The ‘Spirit of Freedom’ rose (‘Ausdir’) is a popular David Austin English rose, known for its beautiful blooms and delightful fragrance. Its romantic aesthetic and ability to enhance various garden styles make it a favored choice among rose enthusiasts, seeking both visual charm and a pleasing scent.
Understanding the ‘Spirit of Freedom’ Rose (Ausdir)
The ‘Spirit of Freedom’ rose produces large, deeply cupped blooms that open from rounded buds. These flowers display a soft pink hue, deepening towards the center, and gradually transform into lilac-pink with age. Each bloom is densely packed with a high petal count, sometimes up to 200 petals, forming an old-fashioned, quartered rosette.
This rose is known for its medium-strong myrrh fragrance. It exhibits a vigorous, upright, and bushy growth habit, and can be trained as a short climber with support. As a shrub, it typically reaches 6 to 8 feet tall, or up to 8 feet as a climber, with a 3 to 4-foot spread. This rose is hardy in USDA Zones 5b through 11 and shows good disease resistance.
Planting and Initial Cultivation
Choose a location that receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and abundant flowering. Good air circulation is also beneficial to prevent common rose diseases. Ensure the spot has sufficient space, avoiding root competition with other plants like trees or hedges.
Roses thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, dig over the soil, remove weeds and large stones, and incorporate well-rotted manure or compost to improve fertility and texture. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is generally suitable.
When planting, prepare a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the root system. For bare root roses, soak roots in water for at least two hours before planting. Position the rose in the center of the hole, burying the graft union (the swollen area where the rose is grafted onto the rootstock) 2 to 3 inches below the soil surface, especially in colder climates. Backfill the hole with the prepared soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets, and then water thoroughly.
After planting, deep water to help the rose establish. Continue watering newly planted roses every two to three days for the first month, especially during dry periods. Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant after watering to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
Ongoing Care and Pruning
Once established, water the ‘Spirit of Freedom’ rose consistently, especially during dry spells. Deep, infrequent watering encourages a strong, deep root system. Provide 1 to 3 inches of water per week, moistening the soil to a depth of 16 to 18 inches. Avoid frequent, shallow watering, which can lead to superficial root growth.
Fertilize in early spring as new growth emerges. Use a slow-release granular rose feed with a balanced mix of nitrogen for foliage, phosphorus for root and flower production, and potassium for overall plant health. Follow manufacturer instructions, reapplying after the first flush of blooms or every four to six weeks during the growing season. Stop fertilizing about six weeks before the first expected frost to protect new growth.
Mulching conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and provides nutrients. Apply a 1 to 2-inch layer of well-rotted compost, manure, or other organic material around the rose’s base, extending to its canopy. Ensure mulch does not touch the stems directly to promote air circulation. Renew the mulch layer in late March or early April, ideally after spring feeding.
Pruning promotes health, vigor, and continuous flowering. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. For formative pruning, remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain an open structure and improve air circulation. Winter pruning, done in late winter or early spring when dormant, involves cutting back canes by one-third to two-thirds, depending on desired size and shape. This stimulates new growth for the upcoming blooming season.
Common Challenges and Solutions
The ‘Spirit of Freedom’ rose can encounter common pests and diseases.
Pests
Aphids cluster on new growth and buds, causing distortion and honeydew. Control them with a strong water stream or insecticidal soap. Spider mites cause stippling on leaves and fine webbing; control with forceful water sprays, especially on leaf undersides. Thrips distort buds and cause brown streaks on petals; manage by cleaning plant litter and removing distorted buds.
Fungal Diseases
Black spot appears as dark, circular spots on leaves, leading to yellowing and premature drop. Powdery mildew presents as a white, powdery growth on leaves, stems, and buds, often distorting them. Rust manifests as orange to black powdery spots on the undersides of leaves. To mitigate these, ensure good air circulation, avoid late overhead watering, and promptly remove infected leaves and debris. Use organic remedies like baking soda or milk sprays, or commercial fungicides for severe cases.
Other Issues
Lack of blooms often results from insufficient sunlight, inadequate watering, or nutrient deficiencies. Ensure the rose receives at least six hours of sun, consistent deep watering, and regular fertilization. Leggy growth, characterized by long, sparse stems, can be corrected through proper and consistent pruning to encourage bushier, more compact growth and better flower production.