The George Burns Rose, a floribunda, is a popular choice for gardens. Its cheerful presence can brighten borders, containers, or serve as an attractive focal point in smaller garden spaces.
Understanding the George Burns Rose
The George Burns Rose (Rosa ‘WEKcalroc’) is a floribunda with multicolored, striped petals. Each flower presents a playful mix of yellow, orange, red, and pink, sometimes appearing all on the same bloom. The color intensity and pattern can shift with the weather and temperature, often showing more yellow in cooler conditions.
These full, ruffled blooms measure around 4 inches in diameter and appear in small clusters. The George Burns Rose emits a pleasant, strong citrusy or fruity fragrance. This compact, upright shrub reaches 30 to 48 inches tall and 24 to 48 inches wide, suitable for various garden designs. It blooms in flushes throughout the growing season, from late spring through fall, ensuring continuous color.
Planting Your George Burns Rose
This rose thrives in locations that receive full sun, at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Good air circulation also helps prevent common rose diseases.
The soil should be well-draining, as standing water can lead to root issues. While adaptable to various soil types, enriching the planting site with organic matter improves drainage and provides essential nutrients. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 is preferred for optimal nutrient absorption.
When planting, dig a hole wide enough for the roots and deep enough for the graft union to sit just below the soil surface. For bare-root roses, rehydrate them by soaking the roots in water for at least two hours before planting. After placing the rose, backfill the hole with prepared soil, firming it around the roots to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and ensure good root contact.
Ongoing Care for George Burns Rose
Watering
Consistent watering is important, especially during its first growing season to establish a strong root system. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Deep watering is more effective than shallow, frequent sprinkles, as it encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil.
The best time to water is in the early morning, allowing foliage to dry before evening and minimizing fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering, as wet leaves can promote diseases like black spot and powdery mildew. Container-grown roses may require more frequent watering than those planted directly in the ground due to faster soil drying.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing supports vigorous growth and abundant blooms throughout the season. Begin fertilizing in early spring when new growth emerges, when shoots are 4 to 6 inches long. A balanced rose fertilizer, or one higher in nitrogen for initial foliage growth, is suitable for the first application.
Subsequent applications can occur after each flush of blooms, every three to six weeks during the growing season. Slow-release granular fertilizers can be scratched into the soil around the drip line, while liquid fertilizers are diluted and applied by watering. Stop fertilizing approximately six to eight weeks before the first anticipated frost date to prepare the plant for dormancy and prevent tender new growth from cold damage.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the health, shape, and bloom production. Primary pruning occurs in late winter or early spring, just before new growth and after the threat of severe cold. This encourages fresh growth and improves air circulation, reducing disease incidence.
Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased wood, cutting back to healthy tissue. Remove any crossing or rubbing canes, as these can create wounds that invite disease. For shaping, cut about one-third to one-half of the top growth, making cuts at a 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing bud or leaf node. This encourages outward growth, maintaining an open, vase-like shape. Throughout the blooming season, deadhead spent flowers by cutting them back to a strong leaf or bud to encourage continuous flowering.
Addressing Common Issues
The George Burns Rose can encounter common rose pests and diseases, though it has good disease resistance. Black spot is a prevalent fungal disease appearing as dark spots on leaves, often with yellowing tissue, leading to premature leaf drop. Powdery mildew presents as a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and buds, causing distortion. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help reduce the incidence of these diseases.
Common insect pests include aphids and spider mites. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth, causing distortion and secreting honeydew. A strong spray of water can dislodge them. Spider mites, often problematic in hot, dry conditions, cause tiny yellow or white speckles on leaves and can create fine webbing. Regular inspection of your rose bushes helps in early detection and management of these issues.