Rosa hybrid 'Liberty'

• Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators with its large, fragrant blooms.
• Wildlife: Deer may browse young shoots and buds, so protection may be needed in areas with high deer populations.

• Season: Spring through Fall
• Flowering Season: Early summer to late fall (June to October)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9

• Borders & Edging: With a mature height of approximately 14 inches, 'Liberty' is well-suited for front-of-border plantings, providing a splash of color along pathways and garden edges.
  
• Container Gardening: Its compact size makes it ideal for container planting, allowing flexibility in garden design and placement on patios or balconies.
  
• Mass Plantings: Planting in groups can create a striking visual impact, especially when used as ground cover or in low hedges.
  
• Pollinator Gardens: The continuous blooming nature of 'Liberty' attracts pollinators such as bees, enhancing the ecological value of your garden.
  
  

• Color: Glossy, dark green foliage that contrasts beautifully with the vivid red flowers.
• Shape: Compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets, serrated edges, and a leathery texture.
• Size: Leaves grow about 3-5 inches long, creating a dense, healthy canopy.

• Color: Deep, velvety red with a high-centered, classic rose form.
• Bloom Time: Repeatedly blooms from early summer to late fall, with several flushes of flowers.
• Size of Blooms: Flowers are large, 4-5 inches in diameter, and perfect for cutting.
• Fragrance: Strong, traditional rose fragrance that is sweet and intoxicating.

• Best Time to Plant: Plant in early spring after the last frost or in fall before the first frost, allowing the plant to establish before extreme temperatures.

Planting Instructions:

• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Amend heavy soils with compost or organic matter to improve drainage.
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for air circulation and mature growth.
• Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the graft union (where the top of the plant meets the rootstock) is just below the soil surface.

• Pruning Needs: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and encourage vigorous new growth. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage repeat blooming.
• Winter Care: In colder climates, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. In zones 5-6, additional protection such as rose cones or burlap may be needed.

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. After establishment, water deeply but less frequently, especially during dry periods.
• Drought Tolerance: 'Liberty' prefers consistent moisture, especially during the blooming season, but is moderately drought-tolerant once established.

• Preferred Light: Full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) for the best bloom production and overall health.

• When to Harvest: Harvest blooms when they are half-open for fresh bouquets or floral arrangements. Roses harvested at this stage will last longer in a vase.
• How to Harvest: Use sharp pruning shears to cut stems at an angle just above a set of leaves. For best results, harvest in the early morning when the flowers are most hydrated.

• When to Fertilize: Fertilize in early spring when new growth begins and after each bloom cycle to support continuous flowering.
• Type of Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for roses, or apply organic compost around the base to promote healthy growth.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds.
• Pests: Watch for common rose pests such as aphids, Japanese beetles, and thrips. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other organic remedies.
• Disease: 'Liberty' has good resistance to common rose diseases like black spot and powdery mildew, but proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent issues.

Rosa hybrid 'Liberty' is self-pollinating, but bees and other pollinators will help increase fruit set if you allow the rose to form hips. This variety typically focuses on flower production rather than fruiting.

Selecting companion plants that thrive under similar conditions can enhance the health and beauty of your rose garden. Consider the following:

• Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Offers a complementary color palette and emits a fragrance that can deter pests.
  
• Catmint (Nepeta spp.): Attracts beneficial insects and provides a soft, mounding contrast to the upright growth of roses.
  
• Marigolds (Tagetes spp.): Known for their pest-repelling properties, they can help protect roses from nematodes and aphids.
  
• Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.): These can deter common rose pests and add continuous color throughout the growing season.
  
• Salvia (Salvia spp.): Attracts pollinators and adds vertical interest with its spiky blooms.
  
  These companions not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem by attracting pollinators and deterring pests.