Othello Rose Rosa Othello = 'Auslo' (PBR) (S)
ABOUT
Rosa Othello, also known as 'Auslo', is a beautifully cultivated variety of rose known for its unique and attractive blooms. The flower carries deep crimson or dark red hues, presenting a rich and velvety texture that captures the eye. Each blossom is full and well-formed, featuring densely packed petals that unfurl elegantly from a classic, tight central bud as they open. The rich color of the petals may exhibit subtle shading, with some exhibiting a lighter or sometimes darker tinge on the petal edges, adding depth and character to each flower. These roses typically present a luxuriously large flower head, which makes them particularly striking when in full bloom. The foliage of Rosa Othello is equally appealing, providing a luscious backdrop of dark green leaves that offer a glossy sheen and robust texture. The leaves contrast dramatically with the dark tones of the flower, accentuating the vibrancy of the blooms. The stems are sturdy and adorned with thorns that are common among rose varieties. The overall display of the plant is one of classic elegance and captivating charm, with its exquisite blooms being the highlight and often a favorite among garden enthusiasts for their dramatic color and traditional rose form.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Othello Rose, English Rose.
Common names
Rosa Othello = 'Auslo' (PBR) (S).
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant commonly known as English Rose is not considered toxic to humans. However, if any part of the plant is ingested, it is generally not expected to lead to poisoning or severe adverse effects. Roses are not known to contain any substances that are highly toxic to human health when ingested in normal, accidental quantities. While they are safe in this regard, the thorns on rose bushes can cause physical injury if handled carelessly.
To pets
The plant commonly known as English Rose is generally considered non-toxic to pets. Ingesting the petals or leaves is unlikely to result in poisoning. However, the thorns could cause physical injury to pets if they try to chew on the stems or if they come into direct contact with the thorns. While ingestion of roses is not typically associated with systemic toxicity, it is still advisable to prevent pets from eating plants as a precautionary measure.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Dark red
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 Garden Aesthetics: Othello rose is known for its deep, richly-colored blooms and can add classic beauty to any garden setting.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, aiding in the pollination of other plants in the garden.
- Long Blooming Period: This variety offers a long flowering season, providing color and interest in the garden for extended periods.
- Versatility: Can be used in mixed borders, as a stand-alone specimen, or in rose gardens, providing multiple landscaping options.
- Scent: Othello roses are known for their strong, old rose fragrance which can enhance the sensory experience in a garden.
- Disease Resistance: They have been bred for improved resistance to common rose diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Cut Flowers: Roses are excellent for cutting and can be used to create fragrant, elegant arrangements for indoor enjoyment.
- Cultural Significance: Roses have a long-standing role in art, literature, and symbolism, bringing an added layer of depth and tradition to a garden.
- Mental Well-being: Caring for roses such as Othello can be therapeutic and may contribute to reduced stress and increased satisfaction.
- Provides Structure: Othello roses can be trained on structures like trellises or arbors, adding vertical interest to the garden space.
- 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
- Artistic Inspiration: Rosa 'Othello' with its deep crimson flowers often serves as a muse for painters and photographers looking to capture the essence of a traditional English rose.
- Wedding Decor: The lush, romantic blooms of the rose can be used to create stunning bridal bouquets or to decorate wedding venues for a classic, timeless feel.
- Culinary Garnishes: Petals from Rosa 'Othello' can be used as edible decorations for cakes and desserts, adding a splash of natural color and elegance.
- Natural Dye: The deep crimson petals can be used to produce natural dyes for fabric, giving textiles a soft, rosy tint.
- Scented Sachets: Dried petals can be placed in small pouches to create scented sachets for drawers and closets to impart a gentle, floral fragrance.
- Perfumery: Rosa 'Othello' has a strong, classic rose scent that is sometimes used in the crafting of perfumes and scented oils.
- Floral Arrangements: With its striking appearance and fragrance, the rose is a popular choice for formal floral displays and centerpieces in hotels and restaurants.
- Botanical Illustration: The distinct shape and color of Rosa 'Othello' make it a choice subject for the detailed work of botanical illustrators.
- Handmade Paper: Petals can be incorporated into the papermaking process to create decorative, rose-embedded handmade paper for crafts and stationery.
- Symbolic Gift: Owing to its rich color and sumptuous bloom, the rose is often given as a symbol of deep passion and adoration in romantic contexts.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The English Rose, which is the most common name of Rosa Othello = 'Auslo' (PBR) (S), according to Feng Shui can be used to symbolize love and romance. In this practice, it is often recommended to place such flowering plants in the southwest area of a garden or home to enhance relationships and bring harmonious energy.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The English Rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love and Passion: As a rose, the Othello variety traditionally symbolizes deep love and passion, referencing the intensity of the character Othello's feelings in Shakespeare's play.
- Beauty: Roses are universally regarded as a symbol of beauty, representing the aesthetic appeal of the Othello rose's lush, dark blooms.
- Mystery: The Othello rose, with its dark red petals, often symbolizes mystery and intrigue, akin to the complex and enigmatic nature of human emotions.
- Balance between Beauty and Thorns: Just like any rose, the Othello symbolizes the balance of beauty and hardship, alluding to the duality of the pleasures and pains in love.
- Water
Othello Roses should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. During active growing periods in spring and summer, these roses typically need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or watering. If using a hose or watering can, apply water slowly to the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. It's best to water in the morning to allow any splashes on leaves to dry out during the day. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water twice a week, monitoring soil moisture to prevent overwatering.
- Light
Othello Roses need full sun to perform best, which means they should receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for planting Othello Roses would be in a garden area that gets sun from morning to mid-afternoon with some protection from the intense late afternoon sun. These roses thrive in locations where they can bask in bright light, which promotes healthy growth and abundant blooming.
- Temperature
Othello Roses do best in temperature ranges between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, enjoying the moderate conditions of temperate climates. They can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter with adequate protection and mulching. However, during the growth season, they should be shielded from extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent heat stress.
- Pruning
Pruning Othello Roses is essential to maintain their shape, promote air circulation, and encourage vigorous blooming. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or diseased wood and opening the center of the plant for better air flow. Cut back canes by about a third, making cuts at 45-degree angles just above outward-facing buds. The ideal time for pruning is when new buds begin to swell on the canes, typically when temperatures consistently stay above freezing.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for 'Othello' roses, a variety of English Rose, is rich, well-draining loam with added organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. A pH between 6.0 and 6.5 is ideal for this rose.
- Repotting
'Othello' roses, being English Roses, typically do not require frequent repotting since they are usually planted directly in the garden. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide space for root growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Othello roses, commonly referred to as English Roses, prefer moderate humidity levels. While they can tolerate a range, aim for a humidity level between 40-60% for optimal growth and health.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, regular watering, and ample airflow for indoor 'Othello' roses.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, enrich soil, water deeply, and mulch 'Othello' roses outdoors.
Hardiness zone
5-10 USDA
- Life cycle
The Othello Rose, also known by its cultivar name 'Auslo', begins its life when a seed germinates or a cutting takes root in well-drained soil with ample sunlight. As a perennial, it enters a growth phase each spring, developing a robust root system, elongated canes, and foliage. The plant then progresses to a flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, where buds form and blossom into deep red, fragrant flowers. After pollination, some roses may produce hips (fruit) containing seeds, though many modern hybrids like Othello are often propagated vegetatively. The Othello Rose then enters a period of senescence in late summer to autumn when growth slows and the plant prepares for dormancy. During winter, the plant remains dormant with reduced metabolic activity, only to rejuvenate again with the return of warmer temperatures in spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Rosa Othello, more commonly referred to as English Rose 'Othello', is best propagated through the method of softwood cuttings during late spring and early summer. To do this, a healthy, non-flowering shoot is chosen and a cutting approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) in length is taken. The base of the cutting should be cut just below a leaf node, and any leaves on the lower half should be removed. The cut end is then dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a moist potting mix. The cutting should be kept in high humidity and indirect light until roots have established, after which it can be transplanted into the garden or a larger pot.