Saint Cecilia Rose Rosa Saint Cecilia = 'Ausmit' (S)

Water

For the English Rose 'Saint Cecilia', consistent hydration is key to maintaining its health and vigor. It is advisable to water the rose deeply once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons, allowing the water to soak into the soil and reach the root system. During hotter and drier periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, use a soaker hose or water at the base of the plant. In winter, reduce watering since the plant requires less hydration during dormancy.

Light

English Roses like 'Saint Cecilia' thrive in a location that receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours each day. Planting 'Saint Cecilia' in a spot that is exposed to morning sunlight is ideal as it helps dry the dew on the leaves and prevents fungal diseases. Avoid locations where buildings, trees or shrubs shade the rose for a significant part of the day as this can negatively affect flower production and overall health.

Temperature

The 'Saint Cecilia' English Rose flourishes in a range of temperature conditions but prefers a location where daytime temperatures are between 65°F and 85°F. It has the capability to survive temporarily in temperatures as low as 20°F during winter dormancy and can endure summer highs up to 100°F. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of 65°F to 85°F may stress the plant and affect bloom quality and frequency.

Pruning

Pruning 'Saint Cecilia' English Roses is essential for maintaining plant health, encouraging blooming, and shaping the plant. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or diseased wood and thinning out crowded branches to increase air circulation. Cut back the remaining canes by about one-third to promote strong new growth. Pruning after the first flush of blooms encourages a second period of flowering later in the season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Saint Cecilia Rose ('Ausmit') is one that is well-draining yet rich in organic matter. A mix of loamy soil with ample compost and aged manure will provide the nutrients the rose needs. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, to encourage optimal growth and blooming.

Repotting

Saint Cecilia Rose ('Ausmit') does not require frequent repotting as it is typically grown outdoors in the ground. If grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years may be necessary. Repotting should be done in spring or early summer if the plant outgrows its pot or the soil becomes exhausted.

Humidity & Misting

Saint Cecilia Rose ('Ausmit') prefers outdoor conditions with natural air circulation and does not require specific humidity levels. This rose will thrive in the ambient outdoor humidity typical of most temperate climates.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Plant in well-lit area with direct sunlight and ample airflow.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, enriched soil, water deeply, prune yearly, fertilize.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Saint Cecilia Rose (Rosa 'Ausmit') starts its life cycle when its seeds germinate in favorable conditions, which typically include well-draining soil and adequate moisture. Following germination, the seedlings grow into young rose plants, developing roots, shoots, and leaves during the vegetative stage. As the plants mature, they enter the flowering stage, producing fragrant blooms typically in late spring to early summer, with potential repeat blooming occurring until fall in some climates. After pollination by insects, the flowers develop into fruit, known as rose hips, which contain the seeds for the next generation. Once the growing season ends, particularly in regions with cold winters, the rose plant enters a period of dormancy to conserve energy. As the cycle repeats with the return of warmer weather, new growth emerges, and the plant continues through its annual cycle of growth, bloom, and dormancy.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• Rosa Saint Cecilia, commonly known as 'Saint Cecilia' rose, is most effectively propagated through the method of softwood cuttings. This technique usually occurs during the late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still flexible. To propagate by softwood cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy stem that has recently bloomed, and cut a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 cm) length just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist under high humidity. Roots typically develop in several weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted to its permanent location. This popular method allows gardeners to clone the plant while maintaining the genetic characteristics of the original 'Saint Cecilia' rose.