Sunset Boulevard Rose Rosa Sunset Boulevard = 'Harbabble' (PBR) (F)
ABOUT
The Rosa Sunset Boulevard, often referred to by its commercial name 'Harbabble', is distinguished by its striking flowers. These blossoms are a blend of warm colors that are reminiscent of a sunset, with shades ranging from deep apricot to a softer peach at the edges, creating a captivating gradient effect. The petals are typically tightly packed, giving the flowers a full and lush appearance. As a rose, 'Harbabble' features the characteristic glossy, green foliage that provides a beautiful contrast to the striking colors of the blooms. The leaves are often oval-shaped with a pointed tip and may have a slightly serrated edge. Amid the foliage, the bright flowers stand out prominently, each one growing on its own stem, which adds to the plant's overall ornamental appeal. The plant tends to have a bushy growth habit, with multiple stems that create a dense and rounded shape. The stems are adorned with thorns, which is typical for rose varieties, providing some protection for the plant. These thorns, along with the robust foliage and vivid flowers, make the 'Harbabble' rose a plant full of texture and visual interest. In full bloom, Rosa Sunset Boulevard 'Harbabble' is known for its colorful display, which can be a showstopper in any garden or landscape setting. The plant bears its flowers throughout the growing season, intermittently producing waves of new blossoms to replace the ones that have faded. This continuous flowering habit ensures that there is almost always some color to be enjoyed. Overall, 'Harbabble' is a rose that combines beauty and hardiness, offering an eye-catching display with its uniquely colored blossoms set against dark green, glossy leaves.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Sunset Boulevard Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Harbabble' (PBR) (F).
- Toxicity
To humans
Roses are generally considered non-toxic to humans. The most common consequence of handling roses, such as the variety 'Harbabble', is that their thorns may cause physical injury if not handled with care. However, ingesting significant quantities of rose petals, leaves, or hips (the fruit of the rose) is not commonly associated with serious poisoning. That being said, it's always possible that some individuals may have a mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction if they consume parts of the rose plant, particularly if they have sensitivities to certain plants or flowers.
To pets
Roses, including the 'Harbabble' variety, are typically non-toxic to pets. While the thorns can cause injuries such as scratches or punctures, ingestion of rose petals, leaves, or even the hips should not lead to serious toxicity. However, gastrointestinal upset may occur, particularly if a pet ingests a large amount of the plant material, since it is not part of their usual diet. Symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea, and mild discomfort, but serious poisoning is unlikely. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of rose plant or is showing signs of distress, it is always best to consult a veterinarian.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
3 feet 4 inches (1.02 meters)
Spread
2 feet 6 inches (0.76 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Cultivated
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive Flowers: Produces vibrant and colorful blooms that enhance the beauty of any garden or landscape.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a touch of elegance with its lush foliage and graceful form.
- Fragrance: Emits a pleasant scent that can create a soothing and inviting atmosphere in outdoor spaces.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Durable: Shows good resistance to diseases and pests, contributing to a healthier garden environment.
- Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of garden designs, including borders, pots, and can be used as cut flowers.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest throughout its blooming season and can also provide some winter interest depending on the climate.
- Improves Mood: The presence of flowering plants like the Rosa 'Sunset Boulevard' has been associated with improved well-being and reduced stress.
- 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
- The Rosa Sunset Boulevard could be used in perfumery due to its fragrant blooms, contributing to the creation of rose oil or rose water.
- Its petals can serve as a natural dye for fabrics, offering a subtle color derived from its hues.
- The vibrant petals can be crystallized and used as edible decorations on cakes or desserts for an elegant touch.
- These roses could be used as a natural source of color for cosmetics, such as blushes or lip balms.
- Dried petals of the Rosa Sunset Boulevard might be included in potpourri mixes to add color and a light fragrance to rooms.
- The rose's strong stems can be used as a natural support for climbing plants when left in place after pruning.
- The thorns of the rose bush can act as a natural deterrent against unwanted garden pests or as a protective barrier for more vulnerable plants.
- When practicing rose petal reading, a form of divination, one could use the petals to interpret messages or answer questions.
- The rose hips, which are the fruit of the Rosa Sunset Boulevard, can be used in craft-making, such as creating beads or natural decorations.
- The deadheaded blooms can be collected and used to make natural floral confetti for celebrations or eco-friendly events.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The rose is not typically used in traditional Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: As with many roses, the Rosa Sunset Boulevard is commonly associated with love, conveying deep emotion and affection.
- Beauty: Its striking appearance symbolizes beauty and perfection, suggesting an admiration for the physical and aesthetic.
- Passion: The vibrant colors of the Rosa Sunset Boulevard reflect passionate feelings, often linked to romantic and intense emotions.
- Mystery: The unique shades of this rose may represent mystery or ambiguity, hinting at hidden depths or secrets.
- Balance: The blend of colors in the Rosa Sunset Boulevard can symbolize balance and harmony, reflecting the equilibrium found in nature.
- Endings and Beginnings: As the name implies a sunset, it can signify the completion of a phase and the onset of another, capturing the transient nature of life.
- Water
The Sunset Boulevard Rose should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the water to soak into the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. During periods of extreme heat or drought, the frequency may need to increase to twice a week. Provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant for each watering session, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In the cooler months or during rainy seasons, reduce watering to avoid over-saturation of the soil. Adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and temperature changes, as roses prefer consistent moisture levels without being drowned or dried out.
- Light
Sunset Boulevard Roses thrive best in full sunlight where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. An ideal spot is in an open area away from large trees or buildings to ensure they get consistent light without too much shade. Morning sunlight is particularly beneficial as it helps dry dew from the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
- Temperature
Sunset Boulevard Roses are hardy in a range of temperatures once established but perform best at temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may require protection from frost. During the summer, roses can handle higher temperatures if they are adequately watered and mulched, but extreme heat may stress the plants.
- Pruning
Pruning Sunset Boulevard Roses helps to encourage healthy growth, improve air circulation, and shape the plant. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, typically around the time when forsythia blooms. Remove dead or diseased wood, thin out crowded branches, and cut back canes by about one-third of their height. Additionally, deadhead spent blossoms throughout the growing season to encourage continuous blooming.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Roses like well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, a mix of one-third each of top soil, compost, and coarse sand works well. The ideal soil pH for roses is between 6.0 and 6.5.
- Repotting
Roses planted in containers may need to be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current pot. Use a slightly larger pot to give the roots room to expand.
- Humidity & Misting
Roses prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to a wide range. Average household humidity is generally sufficient for roses.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide ample sunlight, water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure good air circulation and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Rosa Sunset Boulevard 'Harbabble' (usually known simply as a variety of Rose) begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in soil with adequate moisture, warmth, and sunlight. The seedling emerges, developing a basic root system and its first leaves, initiating the vegetative stage where it focuses on growth. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing distinct blooms that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit, commonly known as rose hips, which contain seeds that disperse into the environment, either by animal activity or natural mechanisms. In favorable conditions, these seeds can give rise to new plants, continuing the cycle. Throughout its lifetime, which can span several years, a Rose will go through periods of dormancy, often in response to cold winter temperatures, and then resume growth in the spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to summer
The Rosa Sunset Boulevard 'Harbabble', often referred to as a type of rose, is commonly propagated by softwood cuttings. This method is preferred as it tends to produce strong, viable plants and is typically performed in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is just beginning to harden, often described as being in the "softwood" stage. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering stem of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) and make a cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring the node where the leaves were removed is below the surface. The container is kept in a warm, humid environment, with indirect light until roots have developed, which can be verified by a gentle tug on the cutting. Once rooted, the plant can be moved to a more permanent location.