Olympic Flame Rose Rosa 'Olympic Flame' (F)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Olympic Flame' is a type of rose plant with an attractive and distinctive appearance. This particular variety is known for its vibrant, fiery-hued blooms that capture the essence of a blazing flame. The flowers are a rich blend of orange and red, often with a gradient effect that gives them depth and intensity. The large, double blossoms are full and rounded, with layers of petals that unfurl elegantly from a tightly formed bud. The petals have a velvety texture that can feel luxurious to the touch, adding to the plant's overall charm and beauty. The foliage of Rosa 'Olympic Flame' provides a lovely contrast to the striking flowers. The leaves are typically a glossy, deep green color, which complements the brightness of the blooms and creates a lush background for the display of color. As with many rose plants, there may be thorns present along the stems, providing a natural defense mechanism for the plant. These thorns vary in size and frequency but are an integral part of the rose's character. The stems are strong and upright, supporting the weight of the blooms and allowing them to sit prominently among the foliage. The overall look of Rosa 'Olympic Flame' is one of passion and energy, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to introduce a sense of drama and vivid color to their landscape. Its flowers often exude a pleasing fragrance that can be a delightful addition to any garden space. This rose variety is cherished not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ability to evoke the warmth and excitement suggested by its name, Olympic Flame.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Olympic Flame Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Olympic Flame'
- Toxicity
To humans
The rose 'Olympic Flame' is not considered toxic to humans. Roses are generally considered non-toxic. However, ingesting large quantities of roses, including the 'Olympic Flame' variety, can potentially cause mild stomach upset due to the fibrous plant material. The plant's thorns could also cause physical injury if not handled carefully.
To pets
Similar to humans, the rose 'Olympic Flame' is not considered toxic to pets. Roses are generally safe for pets, and there is no significant toxicity associated with the ingestion of rose petals or leaves. However, as with humans, ingesting a large amount of plant material could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Additionally, the thorns can cause injuries to the mouth or paws if a pet tries to chew on the stems.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Enhances Landscape Aesthetics: The rose has vibrant, multicolored blooms that contribute to the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: It attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility in Garden Design: Can be used in various garden settings, including borders, hedges, and as specimen plants.
- Emotional Well-being: The beauty and fragrance of roses are known to enhance mood and provide a sense of well-being.
- Cultural and Symbolic Value: Roses have significant cultural importance and are often associated with love, beauty, and commemoration.
- Improved Property Value: A well-maintained garden with flowering plants like roses can increase the overall property value.
- Provides Habitat: Thick foliage and thorny stems offer shelter and nesting opportunities for birds.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a long flowering season, adding interest to the garden throughout the growing season.
- Educational Interest: Can be used for educational purposes, teaching about plant care, botany, and horticulture.
- Social Benefits: The act of gardening, including the care of roses, can foster community interaction and socialization.
- 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
- Culinary Garnish: Petals from the Olympic Flame rose can be used to add a colourful and edible flourish to salads and desserts.
- Botanical Dyes: The deep hued petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabric or paper, offering an eco-friendly coloring option.
- Bath Additive: Rose petals from the Olympic Flame can be added to bath water for a fragrant and relaxing experience.
- Floral Art: The vibrant petals and stems can be used in floral arrangements or pressed flower art to create lasting decorative pieces.
- Perfume Making: The scented petals can be infused into oils to craft homemade perfumes or natural scent sachets.
- Wedding Decor: These roses can be used to make eco-friendly confetti or decorate wedding venues for a romantic ambiance.
- Floral Water: Soaking the petals in distilled water can create a lightly scented floral water for cosmetic use or as a room freshener.
- Candle Making: The scent from the petals can be incorporated into homemade candles, providing a natural fragrance when the candle is burned.
- Rose Syrup: The petals can be simmered with sugar and water to create a rose-flavored syrup for use in cocktails or desserts.
- Crafting Potpourri: Dried Olympic Flame rose petals can be mixed with other dried botanicals and essential oils to create a natural home fragrance option.
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 life. It is often recommended to place roses, or images of roses, in the southwest corner of your garden or home, which is considered the area most connected with love and marriage. However, thorns should be removed as they can represent the snags of a relationship; hence, care should be taken to keep the presentation of the roses soft and inviting.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: The rose is universally known as a symbol of love, affection, and deep emotion.
- Passion: The vivid colors of the 'Olympic Flame' rose convey strong feelings and intense romance.
- Beauty: Roses are often associated with beauty and perfection due to their intricate and appealing blooms.
- Victory: Named after the Olympic flame, this rose variety can symbolize triumph and achievement.
- Honor: Giving this rose can be a way to show respect and admiration, often connected with its namesake's association with the Olympic games.
- Celebration: The 'Olympic Flame' rose's name suggests festivities and grandeur, making it suitable for celebratory occasions.
- Water
The Olympic Flame rose should be watered deeply so that the soil is moistened to a depth of at least 18 inches, avoiding shallow sprinklings. In the growing season, water once or twice a week depending on weather conditions, ensuring that the plant receives at least one inch of water weekly. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency, but allow the soil to dry out between watering to prevent waterlogging. In the winter, reduce watering but do not let the roots dry out completely. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease.
- Light
Olympic Flame roses thrive in full sunlight, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant them in a location that receives morning sun and some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates—a spot that is sheltered from strong winds will also help to protect the blooms and foliage.
- Temperature
Olympic Flame roses perform best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and should not dip below 30 degrees Fahrenheit at night to avoid frost damage. Extreme heat can stress the plant, while extreme cold can freeze the roots and damage the plant. They can survive short periods of temperatures just below freezing, but prolonged exposure to cold below 30 degrees Fahrenheit can be harmful.
- Pruning
Pruning Olympic Flame roses is essential to maintain their shape, promote air circulation, and encourage healthy growth. Remove dead or diseased wood and thin out crowded areas in early spring, after the last frost. Prune about one-third of the plant to stimulate new growth. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the growing season also promotes continuous flowering. The best time to prune is when the plant is dormant, typically in late winter or early spring.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Roses, including the 'Olympic Flame' rose, thrive best in a well-draining and fertile soil mix. A good recipe is 1/3 sand, 1/3 garden loam, and 1/3 peat or compost. This provides a balanced structure for drainage and nutrient retention. The ideal pH for roses is between 6.0 and 6.5.
- Repotting
Rose plants like the 'Olympic Flame' are typically not repotted frequently as they are often planted in the garden. However, if grown in pots, repotting every 2 to 4 years or when the plant outgrows its container is advisable.
- Humidity & Misting
Roses, including the 'Olympic Flame' variety, prefer moderate humidity levels. The best humidity range falls between 40% to 60%. They can tolerate slightly higher humidity with good air circulation.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure ample sunlight for indoor 'Olympic Flame' roses.
Outdoor
Plant 'Olympic Flame' rose in sun with rich soil and good air flow.
Hardiness zone
6-10 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the 'Olympic Flame' rose begins with seed germination, where the seed must be stratified or exposed to a period of cold before it will sprout. The sprouted seed develops into a seedling, with true leaves appearing as it matures into a young plant. Following this, the young rose enters a vegetative state, growing stems, leaves, and roots while becoming established. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, where it produces vibrant blooms that are significant for ornamental purposes and reproduction through pollination. After pollination, the flowers develop into rose hips (fruit), containing seeds, completing the reproductive phase. In winter, the rose may undergo a period of dormancy, conserving energy before repeating the growth cycle in spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Early spring
The Rosa 'Olympic Flame', commonly known as the Olympic Flame rose, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings, a popular method due to its effectiveness and simplicity. The best time to take these cuttings is in late spring or early summer when new growth is vigorous but not fully matured. Cuttings should be about 6 inches (15 cm) long, taken from the healthy, disease-free stems with a sharp, clean instrument to prevent damage and infection. The cutting's lower leaves are removed, and the base is dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root development. It should then be planted in a well-draining medium such as a mix of perlite and peat moss, and kept moist and under partial shade until roots develop, which typically takes a few weeks. Maintaining a humid atmosphere around the cutting by covering it with a plastic bag or dome can also help to improve the success rate.