Rosa hybrid 'Alexander MacKenzie’

• Pollinators: The fragrant flowers of 'Alexander MacKenzie' attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.
  
  Birds: After blooming, the rose produces small hips, which can attract birds to the garden, especially in late summer and fall when food is more scarce.

• Spring to Summer: 'Alexander MacKenzie' begins to bloom in late spring, typically from May to June, filling your garden with vibrant pink blooms and a pleasant fragrance. The blooming period can extend into the summer, especially with proper care and deadheading.
  
  
• Fall: In the fall, the foliage turns a rich green, creating a full, lush backdrop to the remaining flowers. While 'Alexander MacKenzie' is typically a once-blooming rose, with deadheading and good care, it may produce a second flush of flowers.
  
  Winter: This rose is known for its cold-hardiness, making it ideal for regions with harsh winters. Once the plant enters dormancy, it sheds its leaves, leaving its woody structure for winter interest.

• Leaves: 'Alexander MacKenzie' has lush, deep green leaves that provide a rich backdrop to the vibrant blooms. The foliage is glossy and healthy, adding a touch of elegance to the plant.
  
  
• Fall Color: As the season transitions to fall, the leaves take on a deeper green hue, providing year-round interest even as the flowers fade.
  
  Texture: The leaves are smooth and slightly leathery, offering a soft contrast to the bold flowers and providing a full, bushy appearance to the shrub.

• Flower Description: 'Alexander MacKenzie' produces semi-double, deep pink flowers that are rich and vibrant, creating a stunning contrast with the green foliage. The flowers have a classic rose shape, with numerous petals forming a rounded bloom. The strong fragrance is sweet and pleasant, making it a lovely addition to your garden.
  
  Flower Longevity: The flowers bloom for several weeks in late spring to early summer, offering continuous color and fragrance throughout the period.

• Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant 'Alexander MacKenzie' is in early spring after the last frost or in fall before the first frost. This gives the rose ample time to establish roots before the growing season or harsh winter temperatures.
  
  
• Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun. Dig a hole that is at least twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil, firm it gently around the roots, and water thoroughly.
  
  Spacing: Space the plants about 3–4 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth. This helps to prevent disease and promotes healthy blooming.

• Pruning Time: Prune 'Alexander MacKenzie' in early spring, just before the growing season begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood to promote healthy new growth and improve air circulation.
  
  
• Pruning Tips: Light pruning after the first bloom can help shape the plant and remove spent flowers. Deadheading will encourage the plant to focus energy on new growth and a possible second bloom.
  
  Maintenance Pruning: Regular pruning to maintain the shape of the shrub is recommended. Avoid heavy pruning, as 'Alexander MacKenzie' blooms on new wood, and cutting back too much can reduce the following season's flowers.

• Watering: 'Alexander MacKenzie' requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply at the base of the plant, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. A consistent watering schedule is important for promoting healthy blooms.
  
  
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, this rose is relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from consistent moisture during dry periods to encourage optimal growth and flowering.
  
  Watering Tip: Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry.

• 'Alexander MacKenzie' performs best in full sun. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and blooming. In regions with intense summer heat, some afternoon shade may protect the plant from excessive heat and help it thrive.
  
  

After the flowers have faded, you may collect the rose hips that develop in late summer and fall. Rose hips are small, round fruits that can be harvested for use in making jams, jellies, teas, or for creating bird food in the winter.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, before new growth begins. This will encourage healthy flowering and robust growth throughout the growing season. A light application of compost in the spring can also improve soil fertility.
  
  Fertilizer Tip: Avoid excessive nitrogen, as this can promote too much leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

• 'Alexander MacKenzie' is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another plant for flowers to bloom. However, planting it alongside other roses or pollinator-friendly plants can improve flower production and attract a greater variety of pollinators to your garden.
  
  

• Perennials: Pair with perennials like Lavender, Daylilies, or Salvia for complementary color and texture.
  
• Shrubs: Combine with other shrubs such as Spiraea, Weigela, or Viburnum for a diverse, multi-textured border.
  
• Groundcovers: Low-growing groundcovers like Ajuga or Liriope work well as companions, adding contrast around the base of the rose.