Sally Holmes Rose Rosa 'Sally Holmes' (S)
ABOUT
Sally Holmes rose is a striking plant renowned for its beautiful and profuse flowers. This variety produces clusters of blooms that range in color from creamy white to blush pink. Each bloom is characterized by a multitude of delicate petals arranged in a classic rosette shape, often with a slightly more pronounced central tuft, reminiscent of an old-fashioned rose. The buds start out a soft apricot hue and slowly transition to their lighter mature color as they open. The flowers are typically large and can appear both as solitary blossoms and in impressive clusters, creating a dramatic display of color and texture. The overall impression of the Sally Holmes rose in bloom is one of abundance and romance. The blooms are also known for their light and pleasing fragrance which adds to the sensory experience of the plant. The foliage of Sally Holmes is equally attractive, consisting of lush, green leaves that offer a striking backdrop to the pale blossoms. Its leaves are typically glossy with a leathery texture, contributing to the plant's vigor and heat tolerance. When not in bloom, the foliage itself provides a lush and healthy appearance to the overall structure of the plant. It should be noted that all roses, including the Sally Holmes rose, have thorns. These thorns are generally sharp and can be numerous, located along the stems. The stems can grow quite long and are often sturdy, which allows the plant to support the weight of its abundant blooms without drooping. Care should be taken when handling or pruning the plant due to the thorns. In terms of its growth habit, Sally Holmes is known to be quite bushy and full, creating a dense shrub appearance that is perfect for adding structure and interest to garden borders or as a stand-alone feature within the landscape. It can also be trained as a climber, lending vertical interest to walls, arbors, and fences. Regardless of how it is grown, Sally Holmes' presence in a garden is one of elegance and beauty, filling the space with both visual and aromatic delight.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Sally Holmes Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Sally Holmes'
ToxicityTo humans
The Sally Holmes rose is not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant toxins in this plant that would cause poisoning if ingested. While eating large quantities of any plant material might cause some gastrointestinal discomfort due to fiber content, the Sally Holmes rose is generally safe and does not produce symptoms of poisoning.
To pets
The Sally Holmes rose is not considered toxic to pets. As with humans, this plant does not contain significant toxins that would cause poisoning in animals if ingested. While ingestion of plant material, including roses, can potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the fiber content, there is no specific toxicity associated with the Sally Holmes rose that would result in symptoms of poisoning in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The 'Sally Holmes' rose is highly valued for its abundant clusters of creamy white flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Easy Maintenance: It is known for being a low-maintenance plant, which makes it ideal for gardeners who prefer plants that require minimal care.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, thereby supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Versatility in Landscaping: This rose can be used in various landscaping designs, including borders, hedges, or as a standalone specimen, providing flexibility in garden planning.
- Long Blooming Season: 'Sally Holmes' roses have a long blooming season, which ensures that gardens have color and interest for much of the growing season.
- Resistance to Diseases: The plant exhibits good resistance to common rose diseases, which helps reduce the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
- Adaptability: It is adaptable to a range of soil types and conditions, making it a good choice for different garden settings and climates.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the 'Sally Holmes' rose has a level of drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for water-wise landscaping.
- Fragrance: The blooms are lightly scented, adding a subtle and pleasant fragrance to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rose 'Sally Holmes' petals can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering a range of colors from soft pink to peach hues, depending on the mordant used.
- The fragrant petals of the 'Sally Holmes' rose can be added to homemade potpourri blends to give a pleasant, long-lasting aroma to your living space.
- Use the hips (fruit) of the 'Sally Holmes' rose to make a naturally tangy rose hip vinegar that can be used as a salad dressing or in marinades.
- The petals of 'Sally Holmes' can be frozen in ice cubes, creating an elegant and edible addition to drinks for special occasions.
- Petals of the 'Sally Holmes' rose can be used to infuse sugar, giving it a delicate rose flavor perfect for pastries and teas.
- Dried 'Sally Holmes' rose petals can serve as a delicate natural confetti for weddings or other celebratory events, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic confetti.
- 'Sally Holmes' roses can be used in floral arrangements not just for their beauty but also to convey a sense of harmony, as this variety is well-known for its lush, full blooms and gentle color.
- Petals from the 'Sally Holmes' rose can be sprinkled in a bath, creating a luxurious and relaxing experience with a natural, floral scent.
- The canes and sturdy stems of pruned 'Sally Holmes' roses can be repurposed in the garden as natural stakes for supporting other plants.
- Rose 'Sally Holmes' petals can be crafted into delicate beads for making jewelry, a traditional craft that turns the beauty of flowers into wearable art.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sally Holmes rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sally Holmes rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As with many roses, 'Sally Holmes' symbolizes love. The beauty of its blossoms expresses deep affection and romantic feelings.
- Beauty: This rose variety, with its elegant form and stunning flowers, is often associated with physical and inner beauty.
- Honor: Giving a 'Sally Holmes' rose can be a way to show respect and admiration for someone's achievements or character.
- Devotion: The hardiness and the reliable blooming of the plant are representative of unwavering devotion in relationships.
- Femininity: The delicate appearance of the flowers often symbolizes feminine beauty and grace.
- Secrecy: Roses have historically been used to symbolize secrecy, with a rose hung from the ceiling of a room implicating that matters disclosed under it should be kept confidential.
WaterSally Holmes roses should be watered deeply once every week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant each time. During hot or dry spells, twice weekly watering may be necessary. The water should be applied directly to the base of the plant to ensure that it reaches the root system while avoiding wetting the foliage, which can promote fungal diseases. Overhead watering should be avoided. It's important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent over-watering and root rot.
LightSally Holmes roses thrive in a location that receives full sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day. They prefer a spot that gets morning sun, which dries the dew quickly and helps prevent fungal diseases. Partial shade in the afternoon can help in areas with extremely hot summers, but too much shade can lead to poor bloom performance and weak growth.
TemperatureSally Holmes roses do best in a range of temperatures from 30 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but anything colder can be damaging without adequate protection. The ideal growing temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring vigorous growth and blooming.
PruningPruning Sally Holmes roses is done to shape the bush, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage vigorous new growth and better air circulation. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, cutting back to healthy buds and opening the center of the plant. Remove any weak, spindly canes, leaving several strong canes for new growth. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, during the growing season will encourage continuous blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSally Holmes Rose thrives in well-draining soil with a loam-based mix, enriched with organic matter like compost or aged manure. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingSally Holmes Rose does not typically require repotting as it is a shrub rose best planted directly in the garden. However, if grown in containers, it may need repotting every 2 to 3 years.
Humidity & MistingSally Holmes Rose prefers outdoor conditions with average humidity levels. It does not require specific humidity conditions as long as the soil moisture is well-maintained.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, consistent moisture, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and provide space for air flow.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Sally Holmes rose begins its life as a dormant bare root or as a potted cutting. It germinates and emerges as a seedling, quickly establishing its root system. As it matures into the vegetative stage, the plant develops foliage and stems, preparing for the flowering stage. During the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, the Sally Holmes rose produces clusters of creamy white flowers that attract pollinators and may repeat bloom throughout the growing season. After pollination, it may produce hips (fruit) containing seeds, thus enabling the possibility of sexual reproduction. As the growing season ends, the plant enters a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, where it conserves energy for the next cycle of growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The best time to propagate the Sally Holmes rose is typically during late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. Softwood cuttings taken in this period have the most success. The most popular method of propagation is through cuttings. To propagate through cuttings, select a healthy and disease-free stem from the current year's growth. Cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 centimeters) piece, making the cut just below a leaf node and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a moistened mix of equal parts peat and perlite. Cover the pot with plastic to maintain humidity and place it in indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within 4 to 8 weeks, after which the young plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions.
