The Fairy Rose Rosa 'The Fairy' (Poly)
ABOUT
Rosa 'The Fairy' is a delightful flowering plant known for its charming and abundant blooms. Often referred to simply as 'The Fairy', this rose is a shrub type that continually graces gardens with a profusion of small, delicate flowers. The petals have a soft pink hue, creating a gentle and romantic aesthetic. Each flower is densely packed with layers of petals, producing a classic, ruffled rose shape that is very much in keeping with traditional rose appearances. 'The Fairy' has a bushy growth habit, presenting a lush green backdrop of small, glossy leaves that contrast beautifully with the soft pink flowers. The foliage is quite dense, giving the plant a full and healthy appearance. Its leaves are typically pinnate with a serrated edge, adding a refined texture to the plant's overall look. In full bloom, 'The Fairy' presents a generous display that is lively and vibrant. Due to its flowering nature, this rose is often a favorite amongst gardeners who are seeking to create a cottage garden aesthetic or to add a touch of whimsy to their landscape. The flowers typically grow in clusters, which adds to the visual impact of the plant when it is covered in blooms. Overall, Rosa 'The Fairy' is treasured for its profuse pink flowers and lush green foliage which harmoniously blend to create a picture-perfect example of a flowering rose shrub, delighting the senses with its visual charm and the potential for a light, sweet fragrance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
The Fairy Rose, Fairy Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'The Fairy' (Poly)
ToxicityTo humans
The Fairy rose is not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects expected from ingesting parts of this plant.
To pets
The Fairy rose is generally considered non-toxic to pets as well. There are no known toxic substances in this rose that would typically cause poisoning in pets if they ingest parts of the plant. However, the thorns could potentially cause physical injury if not careful.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Able to survive periods of limited water availability.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established.
- Long Blooming Season: Produces flowers continuously from late spring to fall.
- Disease Resistance: Resistant to common rose diseases such as black spot and mildew.
- Pest Resistance: Less susceptible to pests compared to some other rose varieties.
- Landscape Versatility: Suitable for borders, ground cover, and container plantings.
- Dense Foliage: Provides a lush ground cover that inhibits weeds.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Rose petals may possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin.
- Antioxidant: Rose extracts can contain antioxidants which may offer cellular protection against oxidative stress.
- Astringent: Rose petals can have astringent qualities which might be used to tone the skin.
- Antimicrobial: Components in rose plants might display antimicrobial activity, potentially inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
- Vitamin C source: Roses are known to be a natural source of vitamin C, which is essential for the maintenance of healthy skin.
- Emollient: The oil extracted from rose petals may act as an emollient, helping to moisturize and soften the skin.
- Aromatherapy: The fragrance of roses is commonly used in aromatherapy for its potential calming and relaxing effects on the mind.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Fairy roses can be used in the creation of natural dyes for fabrics, providing subtle pink hues derived from the petals.
- The petals of The Fairy roses can be incorporated into candle making for adding a soft, floral scent and decorative elements to homemade candles.
- Dried petals of The Fairy rose can serve as a component in potpourri mixes, contributing color, texture, and a pleasant fragrance to a room.
- The thorns of The Fairy rose bushes can be collected and repurposed as tiny spikes for crafting or as natural pins to hold small items in place.
- During bloom, these roses can be used as a natural indicator of the seasonal time for gardeners, symbolizing the onset of a specific plant growth phase.
- The Fairy rose bushes can act as living fences, conferring a decorative and fragrant boundary line in gardens and yards.
- Fallen petals of The Fairy rose can be scattered along garden paths or beds for mulching, gradually decomposing to enrich the soil.
- The strong, flexible canes of The Fairy rose bushes might be woven into baskets or other artistic forms by skilled crafters.
- The woody stems, when pruned, can be repurposed in garden constructions like trellises or as support stakes for other plants.
- The Fairy rose petals can be used to create eco-friendly confetti for weddings or events, biodegrading after use without harming the environment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rose is associated with love, healing, and attraction energy in Feng Shui, making it excellent for the Love & Marriage area of a home or garden to enhance romantic relationships. It can also be used in the Health & Family area to promote positive chi and emotional healing.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a type of rose, 'The Fairy' often symbolizes love and romantic emotion due to the rose's long-standing association with affection and passion.
- Beauty: This plant symbolizes beauty, reflecting the rose's classic allure and the delicate form of 'The Fairy's' small, numerous flowers.
- Enchantment: 'The Fairy' rose may evoke a sense of enchantment, as fairies are mythical beings linked to magic and the charm of hidden realms.
- Innocence: The soft, pastel-colored blooms and diminutive size convey innocence and purity, traditional meanings often ascribed to roses and the notion of fairies.
- Femininity: The rose's traditional connection to women and its graceful, compact form make 'The Fairy' symbolic of femininity and softness.
WaterThe Fairy Rose should be watered thoroughly once or twice a week, applying about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, depending on weather conditions. It is essential to water deeply and infrequently, rather than shallowly and often, to encourage strong root growth. During the hot summer months or dry spells, water requirements may increase, and it's important to ensure the soil doesn't dry out completely. Conversely, reduce watering in the cooler months to prevent overwatering. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the foliage wet and reduce the risk of disease.
LightThe Fairy Rose thrives in full sunlight, which means at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. An ideal spot is in an open area away from large trees or structures that can create too much shade. Dappled sunlight in the late afternoon is acceptable, especially in hotter climates to prevent stress from intense heat.
TemperatureThe Fairy Rose prefers a temperate climate and typically does well in zones 4 through 9. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle heat as long as it is well-watered. The ideal temperature range for these roses is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and flowering.
PruningPrune The Fairy Rose in late winter or early spring, just as new growth starts, to shape the plant and encourage fresh growth and flowering. Pruning is also necessary to remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood and to thin out crowded areas for better air circulation. A thorough pruning once a year, cutting the plant back by about one-third, is usually sufficient. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can be done throughout the blooming season to encourage further blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Fairy Rose thrives best in well-draining loam soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or peat moss. The ideal soil pH for this rose should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of one-third top soil, one-third sandy loam, and one-third well-rotted manure or compost will provide the appropriate nutrients and drainage that The Fairy rose requires.
RepottingThe Fairy rose, being a shrubby variety, is typically planted in the ground and doesn't require frequent repotting. However, if grown in containers, repotting may be necessary every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide space for root growth. Spring is the ideal time for repotting to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingThe Fairy Rose prefers a moderate humidity level, typical of outdoor conditions. While specific humidity levels aren't strictly necessary, avoiding excessively dry or humid conditions will help prevent stress and common fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycle'The Fairy' rose starts its life as a dormant bare-root plant or a young potted specimen. After planting, it enters a vegetative growth phase, producing a mound of glossy green leaves and multiple stems. Throughout spring and summer, it progresses to the flowering stage, producing clusters of small pink blossoms repeatedly over several months. Following the blooming period, it sets hips (fruit) if not deadheaded, which contain seeds that could potentially germinate to produce new plants. In autumn, the rose begins to prepare for dormancy by slowing growth, and by winter it becomes fully dormant, conserving energy until the cycle begins again in the following spring. The plant can continue this cycle for many years, with proper pruning and care encouraging healthy growth and abundant flowering each season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Fairy Rose is best propagated during its dormant season, typically from late fall to early spring. The most popular method for propagating The Fairy Rose is through cuttings, which allows gardeners to clone the parent plant, retaining all its characteristics. To do this, cut a stem of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long from the parent plant, ensuring it has several sets of leaves. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then planted in a mixture of potting soil and perlite or sand to provide good drainage. It’s essential to keep the soil moist but not soggy and place the cutting in a location with indirect light. With proper care, the cutting should develop roots within a few weeks, after which it can eventually be transplanted to its final location in the garden.
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