Rosa hybrid 'Aurora Borealis™'

• 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.

• Foliage Season: Spring to fall (deciduous).
• Flowering Season: Late spring to fall (May to October).
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7

• Lavandula (Lavender)
• Nepeta (Catmint)
• Salvia
• Echinacea (Coneflower)

• 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.

• 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.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are cooler.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
• Planting Depth: Plant with the crown slightly below the soil surface. For bare root roses, soak roots before planting to ensure proper hydration.
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for good air circulation and full, mature growth.

• 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.

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

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.
  
  

• 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.

• 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 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.

• Cottage gardens
• Pollinator gardens
• Borders and mass plantings
• Containers
• Cold climates