English Rose Rosa Tottering-by-gently = 'Auscartoon' (S)

Water

The English Rose, also known by its cultivar name 'Auscartoon', requires careful watering to thrive. It should be watered deeply but infrequently, with the objective of keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant once a week with about 1 gallon of water per session, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. In hot, dry weather, you might need to water it twice a week, while in cooler, damp conditions, watering can be reduced. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.

Light

English Roses like 'Auscartoon' perform best in full sun, which means they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for these roses would be an area that gets morning sun, which helps dry dew off the leaves and prevent fungal diseases. Avoid placing them in heavily shaded areas as insufficient light can result in fewer blooms and a weaker plant.

Temperature

The 'Auscartoon' English Rose thrives in a range of temperatures but performs best when daytime temperatures are between 70°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, but ideally should not be exposed to extended periods of cold below this level. Maximum temperatures should not exceed 100°F for extended periods, as high heat can stress the plant and affect blooming.

Pruning

Pruning the 'Auscartoon' English Rose promotes vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or diseased wood and opening the centre of the plant to increase air circulation. Cut back by one-third to one-half of the previous year's growth. Prune again after each blooming cycle to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming throughout the season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The 'Tottering-by-gently' rose, commonly known as English Rose, thrives in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or aged manure. The best soil pH for this rose is between 6.5 and 7.0. Creating a mix of two-thirds garden soil and one-third organic matter with some added perlite for drainage would make an ideal medium for this plant.

Repotting

English Roses, like the 'Tottering-by-gently', planted in containers may need repotting every 2 to 3 years. Repotting should be done in early spring before new growth starts. Choose a container that is one size larger than the current one to provide enough room for root expansion.

Humidity & Misting

English Roses, including the 'Tottering-by-gently', prefer average humidity levels. While they are quite resilient, maintaining a humidity level around 40-60% is ideal. They do not require high humidity environments but should not be subjected to extremely dry air for prolonged periods.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air flow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a 'Tottering-by-gently' rose, also known as Rosa 'Auscartoon', begins with seed germination, which is not the primary means of propagation but can occur. More commonly, this cultivar is propagated via cuttings or grafting to ensure genetic consistency. After planting, the rose enters a vegetative stage, producing stems, leaves, and roots. As it matures, the rose bush will develop buds that bloom into its distinctive light pink flowers, typically in late spring to early summer. This flowering stage can last through the growing season with proper care, including deadheading to encourage further blooming. Finally, after flowering, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the colder months; in cultivation, this is a time for pruning and preparing the rose for the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Rosa 'Tottering-by-gently', popularly known as English Rose, can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings, a method widely practiced by gardeners. This method involves taking a cutting of a stem that's not too old or too fresh, usually in late summer to fall when the temperatures are still mild. The cutting, typically about 6 to 8 inches long, should have several leaf nodes and is often taken from the current year's growth. The base of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development, then planted in a mix of potting soil and perlite or sand to provide good drainage. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist and to place the cutting in a location with indirect light. Creating a mini-greenhouse effect by covering the pot with a plastic bag can help to maintain humidity. Once the cutting has rooted and starts to grow, which may take several weeks, it can be transplanted to a more permanent location.