Hybrid Tea Rose Rosa 'Mrs Oakley Fisher' (HT)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Mrs Oakley Fisher' is a type of rose known for its beautiful blooms. The flowers are a warm, apricot-gold hue that brings a soft and gentle color to any garden setting. Each flower is semi-double, meaning that the blossom will have multiple layers of petals, but not so many as to appear overly full or dense. Typically, there are about 4 to 8 petals in each layer. The petals have a delicate ruffling at the edges, lending a sense of softness and a somewhat casual appearance compared to the very formal, high-petal-count roses. These roses emanate from long, slender stems, which may be adorned with sparse foliage. The leaves are usually a glossy, rich green, creating a striking contrast with the warm tones of the flowers. Individual blossoms often open wide to reveal their golden stamens in the center, attracting pollinators and adding to the plant's overall beauty. Rosa 'Mrs Oakley Fisher' is known for its repeat blooming characteristic, which means that it will shower its admirers with multiple flushes of blooms throughout the growing season. This allows for a prolonged display of its charming flowers, extending the enjoyment of its appearance. It is also important to note that while the rose itself is visually appealing, it is the bloom that captures most of the attention. The softly colored petals can take on a romantic, almost antique look, which is appreciated by those who prefer subtle or traditional garden aesthetics. Overall, Rosa 'Mrs Oakley Fisher' is prized for its enchanting blooms that exude a gentle warmth and gracefulness in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Mrs. Oakley Fisher Rose, Hybrid Tea Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'Mrs. Oakley Fisher' (HT).
ToxicityTo humans
The Hybrid Tea Rose is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects from ingesting the petals, leaves, or any other part of this plant. However, it's important to note that eating plants that are not commonly consumed as food should be done with caution. While poisoning is unlikely, if large quantities were consumed, it could possibly lead to an upset stomach or intestinal discomfort due to the fiber and plant compounds.
To pets
The Hybrid Tea Rose is also considered non-toxic to pets. It does not contain any substances known to be poisonous to domestic animals such as dogs or cats. If a pet were to ingest parts of the rose, such as the petals or leaves, it should not result in poisoning. However, consuming large amounts might cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to mechanical irritation or the fibrous nature of the plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Salmon
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: This hybrid tea rose variety offers bright salmon-pink flowers that add a splash of color to any garden landscape.
- Fragrance: Mrs. Oakley Fisher is known for its pleasant and soft fragrance, making it a delightful sensory addition to gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers can attract bees and other pollinators, promoting biodiversity and aiding in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Gardening Satisfaction: This rose variety can be a rewarding plant for gardeners to grow due to its relatively hardy nature and the beauty it adds to the garden.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, allowing one to create beautiful indoor arrangements that bring the garden's charm inside the home.
- Habitat Enrichment: By providing shelter and resources, the plant contributes to the creation of habitats for various beneficial insects and small wildlife.
- Seasonal Interest: With a blooming period from late spring to early autumn, Mrs. Oakley Fisher offers extended visual interest throughout the growing season.
- Landscaping Versatility: This rose can be used in a variety of landscaping designs, including borders, rose beds, and as a standalone specimen plant.
- Cultural Symbolism: Roses are often associated with love and appreciation, making this plant a thoughtful choice for gardens that commemorate or celebrate these themes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Fabric Dye: The petals of 'Mrs Oakley Fisher' roses can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a soft yellow to golden hue depending on the concentration and fabric type.
- Botanical Artwork: Pressed or dried petals of this rose can be used in creating botanical collages or for decoupage, adding a delicate floral touch to art projects.
- Culinary Garnishes: The rose petals can be crystallized with egg whites and sugar to create elegant edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
- Floral Bath Soaks: Fresh or dried petals can be added to bathwater for a luxurious and fragrant soak, which may offer a relaxing and soothing experience.
- Homemade Potpourri: 'Mrs Oakley Fisher' rose petals can be dried and mixed with other herbs and spices to create a fragrant potpourri for home scenting.
- Rose Water: Petals can be distilled to create a lightly scented rose water that can be used in homemade perfumes or as a room freshener.
- Flavoring Agent: The rose petals can be infused into syrups or sugars, imparting a gentle rose flavor suitable for pastries, cocktails, and teas.
- Wedding Confetti: Dried petals can serve as eco-friendly confetti, adding a natural and biodegradable element to wedding ceremonies.
- Bookmarks: Dried 'Mrs Oakley Fisher' rose petals can be laminated or embedded into paper to create unique and aromatic bookmarks.
- Candle Embeds: The petals can be incorporated into the wax of homemade candles to add a decorative look and slight fragrance when the wax is warm.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As with many roses, the 'Mrs Oakley Fisher' rose symbolizes love, reflecting the timeless association of roses with deep affection and romantic sentiment.
- Beauty: This particular rose, with its delicate apricot blooms, represents beauty, celebrating the aesthetic pleasure that flowers can bring.
- Honor: The Rosa 'Mrs Oakley Fisher' can symbolize honor, often associated with the respect and recognition of virtues and achievements.
- Devotion: Similar to love, this rose may signify devotion, emblematic of commitment and loyalty in a relationship.
- Passion: The vibrant color and sumptuous shape of the rose's petals can signify passion, reflecting intense emotions and desires.
WaterThe Hybrid Tea Rose, commonly known as 'Mrs Oakley Fisher', should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root development, about once a week during the growing season. Ensure the plant receives approximately 1 to 2 gallons of water at each watering, depending on soil conditions and climate. During periods of high heat or drought, increase watering to twice a week, while in cooler weather, reduce the frequency. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases, and always water early in the day to allow moisture to evaporate.
LightHybrid Tea Roses, such as 'Mrs Oakley Fisher', thrive in full sun with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a location that receives morning light, which is less intense and helps dry dew from the leaves, reducing the risk of disease. Avoid planting in full shade, which can impede blooming and increase susceptibility to pests and fungal infections.
Temperature'Mrs Oakley Fisher', as a Hybrid Tea Rose, favors temperate conditions and can survive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9; roughly equating to minimum winter temperatures of -20 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperatures for this rose are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They can handle heat up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental without adequate protection.
PruningPrune the 'Mrs Oakley Fisher' Hybrid Tea Rose in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning is vital for maintaining its shape, encouraging new growth, and improving air circulation. Remove dead or diseased wood, thin out crowded areas, and cut back remaining canes by about one-third to one-half. Deadheading throughout the blooming season encourages repeat flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHybrid Tea roses like 'Mrs Oakley Fisher' thrive in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of equal parts garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
Repotting'Mrs Oakley Fisher' roses, being large shrubs, are typically not repotted as they're planted directly in the ground. If grown in containers, repotting every 2 to 4 years or when the plant outgrows its pot is advisable.
Humidity & Misting'Mrs Oakley Fisher' roses prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable. Aim for a humidity level around 40-60%, although they can tolerate a range as long as foliage remains dry to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, regular watering, and feed monthly.
Outdoor
Full sun, fertile soil, water when topsoil dries.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Rosa 'Mrs. Oakley Fisher', commonly known as a type of Hybrid Tea rose, begins with seed germination, which can take place when the conditions of light, moisture, and temperature are suitable. After germination, the seedling grows into a young plant with a set of true leaves and a root system. As it matures, the rose develops woody stems and foliage and eventually reaches the flowering stage, where it produces distinctive fragrant blooms, usually from late spring to early autumn. After pollination, possibly involving insects, birds, or wind, the flowers develop into fruit, known as rose hips, which contain seeds. These seeds, when dispersed, can give rise to new rose plants, completing the cycle; however, 'Mrs. Oakley Fisher' is typically propagated vegetatively through cuttings or grafting rather than by seed. Pruning is essential in the care of rose plants and is done after flowering to ensure plant vigor and to stimulate further blooming in subsequent seasons.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Rosa 'Mrs. Oakley Fisher', a hybrid tea rose, is commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from the rose plant that includes a portion of the stem that is not too young nor too woody, typically during the summer months when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be about 6 to 8 inches (approximately 15 to 20 centimeters) in length and contain several leaf nodes. To encourage rooting, the bottom end of the cutting is often dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in indirect sunlight until roots have developed, which typically takes several weeks. Once the roots are established, the new plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
