Snowdrift Rose Rosa Mountain Snow = 'Aussnow' (Ra)
ABOUT
The Rosa Mountain Snow, commonly known as 'Aussnow', showcases an elegant array of white flowers that exude a sense of purity and tranquility. Each blossom is meticulously crafted with numerous petals that delicately spiral from the center, creating a classic, full rosette form. The flowers lend a romantic appearance, often clustered together to form a striking floral display that stands out against the plant's foliage. The leaves of 'Aussnow' present a lush green backdrop for the pristine blooms. They have a glossy finish that adds to the overall vigor of the plant. These leaves are typically oval-shaped with a pointed tip and may exhibit slightly serrated edges, giving them a textured contour. The plant presents itself with a noticeable bushy habit, branching out gracefully to accommodate the abundance of blooms. The stems that hold the flowers and foliage are robust, sometimes showcasing small, inconspicuous thorns. The thorns serve as a defense mechanism for the plant but do little to detract from its ornamental appeal. Overall, the Rosa Mountain Snow is a breathtaking spectacle when in bloom, charming onlookers with its snowy-white flowers and lush greenery, creating a serene and picturesque addition to any garden or landscape where it is grown.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Mountain Snow Rose, 'Aussnow' Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Aussnow'
- Toxicity
To humans
The Rose is not considered toxic to humans. However, it is important to note that roses have thorns that can cause physical injury if not handled with care. Ingesting large quantities of rose petals, leaves, or hips may cause gastrointestinal upset, but roses are not known for containing any deadly poisons or toxins that would lead to serious consequences for humans.
To pets
The Rose is generally considered non-toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. Much like with humans, ingestion of rose parts may lead to minor gastrointestinal upset due to the fibrous plant material, but roses are not known to contain substances that are highly toxic to pets. However, thorns can cause injury to pets, so it is still advisable to prevent them from chewing on rose plants.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Rosa 'Aussnow', commonly known as Mountain Snow Rose, adds beauty to gardens with its abundant creamy white flowers.
- Pest Resistant: This cultivar is known for being resistant to common rose pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Disease Resistant: Mountain Snow Rose has a good resistance to rose diseases, which means it requires less maintenance and is more reliable in the garden.
- Long Blooming Period: It typically has a longer blooming season, providing garden interest for an extended period.
- Cold Hardy: Mountain Snow Rose is capable of withstanding colder temperatures, which makes it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Versatile Landscaping: Due to its compact and bushy habit, it is suitable for a range of landscaping uses, from borders to flower beds.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Improved Well-being: Studies suggest that the presence of flowers like Rosa 'Aussnow' can improve emotional health through their aesthetic.
- Cut Flower Use: Mountain Snow Rose is ideal for use in cut flower arrangements due to its attractive blossoms and fragrance.
- Adaptable to Different Soils: This rose variety can thrive in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained loam.
- Can Be Grown in Containers: It is suitable for container gardening, which is beneficial for those with limited garden space.
- Cultural Significance: Roses are associated with a variety of meanings and traditions, making Mountain Snow Rose a symbolic addition to any garden.
- 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
- Rosa Mountain Snow petals can be used to naturally color cosmetics or soaps, as they provide a gentle pink hue.
- The dried petals of Rosa Mountain Snow can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures, adding fragrance and a delicate color contrast.
- These roses can be used in the creation of floral waters or rosewater, often utilized in culinary recipes or as a natural skin toner.
- The flowers of Rosa Mountain Snow can be candied to create elegant edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
- Petals from this rose can be used to make natural dyes for fabric, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Rosa Mountain Snow's sturdy stems can provide natural support for other plants in a mixed garden border.
- Fallen petals and leaves from the Rosa Mountain Snow can be composted to enrich garden soil with organic matter.
- The strong fragrance of the Rosa Mountain Snow can be harnessed to create homemade perfumes or scented sachets.
- These roses can be featured in wedding bouquets and arrangements for their symbolism of purity and elegance, fitting the aesthetic of traditional weddings.
- The dense habit of Rosa Mountain Snow can be used as a natural privacy screen or to delineate garden areas.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The plant Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Purity: The 'Aussnow' rose, with its snow-white blossoms, is often associated with purity, reminiscent of a pristine expanse of white snow.
- Innocence: White flowers, in general, symbolize innocence, and the 'Aussnow' rose is no exception, often used in ceremonies that celebrate new beginnings and pure intentions.
- Peace: As white is a color of neutrality and calmness, the 'Aussnow' rose can represent peace and the resolution of conflict, making it a symbol of hope for harmony.
- Sympathy or Remembrance: White roses like 'Aussnow' can also symbolize sympathy or remembrance, making them appropriate for funerals or memorials where we honor and remember lost loved ones.
- New Starts and Hope: Reflecting the unblemished quality of its petals, the 'Aussnow' rose is symbolic of new beginnings and the hope that comes with fresh starts.
- Water
The Mountain Snow Rose needs regular watering to establish a strong root system, especially during the first growing season. Generally, it should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The method of watering should be at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. In terms of the amount, approximately 1 gallon of water per week is adequate for a newly planted rose, but this can vary based on climate and soil conditions. During hot and dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary.
- Light
The Mountain Snow Rose thrives in full sunlight, where it can receive at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. The best spot for planting this rose would be in an open area that is free from shade throughout the day to ensure it has access to ample sunlight, which is crucial for abundant flowering.
- Temperature
The Mountain Snow Rose is adaptable to a range of temperature conditions but prefers a moderate climate. It can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature range for this rose is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimum growth and blooming.
- Pruning
Pruning the Mountain Snow Rose helps to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and improve air circulation through the plant. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged wood and thin out the plant by cutting back about one third of the old growth. The best time is when forsythias bloom or when buds start to swell on the branches.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for Rosa 'Mountain Snow' should be well-draining with a mix of loam, peat moss, and sand. The ideal soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure healthy growth.
- Repotting
Rosa 'Mountain Snow' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or as needed when the plant has outgrown its current container.
- Humidity & Misting
Rosa 'Mountain Snow' prefers outdoor conditions with natural ambient humidity levels and does not require specific humidity adjustments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure plenty of light and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, enrich soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Rosa 'Mountain Snow', also known as Rosa 'Aussnow', begins its life as a dormant bare-root plant or rooted cutting. Once planted, it enters a vegetative growth stage, establishing roots and producing stems and leaves. Flower buds develop and bloom into characteristic white roses during the flowering phase, which occurs in late spring to summer, depending on climate. After pollination, if it occurs, the plant produces fruit in the form of hips, containing seeds that can generate new plants. Post-flowering, the Rosa 'Mountain Snow' enters a period of senescence in fall where it sheds leaves and prepares for dormancy, conserving energy for the next growth cycle. It remains dormant through the winter, resuming growth as temperatures rise in the spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa Mountain Snow 'Aussnow' (Ra), commonly known as shrub rose, is commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This process is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender and green, yet has started to harden. A cutting should be about 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) long and include several sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end of the stem is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, with the lower third of the cutting buried. Maintaining consistent moisture and providing a humid environment, often with a plastic cover, helps the cutting to take root over the course of several weeks.