The flowering of the Rose of Alexandria is overwhelming and is often a very recurring color resource for the garden. This rose of Alexandria (because there are more) belongs to the family of the so-called peonies that we will talk about later in an article dedicated to the genre.
Index
ORIGIN AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ROSE OF ALEXANDRIA
We will begin by explaining its characteristics, as well as the genus to which it belongs within the classification of species. Thanks to this information, you will be able to better understand later what care you will need. As we have said, it belongs to the genus Paeonia, which currently consists of 36 accepted species. The rest are synonyms or specimens not yet classified.
This is a plant native to the Iberian Peninsula , and it is possible to find it in central and southern Spain and Portugal. This species was identified as Paeonia broteri but it is better known by other names such as: Rosa de Alejandría, Rosa de Santa Clara, Peony and Wild rose among many others.
It is a herbaceous plant that can be found from 100 to 1,850 meters above sea level, mainly in mountain areas and can reach up to 70 centimeters in height.
It stands out for having spectacular hot pink flowers and simple oval or lanceolate, glossy dark green leaves. These flowers are hermaphrodites, this means that the female and male reproductive organs are found in the same flower.
It can measure up to 40 cm to a maximum of 1 meter on average. They have a very deep root system . This characteristic, together with its rusticity against frost, make this plant a very long-lived specimen in the garden
CARE OF THE ROSE OF ALEXANDRIA
Below you can find our recommendations for the care of the Rose of Alexandria. Pay close attention so that your plant is always healthy and grows optimally.
EXPOSURE AND TEMPERATURES
As we have mentioned previously, the Rose of Alexandria grows in forests with a lot of shade that are found in mountainous areas or coastal areas. Therefore, the ideal is to place your Rose of Alexandria outside in a semi-shady area. Be very careful not to get direct sunlight at any time.
This plant resists well the cold and frosts up to -17ºC during winter, but the same does not happen to it with the intense heat with which they can spoil it. Therefore, if you live in the Mediterranean or in an area where during the summer temperatures exceed 30ºC, we advise you that in addition to keeping it in semi-shade, you should be sheltered from hot winds . You can try placing it behind taller plants that will not only protect it but also help it maintain its moisture.
SUBSTRATE AND SUBSCRIBER
Depending on where you are going to have it, one type of substrate or another will be preferable:
- Pot: we recommend a universal growing substrate mixed with 30% perlite .
- Garden: it can be in all types of soils as long as they have good drainage . However, you can also add a substrate with a pH greater than 7 to the hole where you are going to plant it.
Whether you are going to have it in a pot or in the garden, you have to prepare the substrate for its correct growth. You should pay your Rosa de Alejandría from early spring to late summer preferably with organic fertilizers . In the event that you have it in a pot, use liquid formats while it is better to opt for powder if it is on the ground. It is a fairly demanding plant in nutrients. Over the years, the soil is depleted if fertilizer contributions are not promoted, especially in the flowering season.
Nutri 1 One – Concentrated liquid fertilizer for healthy and unruly plants and flowers. With extracts of vegetable origin and microelements, 1 liter
- One is a concentrated liquid fertilizer for healthy and rich plants and flowers.
- Thanks to its special formula, it increases the growth of the plant and makes it grow more leaves and flowers.
- One encourages root development to improve nutrient absorption.
- One is a fertilizer based on plant extracts and precious microelements.
- With a single week you will see obvious results
IRRIGATION
The frequency of irrigation will depend mainly on the season of the year, for example during summer it is recommended that you water it between 3 – 4 times a week . Decreasing the frequency during the fall and winter seasons. During these times, first check the soil to see if it is dry and then water without flooding the soil to avoid freezing the roots. If instead you have it in a pot, remember to remove the water to avoid this.
PLANTING AND PRUNING TIME
With regard to planting, the best time is in spring once the risk of frost has disappeared. If you have your Rose of Alexandria in a pot, the ideal is to transplant it every two years.
This is a plant that doesn’t need a lot of pruning. What it does is that you have to be aware of removing the withered flowers and dead leaves that you see. It is also good that you remove the stems that are dry or brown.
Photo by: Miguel Angel Masegosa Martínez
SPREAD
This plant can be propagated by seeds its seeds during the spring, but we already anticipate that this can be somewhat complicated. However, if you dare and want to try it, here are the recommended steps that you should follow:
- You first have to plant them in a damp place during the fall , such as on a damp napkin. To prevent fungus from appearing, we recommend that you sprinkle a little copper or sulfur, and that you go the napkin at least 3 or 4 times a week.
- When you see that they have begun to germinate and have their first roots, plant them in a pot that you will have to keep moist, be careful not to get flooded as you could cause it to rot.
- Leave them in that pot until you see that the roots begin to come out through the drainage holes, because it will be time to move them to their final place: a larger pot or the space you have prepared for them in your garden.
PESTS AND DISEASES OF THE ROSE OF ALEXANDRIA
The Rose of Alexandria is a plant that does not usually have problems and is quite rustic. Although we do recommend that you be careful in dry and hot times because it can be attacked by the cottony mealybug . While it is easy to solve using a soft brush dipped in a little alcohol.
As you have seen, it is a plant that does not require complicated care and is quite resistant. In addition, since it is not very tall, it is perfect to decorate any space, whether in a patio planter, on a balcony or garden.