Rosa ‘Apple Blossom’

Strong-growing and free-flowering of unusual pale pink flowers similar to apple blossom. Its asset is the ability to grow in a shade.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: Flowers 3-4 cm across, single, delicate, pale pink, similar to apple blossom; appear in VI and VII; slightly scented. Gathered in inflorescence by dozens and set on short pedicels. The shrub does not repeat flowering. Leaves are dark green, wrinkled. Shoots long, tick, moderately thorny.

HOW IT GROWS: A vine that leans against supports rather than climb along them. The cultivar belongs to the Ramblers group. Requires tying up. Strong-growing. The plant height depends on its support – in Poland it reaches 5 m. The supports should be sufficiently extensive and solid.

WHERE TO PLANT: Thrives in a sunny or semi-shaded site but it will also grow in a shade. The soil should be fertile, moist but well-drained. Neutral or slightly acidic Ph is the most advantageous. Hardy (zone 5–8).

HOW TO PLANT AND MAINTAIN: Before planting immerse the plant container in water for 10-30 min.  Place the root ball in a 40 x 40 x 40 cm hole with a 10 cm layer of well-rotten manure or compost, 0.5-1 cm deeper than it was before. Fill the hole with fertile compost soil. Regular pruning is not necessary. The only measure that should be taken is removal of dead or damaged shoots in spring. Formative pruning may be performed also following the bloom, in VII.

HOW TO APPLY: The cultivar is recommended  for house gardens, public greenery and parks, both in formal and natural areas. It may be trained along hedges or walls, entrance gates and romantic arbours. If grown without supports, it may be a feature in a large rock garden.

ORIGIN: U.S.A. Raised by L. Burbank in 1932.