Rosa hybrid 'Camp Fire'

• Pollinators: The vibrant flowers of 'Camp Fire' attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The continuous blooming provides a consistent food source during the growing season.
  
  Birds: After blooming, 'Camp Fire' may produce small hips, which can attract birds, especially during late fall and winter when food becomes scarcer.

• Spring to Summer: 'Camp Fire' begins blooming in late spring, typically from May onwards, with bright red blooms. As the flowers age, they transition to orange, providing a continuous spectrum of fiery colors throughout the summer.
  
  
• Fall: As the growing season ends, the plant continues to produce flowers until the first frost, providing beauty well into the fall. The green foliage remains intact, contributing to a cohesive garden appearance.
  
  Winter: In winter, the plant enters dormancy, and although the leaves fall, the strong structure of the plant provides some visual interest, particularly with its distinctive branches.

• Leaves: The leaves of 'Camp Fire' are a glossy, dark green that complements the vibrant flowers. The foliage is dense and provides a full, bushy appearance, offering a strong contrast to the bright flowers.
  
  
• Fall Color: In the fall, the leaves may take on shades of yellow and orange, adding a touch of autumn color before they drop for the winter.
  
  Texture: The leaves are smooth and leathery, contributing to the plant’s overall lush appearance.

• Flower Description: 'Camp Fire' features semi-double blooms that start as deep red and transition to a vibrant orange as they mature. Each flower has a rich color gradient, providing visual interest from start to finish. The flowers are medium to large in size and bloom in clusters.
  
  Flower Longevity: The flowers last several days to a week, with the plant producing new blooms continuously through the growing season.

• Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant 'Camp Fire' is in early spring, after the last frost, or in fall, before the first frost. These times allow the plant to establish roots before extreme temperatures.
  
• Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as 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, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
  
• Spacing: Space plants about 3–4 feet apart to allow for their mature size and to ensure proper air circulation.
  
  

• Pruning Time: Prune 'Camp Fire' in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back any old wood that is not producing new growth.
  
• Pruning Tips: Regular deadheading will encourage continued blooming. Prune lightly after each bloom cycle to maintain the plant’s shape and promote new growth.
  
  Maintenance Pruning: Prune any long or unsightly stems to shape the plant. Avoid cutting back too much to ensure the shrub retains its natural form and continues to produce flowers.

• Watering: 'Camp Fire' requires regular watering, especially during dry spells or in its first growing season. Water deeply once a week to ensure the roots are receiving enough moisture. During hotter summer months, you may need to water more frequently.
  
  
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, this rose variety is relatively drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture during the growing season.
  
  Watering Tip: Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases like mildew. Water at the base of the plant, ensuring the roots receive adequate hydration.

'Camp Fire' requires full sun to thrive. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In regions with intense summer heat, providing some afternoon shade may help protect the plant from heat stress and help it retain its vibrant color.

After blooming, 'Camp Fire' may produce small rose hips, which can be harvested for making jams, jellies, or for bird food. The flowers can also be cut and used in floral arrangements, adding a pop of color to your home or garden.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just as the plant starts to show new growth. A balanced fertilizer encourages healthy foliage and vibrant blooms. If the plant is grown in containers, consider fertilizing every 4–6 weeks during the growing season with a liquid fertilizer designed for roses.
  
  Fertilizer Tip: Avoid using too much nitrogen, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

• 'Camp Fire' is self-pollinating, meaning it doesn’t require another plant to produce flowers. However, planting multiple roses nearby can improve overall pollination and result in more abundant blooms.
  
  

• Perennials: Pair with perennial plants like Lavender, Daylilies, or Echinacea to create contrast and complementary colors in your garden.
  
• Shrubs: Combine with other flowering shrubs such as Spiraea, Weigela, or Viburnum for a varied, multi-textured landscape.
  
  Groundcovers: Low-maintenance groundcovers like Ajuga or Liriope work well under 'Camp Fire' to add texture and contrast.