The South Africa® Sunbelt® Rose is an award-winning shrub rose bred to handle high heat and humidity with grace and style. From the classic to the romantic, this rose is a great addition to any garden, growing beautifully in many different conditions. Their radiance can be seen from afar. The rich glowing amber flowers of the South Africa® Sunbelt® rose are in a class of their own.
Being part of the Sunbelt® collection this rose has been observed to perform well in hot and dry climates. The blooms are non-fading, large and double in form.
Characteristics of the South Africa® Rose
- Flower Color: Golden-yellow
- Bloom Form: Large, double (17-25 petals), cluster-flowered, high-centered
- Fragrance: Mildly fragrant
- Foliage: Dark green
- Growth Habit: Upright
- Mature Height: 4-5 feet
- Hardiness: USDA zone 6b and warmer
- Use: Beds and borders, cut flower or garden
Planting and Care
Plant South Africa® in a full to part sun location with well-draining soil. The South Africa Sunbelt rose tree can grow in full or part sun, but you will get the best color and blooms in full sun. Rose trees are adaptable to any well drained soil. Roses rarely grow well in heavy clay soils. Amending this type of soil with organic compost will lighten the texture and add drainage.
Choose a good quality potting mix like our Special Planting Mix when amending a sandy, clay, or nutrient poor soil. Use at least 50% of the original soil to be sure your rose tree will ultimately adapt to the environment. Water your rose tree in well when planting. Keep the soil moist for the first month. Watering deeply 1 to 2 times per week versus a little bit everyday is ideal for helping you plant's roots establish quickly and grow well. Once established, allow the soil to dry before watering.
Provide about one inch of water a week, avoiding getting the foliage wet. Wet foliage spreads fungal and mildew diseases quickly. Fertilize with a granular slow-release feed formulated for roses and flowering shrubs. Use our slow-release fertilizer when planting and in spring.
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Pruning
7 Rules for Pruning Roses
Pruning shrub roses is easy and only needs to be done once a year. Prune lightly anytime to maintain shape. If a heavy pruning is required do this in late winter or early spring. Late in the winter, cut any dead, dying, or diseased branches back to the main stem. Cut the oldest canes to the ground to encourage fresh growth. Do not remove more than one-third of the total growth; always make cuts just above a visible leaf bud to keep the shape tidy. Spring Pruning: Remove old canes and dead or diseased wood and cut back canes that cross. In warmer climates, cut back the remaining canes by about one-third. In colder areas, you'll probably find you'll have to prune a little more than that.
Spacing and Size
South Africa® is a relatively narrow, upright shrub, maturing to 3-4 feet high and 1-2 feet wide. South Africa® is a grandiflora rose with dark green foliage and an upright growth habit, reaching 4′ - 5′ in height. Space each plant about 18 inches apart, center on center when planting multiple roses.
Growing in Containers
Growing a Rose Tree in Containers Choose a pot a size larger than the pot your rose tree comes in. A 5 gallon pot is a good option that offers plenty of space without going too big and causing problems for your tree. A standard 5 gallon pot is about 12 inches in diameter and 11 inches tall. Be sure the pot drains well.
Use a good quality potting mix like our Special Planting Mix when planting in containers. You will need to check on your rose tree more often when it is planted in a pot as the soil will dry out faster. Test the soil by sticking your finger in about 2 inches to test the moisture. When the planting medium feels dry to the touch go ahead and water your rose tree deeply with a hose right on the soil.
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Fertilize at least twice a year with our slow release fertilizer.
Versatile Uses
Shrub roses are the backbone of a cottage garden but also attract pollinators when planted in a kitchen garden. Can be used for beds and borders, cut flower or garden. The compact shape and ease of care for South Africa® make it well suited to grow in containers on a deck, patio, or poolside. Roses are easier to care for than most gardeners realize and make for low-maintenance hedging along a fenceline.
Additional Information
You can plant any time of the year, just take care to avoid the most extreme temperatures in winter and summer. Vigorous. Disease susceptibility: very disease resistant. Prolific, blooms in flushes throughout the season. From the classic to the romantic, this rose is a great addition to any garden, growing beautifully in many different conditions.
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