Tam O'Shanter Rose Rosa Tam O'Shanter = 'Auscerise' (PBR) (S)

Water

The English Rose 'Tam O'Shanter' requires consistent moisture to thrive. Water this rose bush deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant. During hot and dry spells, the frequency should increase to twice a week to maintain soil moisture. Water should be applied directly to the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. It is important to adjust the watering schedule based on rainfall, as overwatering can be just as detrimental as underwatering.

Light

The English Rose 'Tam O'Shanter' performs best in full sun, meaning it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant is in an open area that gets plenty of morning light, which helps dry dew from the leaves, thereby reducing the risk of fungal infections. Partial shade is tolerable, but too much shade can result in fewer blooms and a leggy growth pattern.

Temperature

English Roses like 'Tam O'Shanter' are hardy in a range of temperatures but perform best when daytime temperatures are between 70°F to 85°F. They can tolerate winter temperatures down to about 20°F but may require protection in harsher climates. The ideal growing conditions include warm days and cooler nights, which help to intensify the blooms' colors and fragrances.

Pruning

Pruning the English Rose 'Tam O'Shanter' is important for maintaining a strong, open framework and encouraging vigorous growth. Prune in early spring, removing dead or damaged wood and thinning out crowded branches. Cut back about one-third to one-half of the previous year's growth to shape the plant and promote healthy, new blooms. It's also beneficial to deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming season to encourage repeat blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the English Rose named 'Auscerise' should be rich, well-draining, and fertile, ideally with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of one-third good quality garden soil, one-third well-rotted organic compost, and one-third coarse sand or grit works well to provide the necessary drainage and nutrients.

Repotting

English Roses like 'Auscerise' are typically outdoor plants and do not require frequent repotting. Instead of repotting, they should be planted in the ground where they can remain undisturbed for many years. However, if it's grown in a container, repotting may be required every 2 to 5 years.

Humidity & Misting

English Roses such as 'Auscerise' can tolerate a range of humidity levels, but they do best in moderate conditions. Aim for a relative humidity level between 40% and 60%, which generally allows the roses to thrive without encouraging the growth of fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, adequate water, and monthly fertilization.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, enrich soil, provide regular water and mulch.

• Hardiness zone

  5-10 USDA

Life cycle

The Rosa Tam O'Shanter, commonly known as the English Rose, begins its life cycle as a dormant bare-root plant or potted seedling, planted preferably in full sun during late winter or early spring. The plant then enters a growth phase, producing lush green foliage and stems, followed by bud formation typically in late spring. These buds bloom into the characteristic fragrant pink flowers from late spring to early summer, a phase that may continue with repeat blooming throughout the summer and into fall in optimal conditions. During summer, the plant should be watered regularly and deadheaded to encourage further blooming. As temperatures cool and day length shortens in autumn, the plant begins to prepare for dormancy; it's important to cease fertilization and reduce pruning to allow the plant to harden off. The rose enters full dormancy in winter, where metabolic activities slow down; it's vital to provide winter protection in colder climates to ensure the plant's survival until it reemerges in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Rosa Tam O'Shanter, commonly known as 'Auscerise', is typically propagated via a method called softwood cuttings. This technique is most successful in late spring to early summer when new growth is still flexible but not too tender. A cutting of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) is taken from a healthy, disease-free mother plant, ensuring at least a couple of leaves remain on the cutting. The base of the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and is planted in a well-draining soil mix. The environment must be kept humid, often by covering the cutting with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator, and the soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged until roots have developed and the plant is ready to be transferred to a larger pot or the garden.