Hybrid Tea Rose Rosa 'Prima Ballerina' (HT)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Prima Ballerina' is a type of rose that is known for its striking, vibrant flowers. This particular rose stands out with its large, pink blossoms that exhibit a hybrid tea shape, meaning each bloom boasts a high-centered, well-formed structure. The petals are numerous and tightly arranged, often showing off a lighter reverse, which adds to their visual allure. As the flowers unfurl, they reveal a captivating pattern drawing the eye to the center of each bloom. The foliage of the 'Prima Ballerina' rose is a lustrous dark green and acts as the perfect backdrop to its pink flowers. The leaves are typically glossy and oval-shaped, with a pointed tip, adding to the overall elegance of the plant. The stems can bear thorns, like many roses, which serve to protect the plant and support the weight of the flowers. The rose plant itself exhibits a bushy growth habit with an upright form, which makes it an excellent choice for a wide variety of garden settings. Its flowers usually appear in flushes from late spring to fall, offering a season-long display of color and beauty. The 'Prima Ballerina' is also appreciated for its delightful fragrance, which is strong and sweet, contributing to the sensory pleasure of the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Prima Ballerina Rose, Hybrid Tea Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Prima Ballerina' (HT)
ToxicityTo humans
The Hybrid Tea Rose is not considered toxic to humans. There are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant as it is generally considered safe. Ingesting any part of the Hybrid Tea Rose is unlikely to result in toxic consequences. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
The Hybrid Tea Rose is not considered toxic to pets. There are no common symptoms of poisoning because it is generally regarded as a non-toxic plant to cats, dogs, and other domestic animals. Ingesting parts of the Hybrid Tea Rose should not lead to any toxic consequences for pets. However, thorns can cause physical injury or gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Prima Ballerina rose is known for its vibrant pink blooms which add great visual interest and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: It emits a pleasant and strong scent that can perfume an outdoor space, making it a delightful addition for olfactory enjoyment.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are vital to the pollination of plants and a healthy ecosystem.
- Cutting Garden Plant: Its flowers are excellent for cutting and using in bouquets or floral arrangements, adding natural decor to indoor settings.
- Emotional Wellbeing: Maintaining and observing the growth of the Prima Ballerina rose provides a sense of accomplishment and can be therapeutic, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a display of color from late spring to fall, providing a long season of interest in the garden.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used in various ways in landscape design, including as a standalone specimen, part of a mixed border, or as hedging.
- Cultural Significance: Roses have a long-standing significance in many cultures, symbolizing love and appreciation, which makes them ideal for celebrations and commemorative plantings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rose petal jam: Rosa 'Prima Ballerina' petals can be used to create a flavorful and fragrant jam, adding a unique twist to traditional preserves.
- Scented candles: The strong fragrance of 'Prima Ballerina' rose petals can be infused into wax to create natural, rose-scented candles that evoke the essence of a blooming garden.
- Bath soaks: Dried petals of the 'Prima Ballerina' rose can be added to bath salts, providing a luxurious and aromatic bathing experience.
- Natural dye: The vivid hues of 'Prima Ballerina' can be utilized as a natural fabric dye, giving textiles a soft pink tone.
- Floral water: The petals can be distilled to create rose water that can serve as a natural toner or a refreshing spritz for linens and rooms.
- Rose beads: Petals from the 'Prima Ballerina' rose can be processed and formed into beads for making jewelry with a natural fragrance and floral aesthetic.
- Envelope freshener: Dried petals can be tucked into envelopes containing letters or invitations, offering a surprising scent upon opening.
- Bookmarks: Laminating 'Prima Ballerina' petals can turn them into captivating bookmarks, combining natural beauty with practicality.
- Culinary decoration: Rose petals from 'Prima Ballerina' can be used as edible decorations for cakes and desserts, adding a romantic touch to culinary creations.
- Flower confetti: Biodegradable confetti can be made from 'Prima Ballerina' petals, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional confetti at celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hybrid Tea Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hybrid Tea Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a rose, the 'Prima Ballerina' is widely recognized as a symbol of love, often used to express deep affection and romantic feelings.
- Beauty and Grace: The name 'Prima Ballerina' itself evokes imagery of elegance and poise, reflective of the rose's association with beauty and the graceful art of ballet.
- Passion: Roses are traditionally linked with passion, and their vibrant colors can represent intense emotion and desire.
- Honor and Reverence: Giving a 'Prima Ballerina' rose can be a way to show respect or pay homage to someone, as roses are often used in ceremonies and tributes.
- Confidentiality: The term "sub rosa," meaning "under the rose," comes from ancient times when a rose was symbolically hung over meetings to indicate that all discussions should remain secret.
- Celebration: Because of their festive appearance, roses often mark celebrations and joyful occasions like anniversaries, weddings, and significant achievements.
- Mystery and Intrigue: Sometimes roses, depending on their color, can signify mystery or the hidden depths of the person giving or receiving the flower.
WaterHybrid Tea Roses, including the 'Prima Ballerina,' require consistent watering to stay healthy, especially during their blooming period and in hot weather. These roses should be watered deeply once or twice a week, supplying about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant each time, depending on weather conditions. During particularly hot or dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. It's best to water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall, and avoid overhead watering to minimize leaf wetness and reduce the risk of diseases.
LightHybrid Tea Roses such as the 'Prima Ballerina' thrive best in full sun. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce abundant, healthy blooms. An ideal spot would be one that receives morning sunlight quickly, which helps to dry the dew on the leaves and prevents fungal diseases.
TemperatureThe 'Prima Ballerina' rose prefers moderate temperatures and grows best in regions with clear seasonal changes. While it can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F, it thrives in a range between 65°F and 75°F. These roses may require protection from the hottest afternoon sun in very warm climates to prevent stress and wilting.
PruningPruning 'Prima Ballerina' roses helps to maintain their shape, encourage new growth, and enhance flowering. Prune them in late winter or early spring, removing dead or diseased wood and thinning out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Cut back the remaining canes by about one-third to one-half their height. Pruning should be done annually to ensure vigorous blooms and a healthy plant structure.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHybrid Tea Rose 'Prima Ballerina' thrives in well-drained loamy soil enriched with organic matter such as compost and manure. The ideal pH for this rose is between 6.0 to 7.0. A mix that allows for good drainage while retaining adequate moisture is best, considering roses need nutrient-rich substrates to flourish.
RepottingHybrid Tea Roses, like 'Prima Ballerina', do not typically require frequent repotting. These roses are usually planted outdoors and can live in the same spot for several years. If grown in containers, they should be repotted when they outgrow their pot or approximately every 2 to 3 years.
Humidity & MistingHybrid Tea Rose 'Prima Ballerina' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to the typical outdoor humidity in most climates. While specific humidity levels are not crucial for outdoor roses, it is important to ensure good air circulation to deter fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright light, ensure good air flow, feed regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich soil, water, and mulch base.
Hardiness zone
6-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the 'Prima Ballerina' hybrid tea rose starts with seed germination, which is rare for Hybrid Teas as they are typically propagated through cuttings. Upon establishment, the plant enters the vegetative stage, developing a strong root system and foliage. This is followed by the flowering stage, where the rose produces its characteristic large, fragrant, pink blossoms from late spring to fall, usually repeating the bloom cycle if it's deadheaded. After flowering, hips (seed pods) may form, but in cultivated 'Prima Ballerina' roses, these are often removed to encourage more blooms. In fall, the plant begins to go dormant, reducing growth and conserving energy for winter. In spring, the cycle repeats, with new growth emerging from the plant's base or from pruned canes.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Rosa 'Prima Ballerina', commonly known as the Hybrid Tea rose, is typically propagated by a method called semi-hardwood cuttings. This process is best done in late summer to early fall, when the plant's growth begins to slow and the current season's growth is beginning to firm up but is not yet fully hardened. A cutting of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) is taken from a healthy, disease-free branch, making sure it includes several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least a couple of leaf nodes are below the surface. It's important to maintain a humid environment for the cutting, sometimes achieved by covering with a plastic bag or using a mist system. The cutting should be kept out of direct sunlight, and roots usually develop within several weeks to a few months.
