Spirit of Freedom Rose Rosa Spirit of Freedom = 'Ausbite' (PBR) (S)
ABOUT
The Rosa 'Spirit of Freedom' is a rose plant that presents a stunning display of blooms and foliage. The flowers are the most striking feature, boasting a beautiful blend of soft pink hues that can range from pale to a richer, more intense tone. The petals are numerous and densely packed, creating a full and plush look, often described as deeply cupped or rosette-shaped. These blossoms can exude a delightful fragrance that is often described as a complex mix of a traditional old rose scent with hints of almond blossom, cucumber, and lemon zest. It can be quite potent and is one of the defining characteristics that make this rose a garden treasure. The foliage is also quite attractive, with leaves that have a dark green color and a glossy finish that provides a perfect backdrop for the romantic flowers. The leaves are typically pinnate with elliptic to oval leaflets that are neatly arranged along the plant's stems. The stems themselves may bear thorns, as is typical with rose plants, adding a level of natural defense against browsing animals but also requiring care when handling the plant. The overall growth habit of the 'Spirit of Freedom' rose gives it an elegant and shrubby presence in the garden with generous flowering that often repeats throughout the growing season, providing continuous color and interest. It's important to note that the 'Spirit of Freedom' rose may show some variation in flower color and form due to environmental factors and growing conditions, but the aforementioned characteristics hold true for a specimen grown under typical garden conditions.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Spirit Of Freedom Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Ausbite'
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant commonly known as 'Spirit of Freedom' rose is not considered significantly toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of serious poisoning from ingesting parts of roses such as 'Spirit of Freedom'. However, ingesting roses in large amounts could potentially cause stomach upset due to the plant material that is not generally meant for human consumption. It's important to note that while the roses themselves are not poisonous, roses are often treated with pesticides and other chemicals which can be harmful if ingested.
To pets
The plant commonly known as 'Spirit of Freedom' rose is generally considered non-toxic to pets. While roses are not poisonous, they can pose other health risks to pets. Eating the flower, leaves, or stems can potentially lead to minor gastrointestinal irritation due to the fibrous plant material, but significant toxicity is not expected. However, thorns can cause injury if chewed or swallowed, leading to issues such as mouth injuries or gastrointestinal blockages. It’s also important to consider that roses may be treated with pesticides or herbicides that could be harmful if ingested by pets.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal - Produces beautiful, pink roses that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Fragrance - The flowers emit a pleasant scent that can perfume outdoor spaces, creating a soothing atmosphere.
- Attracts Pollinators - The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Ease of Growth - Generally low maintenance, and can be grown in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Versatility - Can be used for various gardening styles, including borders, containers, and as cut flowers for indoor enjoyment.
- Durable Blooms - Flowers are usually long-lasting on the plant and have a good vase life when cut for arrangements.
- Repeat Flowering - It typically produces multiple flushes of blooms from late spring to autumn, providing a prolonged display of color.
- 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
Rose petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, offering a range of pink hues depending on the concentration and process used.
The hips of roses are often used in crafts and decorations, especially in wreath-making for their appealing round shape and color.
Dried rose petals can serve as a component in potpourri, adding color and a gentle fragrance to the mixture.
Rose petals can be incorporated into homemade paper, adding texture and a unique floral essence to the finished product.
Rose water, made from the petals, is commonly used in cooking and baking, especially in Middle Eastern cuisines, as a flavoring agent.
The strong fragrance of the rose makes it suitable for use in homemade perfumes or as a natural air freshener.
Rose bushes can be strategically planted in the garden to create natural fencing or barriers due to their thorny stems.
Rose petals can be used in the making of floral beads, which are then crafted into jewelry or rosaries.
When dried, rose petals can be used to fill sachets that impart a fresh scent in drawers and closets.
Roses can be used in ceremonies and rituals, symbolizing various emotions and virtues depending on their color.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The rose is often associated with love and happiness in Feng Shui, and due to its name, 'Spirit of Freedom', it may be used to enhance personal Chi and create a sense of liberation and new beginnings. It would be well placed in the southwest area of a garden or home, which relates to the love and marriage sector, or in any living space where the intention is to promote a vibrant and positive flow of energy.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Freedom: The name 'Spirit of Freedom' implies liberation and the triumph of the human spirit over constraints, often symbolizing the capacity to live life boldly and without restraint.
- Love: Roses traditionally symbolize love and affection, with variations in color expressing different nuances of love's expression.
- Beauty: Roses are widely recognized for their elegant and captivating beauty, often symbolizing the ideal form or the essence of beauty itself.
- Honor: The rose, a noble flower, is often used to pay tribute to someone's achievements or virtuous nature, symbolizing recognition and admiration.
- Devotion: A rose can also stand for deep devotion, whether in romantic relationships, friendships, or other forms of personal bonds.
- Mystery: The layers of a rose's petals sometimes symbolize the complexity and depth of mysteries waiting to be unveiled, reflecting the unknown aspects of a matter or a person's soul.
- Water
The Spirit of Freedom rose requires regular watering to ensure a deep root system; aim to water every week with about 1.5 gallons per plant during the growing season, adjusting for rainfall. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. Water the rose bush early in the morning at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. In the winter, reduce watering, but do not allow the rose to dry out completely.
- Light
The Spirit of Freedom rose thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting it in a spot that receives morning light is ideal, as this helps dry the dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid overly shady areas, which can hinder flowering and lead to a weaker plant.
- Temperature
The Spirit of Freedom rose performs best in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F but can tolerate a range from 32°F to 90°F. Protecting the rose from extreme temperatures by providing mulch or shelter during unusually cold or hot conditions is essential for plant health.
- Pruning
Pruning the Spirit of Freedom rose helps maintain its shape, encourages new growth and more abundant flowering, and removes dead or diseased wood. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back about a third of the previous year's growth. Remove any crossing or rubbing branches to prevent damage, and always use clean, sharp tools.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The 'Spirit of Freedom' rose, commonly known as English Rose, thrives in a well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good soil mix would contain equal parts garden soil, compost, and coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Regular amendment with organic matter helps maintain soil health and supports vigorous growth.
- Repotting
English Roses like 'Spirit of Freedom' are typically planted in the ground where repotting is not necessary. However, if grown in a container, repotting should be done every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
- Humidity & Misting
'Spirit of Freedom' or English Rose prefers average humidity levels consistent with outdoor conditions. While specific humidity levels are not critical, maintaining good air circulation around the plants helps prevent disease.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light for the English Rose but avoid heat sources.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, fertile soil, and water deeply.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Rosa 'Spirit of Freedom' (Ausbite), commonly known as the Spirit of Freedom rose, begins with germination, when the seed sprouts after a period of dormancy and stratification. Seedlings emerge and gradually develop true leaves and a root system in the vegetative growth stage. As the plant matures, it enters the budding stage, where flower buds form on new growth spurred by the onset of warm weather. The plant then blossoms, producing fragrant pink flowers that attract pollinators for the reproductive phase, which results in the formation of hips (seed pods). Once pollinated, the hips mature, containing seeds that will eventually lead to the next generation of plants if they find suitable conditions. The rose may go through a period of dormancy over winter, reducing metabolic activity before resuming growth in spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Early spring
The Rosa 'Spirit of Freedom' is typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings, a popular method for many rose varieties. This is usually done in the late summer months when the stems are partially matured. To propagate this way, you would take a cutting of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long from a healthy, disease-free plant. The bottom of the cutting is dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then planted in a mixture of half peat and half perlite or sand to provide good drainage. The cutting should be kept under high humidity either by placing a plastic cover over it or by frequent misting, and kept in bright, indirect sunlight. After several weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted into a standard potting soil mixture. It's important to note that patented roses like the 'Spirit of Freedom' should not be propagated for resale without permission from the patent holder due to intellectual property rights.