Contents
Description
Rosa Benjamin Britten is a stunning rose cultivar that was introduced in 1983 by the famous British rose breeder David Austin. This rose is named after the famous British composer Benjamin Britten and is known for its large, apricot-colored blooms that have a subtle pink blush. The flowers are cup-shaped and have around 40 petals that give them a full and voluptuous appearance. The blooms have a strong, sweet fragrance that is reminiscent of old-fashioned roses, which makes them popular among gardeners and florists alike.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Rosa |
Appearance
Rosa Benjamin Britten is a medium-sized shrub rose that can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The foliage is dark green and glossy, and the leaves are divided into 5-7 small leaflets. The flowers bloom in clusters of 3-5 and have a diameter of around 4 inches. The petals are slightly ruffled and have a delicate texture that adds to their charm. The blooms appear in late spring and continue to bloom throughout the summer, adding a burst of color to the garden.
Care Guide
Rosa Benjamin Britten is a relatively easy plant to care for and can thrive in most gardens. Here are some care tips to help you grow this beautiful rose:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to encourage blooming.
- Soil: Plant the rose in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH should be between 6.0 and 6.5.
- Sunlight: The plant needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to bloom properly. Plant it in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Rosa Benjamin Britten is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all roses, Rosa Benjamin Britten is susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Black spot: This fungal disease causes black spots to appear on the leaves, which can eventually cause the leaves to fall off. Use a fungicide to treat the plant.
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves and can cause the plant to weaken. Use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests spin webs on the leaves and can cause them to turn yellow and fall off. Use a miticide to treat the plant.
Habitat
Rosa Benjamin Britten is native to England and is a hybrid of Rosa ‘Charles Austin’ and Rosa ‘Aloha.’ It can thrive in most gardens and is commonly used as a border plant or in mixed flower beds. The plant needs well-drained soil and at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to grow properly.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I prune Rosa Benjamin Britten?
A: Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased wood, and cut back the remaining branches by about one-third of their length. This will encourage new growth and blooming.
Q: How often should I fertilize Rosa Benjamin Britten?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year, in early spring, with a balanced fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. This will encourage blooming and growth.
Q: Can I grow Rosa Benjamin Britten in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow the plant in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the root system. Use a high-quality potting mix and make sure the container has drainage holes. Water the plant regularly and fertilize it once a year.
Q: How do I propagate Rosa Benjamin Britten?
A: The plant can be propagated by taking softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in late autumn. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a potting mix. Keep the soil moist and in a humid environment until new growth appears.
Related Plants
- Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’
- Rosa ‘Mary Rose’
- Rosa ‘Graham Thomas’
References
- David Austin Roses. (n.d.). Rosa Benjamin Britten. Retrieved from https://www.davidaustinroses.com/us/roses/benjamin-britten
- Gardenia. (n.d.). Rosa ‘Benjamin Britten’ (English Rose). Retrieved from https://www.gardenia.net/plant/rosa-benjamin-britten-english-rose
- Rosa Benjamin Britten. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=2.3887.0
