Red Blanket Rose Rosa Red Blanket = 'Intercell' (S/gc)
ABOUT
Rosa Red Blanket, also simply known as Red Blanket Rose, is a vibrant ornamental plant known for its lush and spreading growth habit. This particular rose variety boasts a profusion of deeply colored red flowers that have a semi-double form. The petals are velvety and often display a slight ruffle at the edges, giving them a touch of elegance and texture. These flowers can create an impression of a red carpet or blanket, which is where the plant gets its name. Blooms typically cluster on the branches, creating a dramatic and eye-catching display. The foliage of the Red Blanket Rose is a rich green, providing a stark contrast to the bright red of the flowers. The leaves are glossy with a somewhat leathery texture, adding to the overall visual appeal of the plant. The foliage tends to blanket the ground, concealing the branches beneath it, hence complementing the "blanket" effect. The stems can be expected to have thorns, which is characteristic of rose bushes. Overall, the appearance of the Red Blanket Rose is dense and full, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of bold color and ground cover to their landscape.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Red Blanket Rose, Flower Carpet Red.
Common names
Rosa 'Intercell'.
- Toxicity
To humans
The most common name for the Rosa Red Blanket = 'Intercell' (S/gc) is the groundcover rose. Roses are not considered toxic to humans. However, care should be taken to avoid the thorns which can cause physical injury and potentially lead to infection if not properly cleaned and treated.
To pets
For the groundcover rose, there is no known significant toxicity to pets. Similar to humans, the main concern would be the physical injuries from the thorns, which could cause pain or infection if a pet were to chew on or otherwise come into contact with the sharp points. Care should be taken to ensure that pets do not injure themselves on the plant.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet [61 cm]
Spread
4 feet [122 cm]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: Rosa 'Intercell', also known as Red Blanket Rose, contributes bright red flowers that add vibrant color to gardens, creating visual interest throughout its blooming season.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Red Blanket Rose attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: This variety is known for being hardy and easy to maintain, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Disease Resistance: Red Blanket Rose has been bred for resistance to common rose diseases, resulting in less need for chemical treatments.
- Versatile Landscaping Use: It can be used in various landscape designs, including borders, hedges, and as ground cover due to its spreading habit.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant offers a long season of blooms, often from late spring to fall, providing prolonged beauty in the landscape.
- Low Maintenance: Red Blanket Rose generally requires minimal upkeep once established, aside from basic watering and occasional pruning.
- Suitable for Containers: Due to its compact size, it can be grown in containers, making it a good choice for patios or balconies.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms can be cut and used in floral arrangements, adding freshness and color to indoor spaces.
- 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
- Create eco-friendly ink dyes: The petals of roses can be crushed and processed to develop natural and eco-friendly inks for artisanal printing projects.
- Edible decorations: Rose petals are edible and can be crystallized with sugar to make elegant cake decorations or to garnish desserts and cocktails.
- Floral baths: Rose petals from the Rosa Red Blanket can be added to baths for a luxurious and aromatic bathing experience, promoting relaxation and stress relief.
- Natural confetti: Dried rose petals make an excellent biodegradable alternative to traditional paper confetti for weddings or other celebratory events.
- Plant dye for fabrics: Roses can be used to create a natural plant-based dye for textiles, offering a range of colors from soft pinks to rich reds depending on the mordant used.
- Scented drawer liners: Dried rose petals can be used to make scented drawer liners or sachets to keep clothes and linens smelling fresh.
- Rose petal jam: The petals of roses can be cooked down with sugar to make a fragrant and flavorful rose petal jam, a unique addition to breakfast or tea time.
- Botanical papermaking: Incorporate rose petals into the papermaking process to create decorative paper with a subtle rose scent and texture.
- Aromatherapy: Rose petals can be used in potpourris or as an ingredient in homemade aromatherapy products such as candles and room sprays.
- Photography: The vibrant blossoms and rich colors of roses provide an excellent subject matter for botanical photography and art.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
In Feng Shui, the rose is commonly associated with love and romance, thus it may be used to enhance the relationship area of the home or the southwest sector. The 'Red Blanket' rose, with its vibrant red petals, can be particularly powerful in attracting or maintaining passionate relationships. However, it is important to ensure the plant is healthy and well-maintained, as wilted flowers can bring negative energy.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love and Admiration: As a rose variety, Rosa 'Red Blanket' symbolizes love and admiration, with its red hue traditionally associated with deep affection and romantic love.
- Beauty and Perfection: Roses often represent beauty and perfection, reflecting the impeccable form and striking beauty of their blooms.
- Courage and Respect: Red roses can also stand for courage and respect, which can be attributed to the bold color and commanding presence of the 'Red Blanket' rose.
- Reverence and Devotion: The rose is a frequent symbol of reverence and devotion, expressing heartfelt commitment and veneration in various relationships and contexts.
- Water
The Red Blanket Rose should be watered deeply once a week to encourage deep root growth, providing roughly one to two inches of water or about 1.5 gallons per bush each time. During hot or dry weather, it may require additional water, possibly twice a week. Ensure the water penetrates the soil to a depth of about 18 inches. It's important to water the plant at the base to keep the leaves dry and prevent fungal diseases. Always check the soil moisture level; the top inch should be dry before you water again to avoid overwatering.
- Light
Red Blanket Roses thrive in full sun conditions, requiring a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. They perform best in a location where they receive morning sunlight, which dries dew on the leaves and helps prevent disease. Avoid overly shaded spots as inadequate sunlight can lead to poor blooming and weak growth.
- Temperature
Red Blanket Roses prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F for optimal growth. They can tolerate a range around 32°F as the minimum temperature and up to about 90°F without significant stress. However, consistent temperatures below freezing or extreme heat above 95°F can be harmful to the plant.
- Pruning
Pruning Red Blanket Roses should be done in early spring after the last frost to remove dead or damaged wood and to shape the plant. Prune about one-third of the plant to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done throughout the blooming season to encourage more blooms. The best time for major pruning is when the plant is dormant in late winter or early spring.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Rosa 'Red Blanket', commonly known as Groundcover Rose, thrives in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. An ideal mix might consist of equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage.
- Repotting
Groundcover Roses like Rosa 'Red Blanket' typically do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. They should be repotted if the plant outgrows its container or every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and remove any built-up salts.
- Humidity & Misting
Groundcover Roses, such as Rosa 'Red Blanket', prefer outdoor conditions with natural humidity. They are quite adaptable but perform best in moderate humidity. Indoor growing should ensure some fresh air flow to maintain healthy humidity levels.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, prune for shape, and maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enriched soil, water regularly, and provide space to spread.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Rosa Red Blanket, a variety of groundcover rose, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in the soil, needing adequate sunlight and moisture to sprout. Once emerged, the seedling enters the vegetative stage, growing leaves and stems, and establishing a root system. As the plant matures, it enters the budding stage where flower buds develop, signaling the onset of the reproductive phase. The buds bloom into the distinctive red roses characteristic of the 'Red Blanket', and after pollination, typically by insects, the flowers may produce hips (fruit containing seeds). These hips eventually release seeds back into the soil to perpetuate the plant's life cycle. Throughout its life, the Rosa Red Blanket goes through repeated cycles of growth, flowering, and dormancy, particularly in colder climates where it must survive winter conditions.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Rosa Red Blanket, a beautiful ground cover rose known for its vibrant red blooms, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. This popular method is often conducted during the late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still soft and flexible. Cut a 4 to 6 inch (about 10 to 15 cm) length of stem that includes several leaves and remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes. Dipping the cut end into rooting hormone can enhance root development. The cutting should then be inserted into a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least one set of nodes is below the surface. The environment around the cutting should be kept humid, for example by covering the pot with a plastic bag, and the soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can gradually acclimate to less humid conditions.