Raubritter Rose Rosa 'Raubritter' ('Macrantha' hybrid)
ABOUT
The Rosa 'Raubritter' is an enchanting flowering shrub commonly known as the 'Raubritter' rose. This plant boasts an abundance of lush, mid-green leaves that serve as a perfect backdrop to its striking flowers. The foliage has a classic rose leaf appearance, with each compound leaf consisting of multiple oval-shaped leaflets with a somewhat leathery texture. The true stars of the 'Raubritter' rose are its blooms, which captivate onlookers with their soft, rounded appearance. The flowers emerge in a delightful color palette that includes various shades ranging from light pink to deep blush. Each flower is resplendently cupped, creating a bowl-like shape that gives the appearance of being filled with petals. These petals are densely packed, forming rosettes that exude a gentle and romantic air. The blooms often exhibit a slightly crepe-like texture, which adds to their charm and allure. During the blooming season, these flowers are frequently found nestled individually or in small clusters throughout the plant, introducing a whimsical, cottage garden feel to the setting. The 'Raubritter' rose's visual appeal is further heightened by the blooms' sweet, subtle fragrance, which wafts through the air and entices both people and pollinators alike. All in all, the 'Raubritter' rose presents a picturesque and dainty display, making it a sought-after choice for many gardeners who wish to add a touch of classic beauty to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Raubritter Rose, Castle Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Macrantha Raubritter'.
ToxicityTo humans
Roses, including the Rosa 'Raubritter', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic principles in the roses and they are not expected to cause systemic poisoning if ingested in small amounts. However, roses do have thorns, which can cause injury if you are pricked by them, and their roughage can be irritating to the stomach if ingested in large quantities, leading to mild gastrointestinal upset. It's also important to consider that roses could be sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals which might be harmful if ingested.
To pets
Roses, including the Rosa 'Raubritter', are generally considered non-toxic to pets. They do not contain any known toxins that would cause systemic poisoning in animals like dogs and cats. However, roses do have thorns that could potentially cause injuries such as punctures or scratches to curious pets. Moreover, consuming a large amount of rose material could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the physical irritation of the plant material, rather than any chemical toxicity. Owners should also consider that plants may have been treated with pesticides or fertilizers that could be harmful to pets if consumed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Raubritter rose is well-known for its compact, mounding habit and beautiful, large, cupped blooms in a soft pink color, making it a charming addition to any garden.
- Long Blooming Period: It typically has a long flowering season from late spring to fall, providing extended visual interest.
- Attracts Pollinators: It can attract bees and other beneficial insects to the garden, which is vital for pollination.
- Disease Resistance: This rose variety has good resistance to common rose diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Low Maintenance: The Rosa 'Raubritter' is relatively easy to care for, needing only basic pruning and occasional fertilization for optimal growth.
- Cut Flowers: The blossoms of this rose hold up well when cut, making them excellent for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Adaptability: It is capable of growing in a variety of soil types and pH levels, though it prefers well-draining loam.
- Hardiness: This plant is quite hardy and can survive in a wide range of climate conditions, depending on the specific hardiness zone recommendations.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in various landscaping designs, including borders, rose gardens, and as a flowering ground cover.
- Cold Resilience: The plant exhibits a certain degree of cold tolerance, making it suitable for cooler regions within its hardiness range.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other UsesRose hip syrup: The hips (fruit) of Rosa 'Raubritter' can be boiled with sugar to make a syrup high in vitamin C, often used as a flavoring in foods and beverages.
Natural dye: The petals of the Rosa 'Raubritter' can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering hues ranging from soft pinks to deep reds, depending on the concentration and fabric treatment.
Edible petals: The petals of this rose are edible and can be used in salads, desserts, or as garnishes to add a subtle floral flavor and a splash of color to various dishes.
Environmental enrichment for animals: Dried rose petals can be used in bedding or as a foraging material for small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs, offering a safe and stimulating material for them to explore.
Bath products: Rose petals from the Rosa 'Raubritter' can be infused into bath salts, oils, or bombs, providing a luxurious bathing experience with a soft rose fragrance.
Rose water: Petals can be distilled to produce rose water, which is traditionally used in cuisines around the world, especially in Middle Eastern recipes, for its delicate flavor.
Crafting: Dried petals can be used for creating natural, biodegradable confetti or incorporated into papermaking for decorative purposes.
Perfume industry: While not a primary source, the Rosa 'Raubritter' can contribute to scented waters and perfumes, lending its gentle, distinct aroma to various fragrance products.
Floral arrangements: The full blooms make excellent cut flowers for indoor arrangements, often used in bridal bouquets or as table centerpieces.
Culinary oil infusion: The buds and petals can be soaked in oils to impart a floral essence, which can then be used for cooking or as a base for dressings and marinades.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe rose is often used in Feng Shui for its ability to attract love and positive chi, enhance relationships, and create a relaxing atmosphere. Place roses in the southwest area of the garden or home to promote romantic relationships, or in the living space to foster a sense of well-being and harmony.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a member of the rose family, 'Raubritter' roses often symbolize love and passion, reflecting the long-standing association of roses with deep emotion and romance.
- Beauty: The aesthetic appeal of the 'Raubritter' rose, with its lush, pink blooms, represents beauty and grace, echoing the universal view of roses as epitomes of natural splendor.
- Honour: The name 'Raubritter' itself, which translates to "knight-robber" in German, could imply a connection with the values of chivalry and honor often associated with knights.
- Secret or Confidentiality: Traditionally, roses have been symbolic of secrecy, with the term "sub rosa" (under the rose) indicating a situation demanding discretion or confidentiality.
- Balance: The well-formed, symmetrical 'Raubritter' blooms may evoke the idea of balance and harmony, reflecting the rose's often perfect geometry.
- Devotion: Throughout history, roses have been given as gifts to signify devotion and a commitment that withstands the test of time.
- Femininity: The soft, rounded petals of the 'Raubritter' rose might be seen as emblematic of femininity and gentleness, resonating with the cultural perceptions of the flower.
WaterThe Raubritter rose should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure that water reaches the roots. Typically, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant is sufficient during the growing season. However, in hot, dry weather, you may need to water twice a week. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can lead to root rot. It is best to water the plant early in the morning to reduce evaporation and help prevent diseases that can be caused by moisture on the leaves at night.
LightRaubritter roses flourish in full sun conditions, which means they require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting them is in an area that receives morning sunlight and partial shade in the afternoon to protect from the intense heat. Avoid deeply shaded areas as they can inhibit blooming and make the plant susceptible to disease.
TemperatureRaubritter roses thrive in a range of temperatures, but the ideal growing conditions are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and tolerate maximum summer temperatures up to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent heat stress during extreme heat, ensure adequate watering and mulching around the base of the plant.
PruningPruning Raubritter roses helps maintain their shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourages more prolific blooming. Prune in late winter or early spring before the plant breaks dormancy. Cut back last year's growth by about one-third to one-half, always cutting just above a healthy outward-facing bud. After the initial spring pruning, deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRaubritter rose thrives in a well-draining, fertile loam enriched with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. The ideal soil pH for this rose is between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix consisting of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part aged manure or compost will create a rich, nutritious growing medium for the Raubritter rose.
RepottingRaubritter rose, being a garden plant, does not typically require repotting as it's planted directly into the landscape. However, if grown in a container, repotting every 2 to 3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot is sufficient to maintain health.
Humidity & MistingRaubritter rose prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions outdoor. It does not require specific humidity adjustments when planted in the garden.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and air circulation for indoor Raubritter roses.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil and sufficient space.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Raubritter rose, a 'Macrantha' hybrid, begins with a dormant period during winter, where the plant rests and conserves energy. As spring arrives, buds break dormancy and new shoots and leaves emerge, entering the vegetative growth stage. This is soon followed by the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, where it produces its characteristic pink blossoms. After pollination, the Raubritter rose enters the fruiting stage, developing rose hips that contain seeds. In the autumn, the plant begins to prepare for dormancy again, shedding leaves and slowing growth. Finally, it cycles back to the dormant period, completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagating Rosa 'Raubritter', a type of shrub rose, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically occurs during late summer or early fall, when the new growth has begun to mature but is not yet fully hardened. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would select healthy, disease-free stems and cut a piece about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long from the parent plant. Each cutting should have several sets of leaves at the top and be trimmed just below a node, where a leaf joins the stem, as this is where roots are most likely to develop. The bottom end of the cutting is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then planted in a pot filled with a mix of potting soil and perlite or sand to improve drainage. The pot is then kept in a bright area out of direct sunlight and maintained at consistent moisture levels until the cutting has rooted and can be transplanted.
