Rosa hybrid 'Winnipeg Parks'

• Pollinators: The flowers of 'Winnipeg Parks' attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are drawn to its nectar-rich blooms. This rose is an excellent choice for creating a pollinator-friendly garden.
  
• Birds: After flowering, the plant may produce small, ornamental rose hips, which attract birds, especially in the fall and winter when food sources are more limited.
  
  

• Spring to Summer: 'Winnipeg Parks' begins to bloom in late spring (typically May), with an initial flush of creamy white flowers. The blooms gradually fade to soft pink tones as they mature, giving the plant a dynamic, ever-changing look.
  
  
• Fall: The plant continues to bloom through fall, until the first frost, providing color and fragrance in the garden late into the season. The plant's lush, deep green foliage offers a nice contrast to the fading blooms.
  
  Winter: In winter, 'Winnipeg Parks' enters dormancy and sheds its leaves, but its strong, structured form and hardiness ensure it can survive harsh winters, making it an excellent choice for colder climates.

• Leaves: The foliage of 'Winnipeg Parks' is a glossy, dark green that creates a rich contrast against the soft white and pink flowers. The leaves are large, smooth, and leathery, contributing to the plant's dense and bushy form.
  
• Fall Color: In fall, the leaves may transition to yellow or orange before dropping, adding a final pop of color before the plant becomes dormant.
  
  Texture: The leaves have a leathery texture, adding durability and a lush appearance to the plant.

• Flower Description: 'Winnipeg Parks' produces semi-double blooms that start as creamy white and slowly transition to soft pink as they age. The flowers grow in clusters, adding fullness and vibrancy to the shrub. Each flower features several layers of delicate petals, making it a visually striking choice for your garden. The blooms emit a moderate, sweet fragrance that is not overpowering but adds an aromatic touch to your garden.
  
  Flower Longevity: Each bloom lasts for several days to a week, and the plant continuously produces new flowers throughout the growing season, ensuring a long period of interest.

• Best Time to Plant: The ideal times to plant 'Winnipeg Parks' are early spring, after the last frost, or fall, before the first frost. These planting times allow the plant to establish strong roots before extreme temperatures arrive.
  
• 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 and firm it gently, watering thoroughly to settle the roots.
  
• Spacing: Space plants about 4–5 feet apart to allow for their mature size and to ensure proper air circulation.
  
  

• Pruning Time: Prune 'Winnipeg Parks' in early spring, before the growing season begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood to encourage healthy new growth. Lightly trim to shape the plant and remove old, non-productive stems.
  
• Pruning Tips: Regular deadheading will encourage continued blooming throughout the growing season. After the main bloom period, prune back spent flowers and trim the plant lightly to maintain its shape.
  
  Maintenance Pruning: Light pruning throughout the growing season will help the plant maintain a bushy, compact form. Avoid heavy pruning, as 'Winnipeg Parks' blooms on new wood, and cutting back too severely could reduce the following season’s blooms.

• Watering: 'Winnipeg Parks' requires regular watering, especially during dry spells or in its first growing season. Water deeply once a week to ensure the roots are well-hydrated.
  
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, this rose is moderately drought-tolerant, but it performs best with consistent moisture throughout the growing season, particularly while it is blooming.
  
• Watering Tip: Water at the base of the plant, ensuring that the roots receive hydration. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew and black spot.
  
  

• 'Winnipeg Parks' thrives in full sun, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The more sun it receives, the more vibrant the flowers will be. In regions with intense summer heat, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from heat stress and ensure optimal growth and flowering.
  
  

After blooming, 'Winnipeg Parks' may produce small, ornamental rose hips. These can be harvested for use in making jams, jellies, or teas. Rose hips also provide food for birds during the colder months.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, before new growth begins. This will help the plant develop healthy blooms and robust growth throughout the season. For roses grown in containers, consider using a liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
  
• Fertilizer Tip: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
  
  

• Winnipeg Parks' 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 Lavender, Daylilies, or Echinacea for a mix of textures and colors.
  
• Shrubs: Combine with other flowering shrubs such as Spiraea, Weigela, or Viburnum to create a diverse, layered landscape.
  
• Groundcovers: Low-growing groundcovers like Ajuga or Liriope work well around the base of 'Winnipeg Parks' to add contrast and texture.