White Pet Rose Rosa 'White Pet' (Poly)
ABOUT
Rosa 'White Pet' is a captivating flowering plant that is known for its enchanting beauty. This variety of rose features a bounty of small, white, double flowers that bloom in clusters. Each rose is composed of multiple layers of gently ruffled petals that create a full and rounded appearance reminiscent of a classic rose. Their delicate white hue exudes purity and elegance, making them a popular choice for romantic settings and peaceful garden corners. The plant itself is well-branched, with a bushy growth habit that supports the abundant floral display. The foliage is composed of dark green, glossy leaves that provide a striking contrast against the softness of the white roses. The leaves are shaped with a slight point and are usually oval, providing a dense, leafy backdrop that accentuates the flowers. The plant's overall form is graceful, and it carries its blooms with an air of refinement. Throughout its blooming season, Rosa 'White Pet' continuously produces fresh roses, ensuring a long-lasting and ever-refreshing display of beauty. The roses often exude a gentle fragrance that adds an additional sensory experience to its visual appeal. This variety is also valued for its versatility and can be incorporated into a variety of garden styles, including formal gardens, rose borders, and cottage gardens, where it adds a touch of timeless charm.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
White Pet, Polyantha Rose
Common names
Rosa 'White Pet' (Poly)
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as the Polyantha Rose is not considered toxic to humans. In general, roses are not known to contain any toxins that would cause serious harm if ingested. However, the physical structure of the plant, particularly its thorns, may cause physical injury if not handled properly. It is worth noting that while roses themselves are not toxic, the use of pesticides or other chemicals on the plant may result in adverse reactions if ingested or handled. It is always a good practice to wash hands after handling plants and to avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants.
To pets
The Polyantha Rose is not toxic to pets. Roses, including the Polyantha Rose, do not contain substances that are harmful to pets if ingested. However, similar to the potential risks to humans, the thorns on rose bushes can cause physical injury to pets. This might include scratches, punctures, or irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract if they chew on the stems. Also, pesticides or other chemicals used on the plant could potentially be harmful if ingested. Therefore, it is advised to monitor pets around roses and ensure they do not chew on the plants, primarily to avoid mechanical injuries rather than because of toxicity concerns.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - The Rosa 'White Pet' adds beauty to gardens with its small, white, full-petalled flowers that have a classic rose form.
- Continuous Blooming - This polyantha rose is known for its ability to bloom repeatedly throughout the growing season, providing long-lasting visual interest.
- Landscape Versatility - It can be used in a variety of garden settings, such as borders, containers, and as low hedges, due to its compact and bushy growth habit.
- Pollinator Attraction - The flowers attract pollinators like bees, which are essential for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance - The Rosa 'White Pet' is considered easy to care for, requiring only basic pruning and occasional feeding to thrive.
- Disease Resistance - This variety is known to have good resistance to common rose diseases, meaning less need for chemical treatments.
- Cut Flowers - The blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements, lasting well in vases.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rose hips, the fruit of roses including the 'White Pet', can be used to make a dye for fabrics, providing a natural and subtle color.
- The petals of the 'White Pet' rose can be pressed into books or framed as a form of botanical art and remembrance.
- Petals can be scattered as a biodegradable pathway or decoration at weddings and other celebrations, offering a fragrant and elegant touch.
- Rose water made from 'White Pet' roses can be used in cooking for flavoring sweets and desserts with its delicate aroma.
- Rose petals can be used to create a natural blush or lip stain by crushing them and combining with a small amount of oil.
- The flowers can be included in potpourri mixes to add a soothing scent to the home.
- Roses can be made into candles, with petals suspended in the wax, adding both fragrance and aesthetic appeal.
- The strong stems of the 'White Pet' rose can be used in the construction of floral supports or trellises in gardens.
- Dried 'White Pet' rose petals can be sewn into sachets and placed in drawers to impart a fresh smell to linens and clothing.
- Used as a natural confetti, rose petals are a picturesque and eco-friendly option compared to synthetic versions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe White Rose is often associated with purity, calmness, and peace in Feng Shui practice. It can be used to introduce metal energy into a space, which can balance the home by promoting precision and clarity. White roses might be placed in areas of the home that require purifying or calming energy, such as a meditation space or bedroom for a tranquility effect.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe White Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The 'White Pet' rose, with its clear white color, is often associated with purity, innocence, and pure intentions.
- Sympathy: White roses like the 'White Pet' can symbolize sympathy, making them suitable for occasions that require a message of empathy or consolation.
- Spirituality: The pristine quality of white roses may suggest a spiritual aspect and are sometimes used to express reverence and humility.
- New Beginnings: The color white often signifies new starts, making the 'White Pet' rose a fitting plant for celebrating weddings, engagements, and other fresh starts.
- Remembrance: White roses can stand for remembrance and are used to honor someone who has passed away, as they convey respect and memory without romantic connotations.
WaterThe White Pet Rose should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water which can be roughly 0.62 gallons for an average-sized bush. During hot, dry spells, watering should be increased to twice per week. Watering should be done in the morning, directing water to the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which could lead to fungal diseases. Ensure the water penetrates the soil to a depth of about 12 inches to encourage deep root growth. Always check the soil moisture before watering; the top 2 inches of soil should be dry to the touch.
LightThe White Pet Rose thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for it is an area with unfiltered, bright light throughout the day. However, in regions with extremely hot summers, some afternoon shade can help to protect the blooms from intense heat.
TemperatureThe White Pet Rose prefers a temperate climate, thriving in temperatures between 60 °F and 70 °F. The plant is hardy and can withstand minimum temperatures down to around 20 °F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing can be harmful. Ideal growth occurs when daytime temperatures are within the preferred range and nights are slightly cooler.
PruningPruning the White Pet Rose is essential for maintaining the plant's health, shape, and to encourage blooming. Prune in the late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak canes to promote air circulation and new growth. Pruning should also be performed after each blooming cycle to shape the bush and remove spent blooms. The best time for major pruning is when the plant is dormant, with additional light pruning done throughout the growing season as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Polyantha Rose 'White Pet' is well-drained loam with organic matter such as compost. A balanced soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is ideal for this rose variety to thrive and produce abundant flowers.
RepottingThe Polyantha Rose 'White Pet' should be repotted every 2 to 4 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in early spring before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingThe Polyantha Rose 'White Pet' prefers average humidity levels, around 40-60%, which is typical of many outdoor garden environments, avoiding excessively high humidity to mitigate disease risk.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good air flow, and consistent watering for indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, water regularly, protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe 'White Pet' rose, a polyantha shrub, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates or more commonly from cuttings, which root to form a new plant. After establishing its root system, the plant enters a vegetative stage, producing stems, leaves, and thorns. With sufficient sunlight, water, and nutrients, the 'White Pet' rose transitions to the flowering stage, developing tight clusters of white, fragrant blooms repeatedly throughout the growing season, particularly from late spring to fall. Following pollination, which can be facilitated by insects, birds, or wind, the flowers may produce small fruits, called hips, containing seeds that can spread and potentially grow new plants, although propagation from cuttings is preferred for maintaining varietal traits. During autumn, the plant prepares for dormancy by slowing growth and shedding leaves in colder climates. The dormant winter phase provides a necessary rest period before the cycle restarts with renewed growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa 'White Pet' (Poly), commonly known as the Polyantha rose, can be effectively propagated by softwood cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from the rose bush during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing but the stems are not yet mature and hard. To propagate, a 4 to 6 inch cutting with several leaves is taken from the healthy, non-flowering stems of the rose bush. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Next, the cutting is planted in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least two nodes are below the surface. The cutting needs to be kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect light until roots have established, which typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months. Once the cuttings have rooted and new growth appears, they can be transplanted into the garden.
