Southampton Rose Rosa 'Southampton' (F)
ABOUT
The Rosa 'Southampton' is a type of rose that is known for its striking beauty and is a favored choice for many gardens. The appearance of this plant is characterized by its lush, green foliage that provides a perfect backdrop for its flowers. The flowers themselves are large, with numerous petals that form a classic, cupped shape typical of many roses. They can come in a range of colors, but this specific variety usually displays a soft, pastel shade that exudes a gentle elegance. The petals may possess a velvety texture and often exude a delightful fragrance that is deeply associated with roses, attracting not only admirers but also beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers are typically borne singularly or in small clusters, which can create a stunning visual impact in the landscape. As a rose bush, this plant is adorned with thorns along its stems, which are an iconic trait of rose plants, offering a contrast to the softness of the blooms and acting as a defense mechanism against browsing animals.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Southampton Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Southampton'
ToxicityTo humans
Roses are generally not considered toxic to humans. However, they have been known to cause minor irritations due to their thorns if handled improperly. Ingesting large quantities of rose petals or leaves is not recommended, as it might cause stomach upset, but roses are not known for severe toxicity or posing serious health risks to humans.
To pets
Roses are generally not considered toxic to pets either. If a pet ingests rose petals or leaves, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, evidenced by symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. It is also important to consider that thorns can cause physical injury to pets if they try to eat them or play with the rose branches.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Southampton rose is renowned for its beautiful blooms, which enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Landscaping Versatility: The rose can be used in various garden designs, including formal gardens, rose gardens, and mixed borders.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant scent, which can contribute to a sensory garden experience.
- Pollinator Attraction: Roses attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Cut Flowers: The roses are suitable for cutting and often used in floral arrangements due to their attractive shape and color.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant provides interest across multiple seasons with its flowers in late spring to early summer and often a second bloom in the fall.
- Symbolism: Roses are often associated with love and appreciation, making them a meaningful choice for gardens and as gifts.
- Adaptability: The Southampton rose can adapt to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained loamy soil.
- Color Variety: Different cultivars of the rosa 'Southampton' offer a range of colors, allowing for personalization of garden color schemes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The petals of the rose can be used to make natural dyes for fabric, offering a range of colors from pink to orange depending on the mordant used.
- Dried rose petals can be incorporated into homemade soaps for a gentle exfoliating effect and for their pleasant fragrance.
- Rosewater, made from the petals of roses, is widely used as a natural flavoring in culinary dishes, particularly in Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Crushed rose petals can be added to homemade candles for a subtle scent and decorative appearance.
- Rose petals can be used as a natural confetti at weddings or celebrations, being both biodegradable and adding a touch of elegance.
- The rose's sturdy stems can be used in basket-weaving or as natural skewers for grilling small pieces of meat or vegetables.
- Roses can be a source of natural pigments for eco-friendly art supplies such as watercolors or pastels.
- Dried roses can be used to create potpourri mixes, providing a long-lasting fragrance for the home.
- Used as part of a floral arrangement, roses can represent emotions or convey messages without words through the language of flowers, known as floriography.
- Rose petals can be added to bath salts or bath bombs, offering a luxurious and aromatic experience during a soak in the tub.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe rose is often used in Feng Shui to attract love and create a calm, harmonious energy. To utilize roses like the 'Southampton' variety, place them in the southwest area of the garden or home to enhance relationships and romance, or in the living area to promote peace and positive interactions among family members.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Roses are universally symbolic of love and passion. The 'Southampton' rose, with its beautiful blooms, represents these emotions gracefully.
- Beauty: With its delicate form and stunning color, the 'Southampton' rose symbolizes beauty, both external and internal.
- Femininity: Roses often carry a connotation of femininity and grace, which the 'Southampton' rose embodies perfectly.
- Secrecy: Historically, roses have been associated with secrecy, as the term "sub rosa" (under the rose) implies confidentiality and privacy.
- Honor: The 'Southampton' rose, like other roses, can symbolize honor and devotion, especially in social or ceremonial contexts.
- Balance: The symmetry of a rose's petals can represent balance and harmony, which is an aspect of the 'Southampton' rose's appeal.
WaterFloribunda roses, like the 'Southampton' variety, should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure that the water reaches the deep roots. Generally, watering should be done once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons of water, but this can vary depending on weather conditions and soil type. During the hot summer months or in particularly dry climates, more frequent watering may be necessary to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plant. During the winter or rainy seasons, reduce watering frequency to prevent root rot.
LightFloribunda roses, such as 'Southampton,' thrive best in full sun. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight every day to perform optimally. A spot in your garden that receives morning sunlight is ideal as it helps dry the dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of disease.
TemperatureFloribunda roses, including the 'Southampton' variety, prefer moderate temperatures and can usually tolerate a range from 35 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which promotes healthy growth and flowering. They can survive brief periods of colder winter temperatures but should be protected if the temperature consistently dips below the 35 degrees Fahrenheit mark to prevent damage.
PruningPruning Floribunda roses like 'Southampton' is essential for maintaining plant health, encouraging blooming, and improving air circulation. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts, removing dead or diseased wood and thinning out congested branches. Also, cut back the remaining canes by about one-third to one-half to promote vigorous new growth. After the initial spring pruning, deadhead regularly throughout the growing season to encourage more blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the rose 'Southampton' should be well-draining and loamy with an addition of compost and peat to enrich the soil. A pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is ideal for this plant to thrive.
RepottingRoses typically do not require frequent repotting; the 'Southampton' rose may only need repotting every 2 to 3 years if it outgrows its container or the soil becomes depleted.
Humidity & MistingRoses like the 'Southampton' variety prefer moderate humidity levels, which can often be achieved naturally outdoors; however, they do not thrive in overly humid conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, direct light and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Rosa 'Southampton', also known as the Southampton Rose, begins with seed germination, where the seed must be exposed to a period of stratification to break dormancy. This is followed by the emergence of a seedling, which grows through vegetative stages, developing roots, shoots, and leaves. As it matures into a young plant, it will eventually develop buds. The next stage is the flowering phase, where the Southampton Rose displays its fragrant, double-flowered blooms that attract pollinators and are often pink in color. After pollination, the flowers give way to the fruiting stage, producing hip fruits that contain seeds for the next generation. Finally, in the dormant phase, the plant may lose leaves and conserve energy during colder seasons, recovering again in the spring to restart the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: The rose known as 'Southampton' is commonly propagated through a process called softwood cuttings, which is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. This method involves cutting a stem from the rose bush that has recently matured; the stem should be about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long and have several leaves, but the flowers or buds must be removed. The cut end of the stem is then dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a moist soilless potting mix. The environment needs to maintain high humidity, which is often accomplished by covering the cuttings with a plastic dome or bag. Within several weeks to months, the cuttings should begin to form roots and can eventually be transplanted into the garden.
