Winchester Cathedral Rose Rosa Winchester Cathedral = 'Auscat' (S)
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ABOUT
The Rosa Winchester Cathedral, commonly known as Winchester Cathedral rose, boasts an exquisite display of white flowers. These blossoms are known for their classic old rose shape, featuring multiple layers of petals that come together to form a cupped profile. The petals have a soft texture and may show subtle touches of pink at their base, giving the flowers a delicate, blushed appearance. The Winchester Cathedral rose exudes a rich, sweet fragrance that can be reminiscent of honey and almond blossom, adding a sensory delight to its visual beauty. The plant produces these delightful blooms with abundance, creating a lush and romantic display that can be a standout in any garden. The foliage of the Winchester Cathedral rose is a deep green color, providing a striking contrast to the purity of its white flowers. The leaves are typically glossy, which adds to the plant's overall vitality and allure. As the seasons change, the plant may produce attractive hips that can add interest to the garden even as the blooming period ends. The plant's growth habit is that of a bushy shrub, providing a dense and rounded form that is pleasing to the eye. Its branches bear the blooms with grace, creating a harmonious balance between flower and foliage. The Winchester Cathedral rose is revered for its elegant appearance and can serve as an ideal choice for those seeking to infuse their gardens with classic beauty and enchanting fragrance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Winchester Cathedral Rose, English Rose Winchester Cathedral, David Austin Rose Winchester Cathedral.
Common names
Rosa 'Auscat'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Winchester Cathedral rose is not considered toxic to humans. Most roses, including the Winchester Cathedral variety, are generally recognized as non-toxic and do not produce symptoms of poisoning when touched or ingested in small quantities. However, some people may experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction to the thorns, foliage, or pollen if they have sensitive skin or allergies.
To pets
The Winchester Cathedral rose is not known to be toxic to pets. Roses are not typically on lists of poisonous plants for pets such as dogs and cats. Nonetheless, ingestion of a significant number of rose petals or any part of the plant could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the ingestion of non-digestible matter. Also, the thorns on roses can cause injuries if a pet tries to chew on the stems.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Winchester Cathedral rose adds beauty to gardens with its white, sometimes with hints of pink, double blooms.
- Fragrance: This plant emits a strong, old rose fragrance which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: Bees and other beneficial insects are drawn to the flowers, which helps to pollinate other plants in the vicinity.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in borders, beds, and as a cut flower which adds versatility to garden design.
- Repeat Flowering: This rose is known for its repeat flowering ability, providing multiple displays of blooms from late spring to frost.
- Hardiness: Rosa Winchester Cathedral is known for its good disease resistance and hardiness in various climates.
- Emotional Wellbeing: The beauty and fragrance of the rose can contribute to a sense of peace and wellbeing for those who spend time around it.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Garnishes: The petals of the Winchester Cathedral rose can be used to add a splash of color to salads or desserts.
- Floral Baths: Petals of this rose can be added to a bath for a luxurious, fragrant experience.
- DIY Potpourri: Dry the petals and combine them with other ingredients to create a natural potpourri.
- Natural Dyes: The petals can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or crafting projects.
- Wedding Confetti: Dried petals serve as biodegradable confetti for outdoor weddings or celebrations.
- Perfumery: The rose's scent can be captured in homemade perfumes or scented oils.
- Artisanal Soaps: Incorporate rose petals or essence into homemade soaps for decoration and fragrance.
- Bookmarks: Pressed petals can be used in the creation of unique, floral bookmarks.
- Rose Syrup: Petals can be steeped in sugar and water to create a rose-flavored syrup for culinary use.
- Creative Crafts: The rose's form and petals can inspire or be integrated into various arts and crafts activities.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The rose is universally regarded as a symbol of love, affection, and deep emotion. The Winchester Cathedral rose, with its classic white petals, is often associated with pure and eternal love.
- Innocence: White roses express innocence and purity. The Winchester Cathedral rose's pristine white blooms are perfect representations of these qualities.
- Spirituality: White roses like the Winchester Cathedral often symbolize spiritual reverence, and are sometimes used to convey feelings of awe and wonder towards the divine or the mystical.
- New Beginnings: The bright and fresh appearance of Winchester Cathedral roses symbolizes new starts and hope, making it ideal for occasions celebrating new chapters in life.
- Remembrance: Roses, in general, signify remembrance. The Winchester Cathedral rose, with its memorable fragrance and delicate petals, serves as a poignant reminder of cherished moments and loved ones.
- Reverence: The rose's association with the divine and with sacred matters lends it a sense of reverence. The Winchester Cathedral's name itself may invoke a feeling of respect and veneration.
WaterThe English Rose 'Winchester Cathedral' should be watered regularly, ensuring consistently moist soil without causing waterlogging. In the growing season, provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant per week, but adjust based on weather conditions—more during hot, dry spells and less during periods of rain. To prevent disease, water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. During the winter, reduce watering but do not let the plant dry out completely.
LightThe English Rose 'Winchester Cathedral' thrives in full sun, meaning it needs a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. It will perform best in a spot that receives sunlight in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon, especially in regions with harsh midday sun, to prevent scalding of the delicate blooms.
TemperatureThe English Rose 'Winchester Cathedral' can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this rose is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which promotes healthy growth and blooming. Avoid placing the plant in areas where temperature fluctuations are extreme or where it is exposed to cold drafts.
PruningPruning the English Rose 'Winchester Cathedral' is essential to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and improve air circulation. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove dead or diseased wood and any crossing or inward-growing branches to create an open framework. Prune about one-third of the older canes to stimulate rejuvenation yearly.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWinchester Cathedral Rose thrives in well-drained loamy soil with added organic matter, such as compost. The best soil mix would be equal parts garden soil, well-rotted manure, and compost, with additional perlite or coarse sand for drainage. The preferred soil pH for this rose is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingThe Winchester Cathedral Rose, typically grown as a garden plant, does not need repotting as it's not commonly kept in containers. Roses should be planted in the garden and only be moved if necessary.
Humidity & MistingThe Winchester Cathedral Rose prefers outdoor conditions with natural humidity levels. It is not particularly sensitive to humidity variations, but it should not be subjected to prolonged dry air; average ambient humidity is suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, ample watering, and air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, enrich soil, water deeply, and mulch.
Hardiness zone
5-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Winchester Cathedral rose begins its life as a dormant bare-root plant or potted specimen, which can be planted in early spring or fall. After planting, the establishment phase involves developing a robust root system and producing new shoots from the plant's base. As it matures into the vegetative stage, foliage expands, and the plant focuses on leaf growth to support photosynthesis and subsequent blooming. Flowering occurs from late spring through summer and into fall, with repeat blooming phases where the iconic white flowers develop, open, and eventually fade. Following the blooming period, the plant may produce hips (seed pods) if the spent flowers are not deadheaded, leading into a dormancy period during winter where growth slows or stops due to colder temperatures. The cycle renews with the onset of warmer spring weather, when the plant exits dormancy, resumes growth, and prepares for the next flowering phase.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Rosa 'Winchester Cathedral', a variety of English rose created by David Austin, is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is typically undertaken in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is vigorous and the young stems are just beginning to mature. You start by selecting healthy, disease-free stems and cutting a section about 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) long, ensuring that it has at least three leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a pot filled with a light, well-draining potting mix. They should be kept in a warm, humid environment and out of direct sunlight to prevent drying out. Roots will normally develop within several weeks, after which the new rose plants can eventually be transplanted into the garden.
