Contents
Description
Rosa Gentle Hermione is a hybrid tea rose with large, double flowers that bloom in clusters. The petals are a soft pink color with a darker pink edge and a creamy white center. It has a strong, sweet fragrance that is characteristic of tea roses. This rose was first introduced in 2005 by David Austin Roses and has since become a popular choice for gardeners who want a romantic and elegant addition to their gardens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Rosa |
Appearance
Rosa Gentle Hermione grows up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It has a bushy habit with dark green foliage that provides a beautiful backdrop for the flowers. The flowers themselves are 4-5 inches in diameter with 90 petals each. They have a classic tea rose shape with a high center and outer petals that curve back. The petals are a soft pink color that fades to white in the center, with a darker pink edge that gives them a beautiful contrast. The flowers bloom repeatedly throughout the growing season, making this rose a great choice for cut flowers.
Care Guide
Rosa Gentle Hermione is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to thrive. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water deeply once a week, or more often in hot or dry weather. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, and again in midsummer with a rose-specific fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Roses prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Roses need plenty of light to bloom well.
- Hardiness Zones: Rosa Gentle Hermione is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rosa Gentle Hermione is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by a few common issues:
- Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing yellowing and stunted growth. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Black spot: This fungal disease causes black spots on the leaves, which can eventually cause them to drop. It can be prevented by planting in a sunny, well-ventilated location and avoiding overhead watering.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. It can be controlled with a fungicide or by improving air circulation.
Habitat
Rosa Gentle Hermione is native to England, where it was bred by David Austin Roses. It prefers a temperate climate with moderate rainfall and plenty of sunlight. It can be grown in a variety of soil types as long as they are well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Rosa Gentle Hermione be grown in a container?
A: Yes, but it will require frequent watering and fertilization since container-grown plants dry out more quickly than those planted in the ground.
Q: How often should I prune Rosa Gentle Hermione?
A: Prune in early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and shape the plant as desired.
Q: Can I grow Rosa Gentle Hermione from cuttings?
A: Yes, it is possible to propagate Rosa Gentle Hermione from cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep them moist and out of direct sunlight until they root.
Q: How long does it take for Rosa Gentle Hermione to bloom?
A: Rosa Gentle Hermione will typically bloom in its second year of growth, but it may produce a few flowers in its first year as well.
Related Plants
- Rosa ‘Abraham Darby’
- Rosa ‘Bathsheba’
- Rosa ‘Crown Princess Margareta’
- Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’
References
- David Austin Roses. (n.d.). Rosa Gentle Hermione. Retrieved from https://www.davidaustinroses.com/us/roses/gentle-hermione
- Gardenia.net. (n.d.). Rosa ‘Gentle Hermione’ (English Rose). Retrieved from https://www.gardenia.net/plant/rosa-gentle-hermione
- RHS. (n.d.). Rosa ‘Gentle Hermione’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/272558/Rosa-Gentle-Hermione/Details
