Margaret Merrill Rose Rosa Margaret Merril = 'Harkuly' (F)

Water

For the rose 'Margaret Merril', ensure that the plant receives water equal to about 1 inch per week, which can be approximately 0.62 gallons for a small rose bush. During the growing season, especially in dry periods, it is crucial to water the plant deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Provide supplemental watering if there is less than 1 inch of rainfall in a week. In hot climates or peak summer temperatures, you may need to water twice a week. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent diseases, and avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf problems such as black spot or powdery mildew.

Light

The rose 'Margaret Merril' thrives in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ideally, the plant should be positioned in a spot that receives morning sun and some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates, as intense afternoon sun can stress the plant. Proper sun exposure ensures vigorous growth, abundant blooms, and healthy foliage, so avoid overly shaded areas that can lead to poor flowering and increase susceptibility to diseases.

Temperature

Roses like 'Margaret Merril' prefer temperate conditions with temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can generally tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy in the winter and can survive up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, though prolonged heat can stress the plant. Ensuring good air circulation can help the plant cope with higher temperatures.

Pruning

Pruning the rose 'Margaret Merril' is essential to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and improve air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, cutting back the previous year's growth by about one-third to one-half. Remove dead, diseased, or weak canes at this time, along with any crossing or inward-growing branches. Pruning can also be done after the first wave of flowering to encourage a second bloom cycle in the same season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The ideal soil mix for the Hybrid Tea Rose should be rich in organic matter with good drainage properties. A mixture of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand works well, ensuring nutrients and proper aeration. The pH should range between 6.0 and 7.0.

Repotting

Hybrid Tea Roses, being garden plants, are typically not repotted. Instead, they are planted in the ground where they can spread their roots.

Humidity & Misting

Hybrid Tea Roses thrive best in moderate humidity conditions; however, they are adaptable and can tolerate the range of humidity levels found in most outdoor gardens.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, adequate water, and strong support for indoor Hybrid Tea Roses.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot, water deeply, enrich soil, protect in winter.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Margaret Merril rose ('Harkuly') begins with seed germination, which occurs when the seeds are exposed to suitable moisture and temperature conditions, leading to the development of the seedling. The seedling grows into a young plant with a set of true leaves, progressing to the vegetative stage where the plant develops a robust root system, foliage, and stems. As the rose matures, it enters the flowering stage, characterized by the development of flower buds that bloom into the characteristic fragrant white roses. Following pollination, which may be facilitated by insects like bees, the plant produces fruit known as hips, which contain seeds for the next generation. Eventually, the plant enters a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, to survive adverse weather conditions, only to resume its growth cycle with the return of favorable seasons. Throughout its life, the Margaret Merril rose will continue to grow and produce new stems, leaves, and flowers annually, often requiring pruning to maintain shape and promote healthy growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Rosa 'Margaret Merril', also known as Margaret Merril rose, is most commonly propagated through the method of softwood cuttings. This technique is typically performed in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still flexible but has begun to harden slightly. To propagate by softwood cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy, disease-free shoot and cut a length of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters), making sure to include at least two to three sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the base of the cutting may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, with the remaining leaves just above the soil surface. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be placed in a warm environment with indirect light until roots have formed, which typically takes a few weeks.