Growing Information

Growing zone guide
Growing Zone Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Sunlight Bright light
Type of Soil Acidic to neutral
Mature Height 3-4 feet
Maintenance Level Moderate maintenance
Water Requirement Moderate watering (once a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information
Growth Rate

  • Speed: Moderate grower.
  • Mature Growth: Reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide, forming a compact, rounded shrub ideal for garden borders or mass plantings.
Colorful Leaves No
Flowering Yes
Bloom Color Orange
Ornamental Berries Red berries
Disease resistant Yes
Cold Tolerant Yes
Heat Tolerant No
Drought Tolerant Yes
Deer Resistant No
Edible No
Wildlife Attraction
  • Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to the flowers, making it an excellent addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
  • Wildlife Resistant: The thorny stems help deter deer and other browsing animals.
Self-pollinating Cross-pollinating
Seasonality
  • Foliage Season: Spring to fall (deciduous).
  • Flowering Season: Late spring to fall (May to October).
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7

Ideal For
  • Lavandula (Lavender)
  • Nepeta (Catmint)
  • Salvia
  • Echinacea (Coneflower)
Leaf Description
  • Color: Glossy dark green foliage.
  • Form: Compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets, creating a dense, lush appearance that complements the vibrant blooms.
  • Fall Interest: Leaves turn yellow before shedding in the fall, providing additional seasonal interest.
Flower Description
  • Color: Bright coral-pink blooms with hints of orange.
  • Form: Semi-double blooms with 12-16 petals, forming clusters of flowers approximately 3-4 inches wide.
  • Bloom Time: Blooms continuously from late spring through fall, providing multiple flushes of flowers throughout the season.
  • Fragrance: Mild fragrance, adding a light, pleasant scent to the garden.
Pruning & Maintenance

  • Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadhead spent blooms throughout the growing season to encourage repeat flowering.
  • Method: Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and thin out stems to improve air circulation. Regular pruning promotes continuous blooming and maintains the plant's shape.
  • Winter Care: In colder climates, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base for winter protection or wrap the plant with burlap.
Water Needs

  • Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, water deeply and consistently, especially during dry periods.
  • Soil Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Light Needs

  • Light Exposure: Thrives in full sun. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is essential for optimal flowering and plant health.
Harvesting

For Cut Flowers:

  • Best Time to Harvest:
    Harvest in the early morning when temperatures are cool and blooms are partially open for maximum vase life.
  • Bloom Stage:
    Cut when the flower is about half open—fully opened blooms may not last as long in arrangements.
  • Cutting Technique:
    Use clean, sharp pruners to make a diagonal cut just above a 5-leaflet stem or outward-facing bud.
  • Post-Harvest Care:
  • Strip off any leaves that would sit below the water line in a vase.
  • Place stems immediately in lukewarm water.
  • Recut stems under water if needed to improve water uptake.

For Rose Hips:

  • Formation:
    Allow some blooms to fade and do not deadhead. Rose hips will develop at the base of these flowers.
  • Ripening Time:
    Hips typically ripen by late summer to fall, turning orange-red and firm.
  • Harvest Tips:
  • Pick when hips are fully colored and firm.
  • Use gloves if needed, as the shrub has thorns.
  • Rinse and dry hips if using for decorative or culinary purposes.

Fertilizing

  • Fertilization Time: Fertilize in early spring and again in mid-summer after the first flush of blooms.
  • Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced rose fertilizer or organic slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Additional Care Tips
  • Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations. Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.
  • Drought Tolerance: While roses prefer consistent moisture, Aurora Borealis™ can tolerate short periods of drought once established.
  • Pests and Diseases: Aurora Borealis™ is highly resistant to common rose diseases like black spot and powdery mildew. Proper air circulation, watering at the base, and regular pruning help prevent any issues.
Pollination

  • Pollination Type: Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other insects. The flowers are self-pollinating but benefit from the activity of pollinators.
  • Rose Hips: In fall, Rosa Aurora Borealis™ may produce small rose hips, adding interest to the landscape. These can be left for wildlife or pruned off after flowering.
Companion Plants
  • Cottage gardens
  • Pollinator gardens
  • Borders and mass plantings
  • Containers
  • Cold climates
Flowering and Seasonality
  • Foliage Season: Spring to fall (deciduous).
  • Flowering Season: Late spring to fall (May to October).
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7

  • Color: Bright coral-pink blooms with hints of orange.
  • Form: Semi-double blooms with 12-16 petals, forming clusters of flowers approximately 3-4 inches wide.
  • Bloom Time: Blooms continuously from late spring through fall, providing multiple flushes of flowers throughout the season.
  • Fragrance: Mild fragrance, adding a light, pleasant scent to the garden.
Pet Friendly

Yes

Growing Zone
  • Zone 4
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9

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