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Description
Rosa Altissimo, also known as the Red Altissimo Rose, is a popular shrub rose that is native to France. This plant is known for its beautiful, vibrant red flowers that bloom in clusters throughout the year. It is a hardy plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it an ideal choice for garden borders, hedges, and containers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Rosa |
Appearance
Rosa Altissimo has glossy, dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and serrated. The plant produces large, single, scarlet red flowers that measure up to 4 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom in clusters throughout the year, from spring to fall. The plant has a bushy growth habit and can reach a height of 6 feet and a width of 4 feet. The stems of the plant are thorny and can be trained to grow horizontally or vertically.
Care Guide
Water: Rosa Altissimo requires regular watering, especially during the summer months. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season, from spring to fall. Use a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Soil: Rosa Altissimo prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH level of 6.0 to 6.5.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Rosa Altissimo is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rosa Altissimo is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including:
Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and deformation of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Black Spot: This fungal disease causes black spots to form on the leaves of the plant, which can lead to defoliation. It can be controlled with fungicides and by removing and destroying infected leaves.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating to form on the leaves of the plant. It can be controlled with fungicides and by improving air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Rosa Altissimo is native to France and is commonly found in gardens and parks around the world. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9 and can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
Questions and Answers
Q: Can Rosa Altissimo be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Rosa Altissimo can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Rosa Altissimo be pruned?
A: Rosa Altissimo should be pruned once a year, during the dormant season.
Q: Does Rosa Altissimo attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, Rosa Altissimo is known to attract bees and butterflies with its vibrant red flowers.
Q: Can Rosa Altissimo be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Rosa Altissimo can be propagated from softwood or hardwood cuttings taken in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Rosa ‘Carefree Beauty’
- Rosa ‘Double Delight’
- Rosa ‘Knock Out’
- Rosa ‘Mr. Lincoln’
References
- “Rosa ‘Altissimo’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=272248. Accessed 14 June 2021.
- “Rosa ‘Altissimo’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/13834/Rosa-Altissimo/Details. Accessed 14 June 2021.
- “Rosa ‘Altissimo’.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/growing-rosa-altissimo-plant-profile-3269346. Accessed 14 June 2021.
