Port Sunlight Rose Rosa Port Sunlight = 'Auslofty' (PBR) (HM)
ABOUT
The Rosa 'Port Sunlight' (PBR) 'Auslofty' is a marvelous rose variety with an exquisite aesthetic appeal. The plant showcases a brilliant array of flowers that exhibit the perfect blend of charm and vigor. The blooms are large and double in form, presenting a ruffled appearance that exudes a romantic, old-fashioned aura. The petals are soft and velvety to the touch, arranged in a classic rosette shape which is highly regarded among rose enthusiasts. As for the coloration, it is truly a sight to behold. Each bloom features a warm, apricot hue with subtle variations that can include shades ranging from a creamy yellow to a more peachy tone. This enchanting color palette gives the roses a glowing presence within any garden space. The fragrance of the 'Port Sunlight' is another one of its stand-out traits. These roses exude a strong, delightful scent that can often be described as a mix of Tea and myrrh. This captivating perfume makes them a lovely choice for planting near areas where people frequently gather, as their fragrance can carry on the breeze and enrich the sensory experience of the garden. Foliage on the 'Port Sunlight' is equally appealing, with leaves that present a robust display of dark green. The glossy, leathery texture of the foliage provides a striking contrast to the softness of the flowers, creating an attractive backdrop that accentuates the vibrancy of the blooms. Overall, the Rosa 'Port Sunlight' (PBR) 'Auslofty' is a stunning plant that is praised for its beautiful blooms, delightful fragrance, and luscious foliage, making it a standout variety in any garden collection, without focusing on the specific dimensions of the plant itself.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Port Sunlight Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'Auslofty'
- Toxicity
To humans
Roses, including the Port Sunlight variety, are not generally considered toxic to humans. Therefore, accidental ingestion of rose petals, leaves, or stems is unlikely to cause more than minor stomach upset, if any symptoms occur at all. There are no significant toxic substances known in roses that would cause poisoning in humans from casual contact or ingestion of small amounts.
To pets
Roses, such as the Port Sunlight variety, are generally recognized as non-toxic to pets. Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals can occasionally chew on the leaves or petals without significant risk of poisoning. Nevertheless, thorns can cause physical injury or gastrointestinal irritation if ingested, but they do not contain poisonous substances that would lead to symptoms of poisoning from a toxicological standpoint.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Apricot
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive Flowers: The plant has beautiful apricot-yellow blooms that add aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Fragrance: It emits a strong, pleasing fragrance, enhancing the sensory experience of a garden.
- Repeat Flowering: This variety has the ability to bloom multiple times throughout the growing season, offering prolonged enjoyment.
- Disease Resistance: Rosa Port Sunlight exhibits good resistance to common rose diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Versatility: It is suitable for various garden uses, including borders, containers, and as a cut flower for indoor arrangements.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Hardiness: It is known to be hardy and can withstand different environmental conditions once established.
- Easy Pruning: This rose is relatively easy to prune, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- 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
- The petals of roses can be used to make natural dyes for fabric and paper, giving them a gentle, faded pink hue.
- Rose petals can be added to bath water for a luxurious, fragrant soak that leaves skin lightly perfumed.
- Potential source of eco-friendly pest control, roses can attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests.
- The strong fragrance of roses can be used in aromatherapy to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Rose hips, the fruit of the rose plant, can be used to create botanical jewelry, such as beads for necklaces and bracelets.
- Rose petals can be included in handmade paper, creating beautiful textures and colors for arts and crafts.
- Used as a natural confetti, dried rose petals are biodegradable and add a romantic touch to celebrations.
- Roses can be used in potpourris, contributing their fragrance and color to the mixture.
- Roses can be turned into rose water, which is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine to flavor dishes.
- When dried and pressed, rose petals can be incorporated into bookmarks and greeting cards as a decorative element.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: The rose is universally symbolic of love and passion. The beauty and fragrance of roses have long been associated with the emotion of love and are often given as a token of affection.
- Beauty: With its elegant form and enchanting colors, a rose often represents beauty and perfection. It reflects the admiration for the natural beauty in the world.
- Honor: The rose can symbolize honor and reverence. It is frequently used in ceremonial events and is a common symbol for recognizing achievements and expressing respect.
- Devotion: The enduring nature of rose blooms is used to symbolize deep devotion and commitment, whether in love, friendship, or a cause.
- Secrecy: Historically, roses were hung from ceilings of meeting spaces to demand that everyone in the room keep the secret. This tradition has given roses a connotation with secrecy and confidentiality.
- Mystery: The complex structure of a rose, with its layers of petals hiding its center, makes it a symbol of mystery and things waiting to be revealed.
- Balance: The rose is considered a symbol of balance. It is beautiful to view but can also be protective with its thorns, representing the duality of beauty and hardship.
- New Beginnings: Just as a rosebud signifies the beginning of a new flower, roses can symbolize new beginnings and hope.
- Water
For the English Rose, also known as Rosa Port Sunlight 'Auslofty', it is essential to water deeply and infrequently rather than little and often to encourage deep root growth. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 1 gallon of water per week, but this may need to be increased to 2 gallons during extremely hot or dry periods. It's best to water in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of disease. Aim for the water to reach the roots by using a soaker hose or watering can directed at the soil rather than overhead sprinkling. In winter, reduce watering but do not let the rose become completely dry.
- Light
The English Rose thrives best in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a spot in the garden where the plant will get ample morning sunlight to dry dew from its leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid places where buildings, trees, or shrubs might cast shade on the rose for significant parts of the day.
- Temperature
The English Rose prefers a temperate climate and will grow well in temperatures ranging between 32°F and 90°F. However, it will flourish most when the temperature is between 65°F and 75°F. It's hardy to zone 5, which means it can survive winter temperatures down to -20°F.
- Pruning
Pruning the English Rose is vital for maintaining plant health, encouraging blooms, and shaping the bush. Prune in late winter or early spring when new shoots begin to appear. Remove dead, damaged, or crowded stems to increase air circulation. Cut back about one-third of the plant's height to promote vigorous growth and flowering. It's good to perform a lighter pruning in late summer to remove faded flowers and shape the bush.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for the English Rose known as Rosa 'Port Sunlight' should be well-draining with a mix of loam, compost, and well-rotted manure to provide nutrients. The ideal pH for this rose should be mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
- Repotting
English Roses like Rosa 'Port Sunlight' typically do not require frequent repotting and are usually planted once in the garden where they can spread their roots. However, if they are grown in containers, repotting may be needed every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil.
- Humidity & Misting
Rosa 'Port Sunlight', like most English Roses, prefers average outdoor humidity levels. They do not require special humidity conditions, as they are quite adaptable to the ambient moisture levels found in most garden environments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light, good air circulation, and water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich soil with compost, ensure good drainage.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Rosa 'Port Sunlight' ('Auslofty') commonly known as Port Sunlight Rose, begins with germination, where the seed absorbs water and swells until the seed coat breaks and the embryonic root emerges. This is followed by the seedling stage, where the first leaves (cotyledons) develop and photosynthesis begins, allowing the plant to grow independently. As it matures, the growth phase consists of vegetative development, characterized by the formation of a strong root system, stems, and foliage. After a period of vegetative growth, the Port Sunlight Rose enters the flowering stage, where it produces buds that bloom into its distinctive creamy-yellow flowers. Successful pollination of these flowers may lead to the formation of hip fruits, containing seeds that can disperse to give rise to new plants. As a perennial, the Port Sunlight Rose will go through repeated cycles of blooming and dormancy, with some seasonal pruning necessary to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: Rosa Port Sunlight, also known as 'Auslofty' (PBR) (HM), is commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This technique is usually performed in late spring or early summer when new growth is mature enough yet still in the softwood stage. A cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) is taken from a healthy, disease-free mother plant. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a well-draining soil mix, with about half of the cutting's length above the soil surface. It's essential to maintain high humidity around the cutting, which can be achieved by putting a plastic bag or dome over it, and to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In several weeks, when the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on before being planted out.