English Rose Rosa The Mill on the Floss = 'Austulliver' (S)

Water

English roses like 'The Mill on the Floss' should be watered deeply every week during their growing season, ensuring the root zone is thoroughly soaked. If you are in a hot or dry climate, you may need to water more frequently, about two to three times a week. It's best to use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage which can lead to fungal diseases. Aim for 1 to 1.5 gallons per week during cooler weather, and up to 2 gallons in hotter months to ensure adequate moisture.

Light

The 'The Mill on the Floss' English rose requires full sun to thrive, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant it in a location where it will receive unfiltered morning light which is less intense, and ideally some light afternoon shade in hotter climates to protect it from the scorching sun. Avoid planting in full shade as it can reduce blooming and promote disease.

Temperature

'The Mill on the Floss' English roses perform best in moderate temperatures with ideal growing conditions ranging between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and can survive up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. However, protection may be necessary when temperatures start dropping below freezing or soaring above the comfort zone.

Pruning

Pruning 'The Mill on the Floss' English roses is essential for maintaining plant health, encouraging blooming, and shaping the plant. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing dead or diseased wood and thinning out crowded areas to increase air circulation. Cut back canes to about a third of their length to promote vigorous growth. Additionally, deadhead spent blooms throughout the growing season to encourage repeat flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The English Rose 'The Mill on the Floss' prefers well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. A soil mix with equal parts loam, compost, and well-rotted manure is ideal. The best pH range for this rose is between 6.0 and 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral.

Repotting

English Roses like 'The Mill on the Floss' are usually not repotted frequently as they are primarily grown outdoors. However, if grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years in early spring before new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

English Roses such as 'The Mill on the Floss' do best in moderate humidity levels. They thrive outdoors where natural humidity provides suitable conditions, without the need for specific humidity control.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light and good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun with rich, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-10 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Rosa 'The Mill on the Floss' (also known as 'Austulliver') begins with seed germination, where the seed requires a period of stratification to break dormancy before sprouting. As the seedling emerges and grows, it develops a root system and shoots which will eventually form the plant's base structure and thorny stems. Throughout the vegetative stage, the plant develops leaves and continues to increase in size, building up energy reserves for flowering. During its reproductive stage, typically in late spring to early summer, Rosa 'The Mill on the Floss' produces pink, cup-shaped blooms with a strong, fruity fragrance, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers form hips, which are the fruit of the rose containing seeds for the next generation. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in winter where growth slows down, conserving energy to repeat the cycle in the following growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring to summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Rosa 'The Mill on the Floss' (also known as 'Austulliver') is by softwood cuttings. This approach is generally undertaken during late spring to early summer, when new growth is mature enough to be firm yet still relatively tender. A gardener would cut a piece of the rose stem about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) in length, making sure that it includes at least three sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least two sets of leaf nodes are buried. The environment should be kept humid, and the cutting requires consistent moisture without being waterlogged. With proper care, roots will typically develop within several weeks, and the new rose plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before transplanting it to its final location in the garden.