Rosa hybrid Canadian Shield™ ('AAC576')

• Pollinators: The fragrant flowers of Canadian Shield™ attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, drawn to its nectar-rich blooms.
  
  Birds: After blooming, the plant produces small, ornamental rose hips, which can attract birds to your garden, especially in the fall and winter when food sources are more limited.

• Spring to Summer: Canadian Shield™ begins blooming in late spring, typically starting in May, with a profusion of rich, deep red flowers. The blooms continue to appear throughout the summer, providing vibrant color.
  
• Fall: The shrub continues to bloom well into the fall, until the first frost, providing color and fragrance throughout the late growing season. The plant’s dark green foliage remains healthy, adding contrast to the vibrant blooms.
  
  Winter: Canadian Shield™ enters dormancy in winter, losing its leaves but maintaining a strong, structured form. This hardiness ensures that the plant can withstand cold temperatures and harsh winters.

• Leaves: The foliage of Canadian Shield™ is a rich, glossy green that provides an attractive backdrop to the vibrant red flowers. The leaves are smooth and leathery, adding to the plant’s dense, bushy form.
  
• Fall Color: In the fall, the leaves may transition to softer yellow or orange hues before dropping, offering a subtle pop of color before the plant enters dormancy.
  
  Texture: The leaves are firm and leathery, contributing to the plant’s overall robust and healthy appearance.

• Flower Description: Canadian Shield™ produces semi-double blooms that are a rich, deep red with a slight purple undertone. The flowers are held in clusters, creating a bushy and full appearance. The blooms are moderately fragrant, emitting a pleasant, sweet aroma that complements the vibrant colors.
  
• Flower Longevity: Each bloom lasts for several days to a week, with the plant continuously producing new flowers throughout the growing season.
  
  

• Best Time to Plant: The ideal times to plant Canadian Shield™ are early spring, after the last frost, or fall, before the first frost. These planting times provide the best opportunity for the plant to establish roots before the extreme weather arrives.
  
• 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 the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil and firm it gently around the roots, watering thoroughly to settle the roots.
  
  Spacing: Space plants about 3–4 feet apart to allow for proper growth and airflow, which helps prevent disease and ensures healthy blooms.

• Pruning Time: Prune Canadian Shield™ in early spring, before new growth starts. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems, and trim back old wood that is not producing new growth.
  
• Pruning Tips: Regular deadheading will encourage the plant to produce more blooms throughout the growing season. After the main bloom cycle, prune lightly to maintain shape and remove spent flowers.
  
• Maintenance Pruning: Prune lightly throughout the growing season to control the plant's shape and encourage new growth.
  
  

• Watering: Canadian Shield™ requires regular watering, especially during dry spells or in its first growing season. Water deeply once a week to ensure that the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged.
  
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, this rose is moderately drought-tolerant, but it will perform best with consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly during blooming periods.
  
  Watering Tip: Water at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases like mildew and black spot.

• Canadian Shield™ thrives in full sun. For optimal growth and blooming, the plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In regions with intense heat, providing some afternoon shade may help protect the plant from excessive heat stress.
  
  

After the flowers have faded, Canadian Shield™ produces small ornamental rose hips. These can be harvested for use in jams, jellies, or teas. The rose hips also serve as food for birds during the colder months.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, before the plant starts its new growth. This will encourage healthy blooms and robust growth throughout the season. For roses grown in containers, use a liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
  
• Fertilizer Tip: Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms. A fertilizer with higher phosphorus content will encourage more abundant flowering.
  
  

Canadian Shield™ is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another plant to produce flowers. However, planting it alongside other roses or pollinator-friendly plants can improve overall pollination and result in more prolific blooms.

• Perennials: Pair with perennials like Daylilies, Salvia, or Echinacea to create a vibrant contrast of colors and textures.
  
• Shrubs: Combine with other shrubs such as Spiraea, Weigela, or Viburnum for a layered, multi-textured look.
  
  Groundcovers: Use low-growing groundcovers like Ajuga or Liriope for added texture and contrast beneath the shrub.