after which it can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted to its final location in the garden.