Gardening Zeal

All About Gardening

Seven Sisters Rose: Best Researched Heirloom Rose

By Sarwat Rehman

Have you ever heard multi-color flowers at a single rosebush?

Isn’t it curious?

Definitely, it is something you don’t ever think of.

But Seven Sisters Rose is a genuinely old garden rose with a multi-color flower that is similar to sisters when bloom and change color when mature.

Starting from red buds it enjoys seven colors in its journey of life.

seven sisters rose
Seven sisters rose bush

Know more about this fabulous rambling rose here and beautify your garden with its full blooms.

More you will know about its background, growth, propagation ways, how you can prune, and some care tips for best growth.

Further Reading;

History and Background of ‘Seven Sisters Rose’

Seven sisters rose (Rosa Multiflora) is an antique elegant fragrant rose with blended pink colors at various stages of its life that was hybridized by anonymous Japanese Breeders.

It was released in Western Society for the first time in history in 1817. Although at that time, it was not that much popular and took time to grip roots and attract people.

In mid-century, nurseries started to produce rose sort of this variety that resulted in confusion of true seven sisters rose.

But later on, the true variety of seven sisters rose established its unambiguous stature and paved the way to America and West Continent.

 ‘Seven Sisters Rose’ – Heirloom Rose Key Attributes

Old garden or heirloom rose are such varieties of rose with large, fragrant, showy flower-like Seven Sisters Rose.

A bunch of flowers with varying shades of pink ranging from reddish-pink buds to ivory flowers is ‘Seven Sisters Rose’.

You can enjoy seven colors at one flower as it ages. As the rose matures, its color changes exhibiting different colored flowers during one season that is why it is called ‘Seven Sisters Rose’.

The diversification in color begins when reddish floral bud smiles in the garden. When bud matures to flower, it changes its color to reddish pink.

In its course of life, scarlet, purple, deep red and matured ivory rose to embellish its beauty.

Seven sisters rose is a vigorous climber, the canes can reach a height of 20 feet with bright green foliage and up to 2-4” wide flower.

It fully blooms once a year generally spring or summer, from May to July with 18-22 petals as it is a double flower containing more petals than usual roses.

It blooms with a strong fruity fragrance refreshing the garden.

How to Grow Seven Sisters Rose Bush?

Growing a flower especially a Rose is quite easy and fascinating that grasps attention making it distinct from all other flowers.

seven sisters rose bud
Red rose buds of Seven sisters rose

You just need to provide suitable conditions and necessary requirements to get full blooms.

Like, seven sisters rose bush is a large rambler or vigorous climber fully blooming in sunlight in almost any type of soil.

It is not a cold lover or frost-tolerant plant and can tolerate partial shade but if you give it a place where it will get full sunshine, your garden will amaze with the beauty of the stunning multi rose.

Your rose needs training.

The way you will train to grow, they will bloom in a better way.

Seven sisters usually grow vertically on walls, but if you allow them to spread along the fence horizontally, they will get more sunlight and more blooms will produce.

How to Propagate Seven Sisters Rose?

If you want to propagate seven sisters rosebush in the garden, you can do it by either using woody cuttings or layering.

Both of the methods equally work and result in full blooms.

1. Propagate Using Wood Cuttings

If you want to propagate using woodcutting, you can take either softwood or hardwood depending upon the time of season you are going to propagate.

In spring, softwood cuttings give good results as the branch is in the active growth phase.

While, if winter has approached and now you want to propagate rosebush, you have to take hardwood as it is not actively growing and is dormant.

When you have taken cuttings, select the place where you want your rosebush to grow. You can either grow in a container or direct in the yard ground.

Now pluck off all the leaves at one end of cutting and embed it in soil.

Wait for some days until you see new root growth.

  • Pro Tip: If you dip the cut end into the rooting hormone before pressing the cut end into the soil, it will give quick and robust root development.

2. Propagate by Layering

Propagating rose bush by layering is quite easy and simple. You have to pick a branch after it has done blooming. Bend it carefully and anchor it in the ground.

One thing you must take care about does not to cover the whole branch with soil. Just cover from mid where you want roots to develop.

Give it water timely so you will see roots emerging from it.

Pruning – When and How to Prune Seven Sisters Climbing Rose?

Pruning adds more dense growth with the removal of old weak bushes. You can prune in in summer after the flowering season ends.

Never tend to prune in late winters or in spring, if you did, you will not get flowers this season.

Set an annual pruning plan to get constant full bloom every year.

But the important point to remember is that the heirloom rose needs two to three seasons to fully establish so do not prune before this.

If you did pruning at an early stage, you are not going to get flowers all the way.

You have to remove dead and old canes in order to prevent them from diseases and cut canes to one-third.

While cutting, keep cutting at 450 from the last bud.

Do not remove bright green foliage beneath the double floral cluster so that buds could remain safe for the next season.

seven sisters rose bush
Seven sisters double rose – Heirloom Rose

How to Care for Seven Sisters Rose?

As the seven sisters rose is easy to grow and maintain plant, still it needs careful handling for full blooms that you can easily do by following these essential care tips.

  • You have to fertilize after regular intervals so that its proper growth can give us stunning blooms.
  • As seven sisters rose is shade tolerant and gives maximum growth in a warm climate, watering is a key point to take care of.
  • The water rose bush according to raining at your vicinity.
  • Keep the soil moist around the bush so that it can be damped.
  • In order to keep the soil moist or hydrated around the rose, apply mulch 4-5 inches in depth. It will keep the soil damp at the base.

Seven sisters rose is also sensible enough to take self-care as it has a strong root system that enables to fight against nematodes.

As a result, it behaves as nematode resistant.

It can also cure black spots that can be developed due to high rain or severe sun damage.

So, coming to an end hope you have completely understood all the growth requirements of the seven sisters climbing rose with its simply workable propagation techniques.

Above all, follow the essential care tips and prune at a time so you will get amazing flowers this summer.

Read More:

  1. Grow China Girl Holly Tree – Get Stunning Red Berries
  2. How to Care Autumn Moon Japanese Maple – Acer shirasawanum | Quick Guide
  3. Otto Luyken Laurel – How to Care Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel?

Bush Morning Glory: Tips for Silverbush Morning Glory Plant

By Sarwat Rehman

Bush morning glory is silver enchanting evergreen glorious plant is the best choice for you to grow and enjoy its beauty in your garden. This annual plant with small tricolor blooms gives mind-blowing shades because it has more colorful varieties other than white flowers.

Learn more about this glorious ‘Blush Morning Glory’ to grow with low-maintenance attributes.

What Kind of ‘Bush Morning Glory’ Plant is?

Bush morning glory (Lpomoea leptophylla) is a drought-tolerant perennial plant belonging to the Convolvulaceae Family with multiple varieties of showy flowers.

It is commonly recognized as

  • Wild potato vine
  • Bigroot bush morning-glory
  • Bush moonflower

This bushy, herbaceous plant grows up to 1-5 feet tall by 1-3 feet wide growing funnel-shaped flower. Originally, it belongs to the Mediterranean region now adapted to your garden climate producing silver flowers covering your landscape.

Bush Morning Glory Growth Tips

You will be relaxed after knowing that morning glory does not need your die-hard efforts as it is a low-care demanding plant that can even tolerate water shortage.

First of all, give it a sunny place in your garden as it grows best in full sun.

Secondly, you must also maintain proper drainage and plant there. If your garden place is lacking proper drainage, plant your bush in a raised area.

So keeping this trait in your mind, adjust its watering schedule. No need to give it water over and over again. The drip irrigation system will do best for this plant.

The selection of soil before growing a plant is tricky yet significant. This plant requires well-aerated soil with pH 7.3 or above but can also tolerate container soil of pH ranging 5.5-5.8.

Morning glory is not frost tolerant plant and foliage highly suffer but survives harsh winters temperature below -25 oF.

Do not rush to fertilize because it can grow without a heavy dosage of compost or other heavy fertilizers.

Coming towards pruning as it is one of the most important things to care for and shape your plant, bush morning glory does not require more often because it can manage its natural shape.

If still, you feel the need of pruning, fall or winter is best. You can also refresh by cutting its foliage every second or third year.

Read More:

  1. How to Care Autumn Moon Japanese Maple – Acer shirasawanum | Quick Guide

Black Baccara Rose: The Stunning Hybrid Black Rose!

By Sarwat Rehman

The gardeners believe ‘A rose is still a beautiful rose even if it has only one petal left’, Black Baccara Rose also exhibits such elegance.

Like any other beautiful flower, Black Baccara Rose is a hybrid tea rose with a stunning black velvety look grown in patio containers and along borders as a cut flower.

Further Reading:

  1. New Dawn Rose – How to Care New Dawn Climbing Rose?
  2. Seven Sisters Rose: Best Researched Heirloom Rose
  3. Star of Bethlehem Flower: 7 Exceptional Care Tips for Best Growth
black baccara rose
Black Baccara Rose – Velvety Black Rose

This stunning flower is must grow a rose as your garden will be obscure without it.

So, must know about history, meaning, key attributes, plantation, and uses of Black Baccara Rose that are discussed in detail.

Black Baccara Rose Plant – History

Thanx to hybridization for giving such a fabulous rose with a unique reddish-black colored flower.

Black baccara rose was first introduced by Meilland International in France, the year 2000. This variety of rose is not naturally occurring but is the gift of Hybridization in which two varieties with unique characteristics are crossed in order to produce a new variety with absolutely new features.

This is the case of how Black Baccara Rose came into existence when Jacques Mouchotte crossed Feugo’s Negro rose with a Celica rose.

Later on, it was introduced in other countries like Conard Pyle introduced this stunning flower in the United States in 2002.

In 2005, introduced in the U.S by Star Roses (Pennsylvania).

This was the era of its spread when after its production as a cut flower, it is now available to grow and beautify our garden.

What Is the Meaning of Black Baccara Rose?

Every unique thing has something to tell about. Dark red hybrid baccara tea rose with velvety petals signify its attributes.

  • Mystery

As black roses are unnatural, they have always been mysterious to their beholders.

  • Love and Devotion

The rose is a flower of love.

When you grow this fascinating rose in your garden, it shows your love for black roses. As it is also used in wedding bouquets, specifically winter weddings are incomplete without these floral bouquets.

Above all, it is the symbol of love, romance, and devotion.

  • Hope and Optimism

Hope and expectations always begin with mysterious attributes to reveal like Black Baccara Rose is not truly black and does not exist naturally, it is said to symbolize hope and optimism for the existence of the originally black rose.

Black Baccara Red Rose – Key Attributes

Black Baccara Hybrid Tea Rose member of ‘Rosa Black Baccara’ is commonly known as Black Rose or Black Rose Bush.

Baccara black rose is a perennial shrub with high-quality luxurious blooms giving pride to your garden all the summer with stunning blooms.

General ‘Hybrid Tea’ variety blooms elegantly all the summer starting all summer from June through October.

All captivating blooms stand on long and strong sturdy, a thorny stem that matures up to 95cm displaying large, deciduous 5-6 oval glossy foliage.

A thorny stem does not mean it is not beautiful because a rose with ten thousand thorns is more valuable than a daisy without even one.

black baccara rose
Black Baccara Rose – General Outline

Deep dark red to blackish baccara flower grows up to 5 feet height and produces about 3-4 inches diameter, highly centered solitary blooms.

Its compact flower, although not having significant fragrance or mild, is highly appealing with showy 40-45 petals having a velvety appearance giving your garden and patio container a full bloom.

Warmer USDA 7b zones are best suitable for their glamourous blooms that are used in cut flower blooming all the way without fading for 2 weeks in a vase.

So, is there any excuse to miss this stunning rose in your garden?

Black Baccara Hybrid Tea Rose – Plantation and Growth

Now, surely you are ready to plant Black Baccara Rose in your garden.

What you have to do is to get ready for its plantation and wait until bloom as roses do not bloom hurriedly, they take time to beautify their blossoms.

Hence, you need to look at what requirements you have to fulfill for its plantation and to get blooms.

1. Temperature

If we talk about its temperature range, it is noteworthy to consider that Black Baccara hybrid tea rose is not suitable for areas with low temperatures.

But if you can provide warm temperature or use greenhouse even in cold areas, you can enjoy the beauty of this rose variety.

Above all, it is most suitable in areas least suspected of frosts in spring as it is extremely vulnerable to frosts. 6 – 10F (-13 to -15oC) is the minimum temperature you must give for its proper plantation and growth.

Temperature makes a big deal to add blackish-red tone to this plant as in colder areas with the temperature near to lower safe limit, darker colored roses are more observed.

Thanks to this deep dark red color flower-giving black rose appearance.

2. Does it Need Full Sun or Shade?

This rose plant is an outdoor variety that needs full sunshine. Shade or improper sunlight will not result in its proper growth and blooming.

So, select a place that is in full sun so you get the best. Beds and borders, patio, and containers are the best places to plant in the yard.

City and country yard gardens also give the best sunny places.

3. Soil

You must take fertile loamy soil for its plantation. So, before deciding a day for plantation, visit your nearest garden center or local store and pick a bag of organic compost.

Mix compost with soil in a ratio of 1 part compost and 2 parts soil.

As far as the pH of planting soil is concerned, it grows in a wide range of pH ranging from 5 to 8 starting from moderately acidic (5.6-6) to slightly alkaline (7.4 – 7.8).

4. Watering

Black baccara rose needs moderate watering. Check the soil before giving water. If it is half an inch (0.5 inches) dried, give it water.

During summer, twice a week watering meets the need of watering while you can skip to once a week during winters.

5. Fertilization

Adding fertilizers to the soil at times increases the possibility of the timely good quality flowers. Basically, fertilization also depends on the age of the plant.

Black baccara Hybrid rose
Black Baccara Rose – Wedding bouquet

At the start of spring, administration of 10-10-10 fertilizer gives blooms because it is growing season and if its nitrogen demands are fulfilled at the start of growth, in addition to iron chelate, would be beneficial for the plant.

You have to fertilize when the Autumn approach is approached, add fertilizer of formula 6-4-10 +2 MgO every 20-25 days. Follow this procedure until mid-autumn.

This is the type of hybrid plant that requires trace elements, humus, and compost for better protection of plants.

Fulvic and humic acid also gives good results.

Try not to skip fertilization as it meets the demands of plant nutritional growth.

6. Pruning

Pruning of roses is a must-do thing for increased flowering and to maintain the shape of the plant. Winter pruning is most important as it is the best time to give it shape.

Remove all dead shoots, diseased flowers,s, and branches.

Dispose of any debris or dead leaves lying around the plant base so that it would be safe from pests and diseases.

It will give a boost to plant growth.

Black Baccara Rose Problems

When you plant any flowering tree, fruiting tree, or shrub, you remain alert to combat any problem. So, when you grow this captivating rose in your garden, again you need to be conscious.

Black Baccara Rose is also susceptible to diseases and pests that need to be monitored from time to time.

Some of the pets and insects that attack black rose are

  • Leafhoppers
  • Aphid
  • Red spider mites
  • Caterpillar

All you need to control these pests is to keep an eye on leaves that whether they are suffering from any illness. Insect eggs also symbolize insect attacks.

Use insecticides and pesticides for proper control of pests and insects.

Black Baccara Rose – Uses

Rose in your garden is not only showy but is also used in versatile ways. Like you can see how the black rose is used in various ways

  • Black rose is now prime interest as a cut flower for display in a vase that has a long life span.
  • People Grow Black Rose as a hedge plant.
  • You can grow this lovely flower in large containers or can be grown as a small tree.
  • Black Baccara Hybrid Tea Rose exhibits anti-aging cosmetic properties.
  • It is also used in luxury cosmetics intended to protect the integrity of skin and hair and for sebum secretion regulation.

So, coming to end, hope you have got enough of Black Baccara Hybrid Tea Rose and decided to plant this stunning rose in your garden so that you can beautify your garden with this exceptional rose plant.

You can ask any query about it and also share your experience regarding this fabulous rose.

Read More:

  1. Otto Luyken Laurel – How to Care Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel?

Grow China Girl Holly Tree – Get Yum Red Berries!

By Sarwat Rehman

China Girl Holly is the dense spreading shrub with yum red berries and bluish-green foliage that beautify your garden. If you want showy red berries in your yard, you must grow its companion male plant ‘China Boy’ for pollination.

Further Reading:

To embellish your garden with delicious red berries keep reading and following all the guidelines for the China Girl Holy tree.

Here is a lot to know about it!

China Girl Holly Tree – Noteworthy Characteristics

China girl is an evergreen rounded ornamental shrub that is grown due to its abundant red berries that add to its glory.

Read More:

  1. Bush Morning Glory: Tips for Silverbush Morning Glory Plant

Star of Bethlehem Flower: 7 Exceptional Care Tips for Best Growth

By Sarwat Rehman

Star of Bethlehem plant delicately embellishing Star of Bethlehem flower is a bulbous perennial belonging to Lily family.

This winter bulb is native to the Mediterranean region spreading along banks of streams and ditches.

Six petaled Star of Bethlehem flower add to the glory of the plant and if you will grow this plant, you will find it soothing.

In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends.

Love them! These floral friends would never let you fade.

If you want to beautify your garden with the Star of Bethlehem flower, you must follow the given guide.

You will get about flower meaning and significance, growth, most noteworthy care tips, uses, and warnings to have full blooms.

Further Reading;

Star of Bethlehem Plant: A Splendid Plant to Grow

Star of Bethlehem plant (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is perennial with white star-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer.

It is similar to garlic but does not have a garlic odor when crushed.

Flowers of Star of Bethlehem form clusters with arch-shaped strap-like green foliage.

They are perfect garden ornamental plants with flowers that bloom for 1-3 weeks even in a vase placed at your table.

There are almost 50 to 300 species but some are favored for gardeners. Here are some popular species of Ornithogalum

  • Ornithogalum arabicum

  • Ornithogalum. magnum

  • O. nutans

  • Ornithogalum. thyrsoides
  • O. dubium

Star of Bethlehem Flower Meaning – Etymological and Color Significance

Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature. The Star of Bethlehem Flower has special religious significance in Christianity too.

It is also known as Ornithogalum where “ornithos” means “bird” and “gala” means “milk” indicating “bird’s milk flower”.

The flower bulbs of this plant are also referred to as ‘Dove’s Dung’ and this name of the flower is still used in some cultures.

Piety white Star of Bethlehem Flower supplements glory of plant and are most commonly known but Star of Bethlehem plant with a different colored flower are also grown.

These may be orange, yellow, blue, purple colored flowers each with significant meanings like:

White – a symbol of peace, innocence, honesty, and purity

six petaled Star of bethlehem Flower
Six Petaled White Ornithogalum umbellatum

Yellow – a sign of joy and happiness

Purple – depicts royalty due to its uniqueness

Orange – although not very common but is a symbol of optimism and joy  

Blue – shows a high level of respect and dignity

You can also use the white flower to make beautiful bouquets for greetings in addition to floral arrangements for Christian ceremonies like marriages and baptism.

Above all, you can also beautify your garden with these enchanting flowers and make parties delightful with decorations.  

How to grow Star of Bethlehem Flower– 3 Easy to Follow Steps

If you want to beautify your garden with the Star of Bethlehem flower, fall is the best time to plant.

1. See Your Zone

Different species of Ornithogalum grow well in different zones. Generally, Star of Bethlehem is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

Ornithogalum dubium is hardy to USDA 8 through 11 while O. umbellatum and O. nutans are hardy to zone 6-9.

2. Select the Best Place

Ornithogalum is a sun-loving plant and grows best in full sun. You can plant it in a landscape that gets full sunshine.

But it can also grow in partial shade.

If you are having only a free site where partial sunlight comes, then you can also plant there.

Your efforts will not go fruitless!

3. Plant the Star of Bethlehem Flower Bulb

Growing Star of Bethlehem flower in your garden s not difficult. Rather it’s very easy.

You can do it on your own!

You just need to get things needed and plant with care by following this procedure:

Organic and humus-rich soil is best for the growth of Star of Bethlehem therefore, try to provide medium moisture and well-drained soil mixtures.

As far as soil type is concerned, it can easily grow and propagate in ordinary garden soil but sandy and loamy soils are preferred for best growth.

As the plant is easy to spread and can invade other plants, take a container to grow safely.

Dig a hole in soil and plant bulb of Star of Bethlehem about 3-6 inches deep and 10 to 15 cm (4-6 inches) apart.

Be sure about the environment in which you are living and plant accordingly.

But if you think you are at borderline for plant hardiness, place the bulb deeper in soil consequently it will give good results.

 

Ornithogalum umbellatum- Star of bethlehelm
Ornithogalum umbellatum– Beautifully Grown in Garden

Set the bulb with pointed ends facing up. Now cover the bulb with soil and water as per need.

Your beautiful white flower will bloom and beautify your garden.

Star of Bethlehem Flower Care: 7 Exceptionally Workable Tips

Plants need care and maintenance. If they would be attacked by diseases or wilt, the beauty of the garden will be ruined.

  1. Mostly they are not at high risk of insects or pesticide attacks. Blue rot and root rot attack plants with soggy soil having improper drainage.
  2. You must take care when watering this delicate plant. Do not overwater because the plant needs average watering.
  3. Take special care of soil drainage as you will see by giving good drainage plant health will also increase. 
  4. Improve drainage of the soil, health will be improved.
  5. As Star of Bethlehem is invasive and can grow easily and quickly it must be grown in a container so that other plants remain safe. Avoid cutting and mowing when bulbs are at beginning of growth.
  6. Apply general purpose, houseplant liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
  7. Once leaves have started yellow after flowering is over, stop watering until new growth appears.

Star of Bethlehem Flower Uses and Benefits

Star of Bethlehem plant has its own significance in the garden as people are using it as a remedy from ancient times. Here are some beneficial uses that you must know if you have or wants to grow in the garden.

1. Shock Healing

It is an effective remedy for shocks that might be of any sort like shock, accident, distress, after effect shock of any bad or unexpected news or event.

It is also a remedy to console or figure out emptiness or loss that occurs when someone special is lost or died.

This shock healing plant neutralizes your present or past shocks even that of your childhood.

2. Heart Failure

Extract of Star of Bethlehem is good in curing heart failure. Most people use it for congestive heart failure.  Many people who took its extract felt wellness in their heart function.

As heart patients need more precautions, one must consult a doctor prior to considering it as a remedy for heart failure.

3. External Application

It is applied to the skin against blisters or ulcers externally.

4. Homeopathy

Bulbs of Star of Bethlehem flower are also used in a homeopathic remedy.

5. Cancer Treatment

Certain forms of cancer are treated using the Star of Bethlehem.

6. Emotional Pain

Suicidal behavior, sadness, or a state of discomfort are relieved by plant extract.  

Is Star of Bethlehem Flower Invasive?

Growing a plant with a cool and pretty flower-like Star of Bethlehem flower is amazing. But often things go at a path where they are not directed to.

Star of Bethlehem also shows sort of directionless growth if allowed to grow without a container. It has some invasive nature to grow, grow and grow where wants to grow in its vicinity.

It might be the case that if you have enjoyed the charm of Star of Bethlehem flower and want to place it with other flowering plants, it is not so easy to get rid of it.

This plant has waxy leaves and is quite herbicide-resistant.

But above all don’t be disappointed.

You need to do some effort to clear up the place. You have to individually dig up each bulb.

That is why it must be handled carefully.

Grow but With Care – Warning!

If you are growing this plant, you must be aware of its pros and cons.

The bulb and foliage contain toxic alkaloids and could be dangerous for animal livestock or pets.

But it does not mean that you can not have this exceptionally beautiful plant in your garden and outdoors.

You just need to follow some safety measures.

Try to plant in inaccessible areas of your dogs, cats, or other grazing animals if you plant outdoor.

Hope if you were lacking any information about Star of Bethlehem Flower, you have got ideal knowledge about it and if you were planning to grow after some time, you will definitely grow promptly.

Now plant it, care for it and appreciate its captivating beauty!

Read More: