White Rose of York Rosa 'Yvonne Rabier' (Poly)

Water

Proper watering of the White Polyantha Rose involves deeply irrigating the soil around the plant to encourage a strong root system. It's important to water the rose early in the day to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of disease. Typically, watering once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons of water is sufficient, but this can vary depending on climate and soil conditions. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry and prevent fungal diseases.

Light

White Polyantha Roses thrive best in full sunlight conditions. They require at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day to flourish. Ideally, they should be planted in a spot that gets morning sun and is shaded from the intense late afternoon sun, which can stress the plant during the hottest part of the day. Ample light is crucial for flower production and general plant vigor.

Temperature

White Polyantha Roses perform well in a broad range of temperatures but prefer a moderate climate. They can typically endure minimum temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but for optimal growth, keeping them in a range between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. During winter, it's crucial to ensure adequate protection if temperatures drop significantly below freezing to avoid damage to the plant.

Pruning

Pruning White Polyantha Roses is essential for maintaining their shape and promoting vigorous growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just as new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged wood, thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation, and shape the bush as desired. Annually removing about one-third of older canes can rejuvenate the plant and encourage robust blooming. Always use sharp, clean tools to make clean cuts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Polyantha Rose is well-draining soil with rich organic matter. A mixture of loamy garden soil, compost, and aged manure is ideal. For optimal growth, maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Repotting

Polyantha Roses, such as 'Yvonne Rabier', are typically grown outdoors and do not require repotting. Instead, they may need transplanting every few years if grown in a garden bed to rejuvenate the soil.

Humidity & Misting

Polyantha Roses prefer moderate humidity levels. To ensure healthy growth, maintain ambient humidity without making the foliage too damp as this could lead to fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, prune regularly, protect from drafts.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, protect from extreme cold.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the 'Yvonne Rabier' Rose (Polyanthus) begins when a dormant bare-root or potted specimen is planted in well-draining, fertile soil, preferably in early spring or fall. Upon settling in the soil, the plant breaks dormancy and begins to sprout new shoots and leaves, a phase known as vegetative growth, where the plant focuses on accumulating energy and size. As it matures, the 'Yvonne Rabier' rose enters the flowering stage, producing clusters of small, white, fragrant blooms from late spring through fall, attracting pollinators and often reblooming throughout the season. After pollination, if it occurs, hips may form, containing seeds that can be dispersed, potentially giving rise to new plants. As temperatures drop towards winter, the rose enters a period of dormancy, conserving energy and protecting itself from the cold- a cycle that will resume with the return of warmer weather. Pruning is integral to the plant's lifecycle, typically carried out in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood and shape the plant, encouraging healthy growth and abundant blooms for the coming season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Rosa 'Yvonne Rabier', commonly known as the Yvonne Rabier rose, is typically propagated by taking softwood cuttings. This method is most successful when performed in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still somewhat tender yet mature enough to handle being cut and rooted. A cutting of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in length is taken from a healthy, disease-free plant. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting. Then, the cutting is placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes several weeks. During this time, the cutting should be kept moist but not waterlogged.