Distinctive Characteristics of ‘Marilyn Monroe’ Rose
The ‘Marilyn Monroe’ rose, a hybrid tea variety, offers a unique aesthetic. Its large, perfectly formed blooms measure 4 to 5 inches in diameter, featuring a high-centered to cupped form. These flowers showcase a creamy apricot or apricot-blended color, often with a subtle wash of green as they open. Each bloom has 30 to 40 petals.
A mild citrus-tea fragrance emanates from these blossoms. The plant exhibits a strong, upright, and vigorous growth habit, reaching 4 to 6 feet tall with a spread of 3 to 5 feet. This cultivar is robust, demonstrating general disease resistance and good tolerance for hot weather.
Planting Your ‘Marilyn Monroe’ Rose
Proper site selection is fundamental for establishing a ‘Marilyn Monroe’ rose. These roses thrive in locations with ample sunlight, ideally a minimum of six hours of direct sun daily. Well-drained soil is equally important to prevent waterlogging, alongside good air circulation around the plant to discourage fungal issues. Ensure sufficient space from competing plants, including trees and hedges, to allow the rose’s root system to develop.
Before planting, amend the soil with rich organic matter such as compost or aged manure. Roses prefer a soil pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic (5.5 to 6.5). For bare-root roses, rehydrate the roots by soaking them in water for 2 to 24 hours prior to planting.
Dig a planting hole wide enough to accommodate the roots, typically about 16 inches wide and deep (or 60 cm wide by 40 cm deep). Create a small soil mound in the center of the hole, then gently spread the rose’s roots over it. For grafted roses, position the plant so the graft union (the swollen area where the rose was joined to the rootstock) sits approximately 2 inches below the soil surface. Backfill the hole with prepared soil, gently firming it to remove air pockets, and then water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Ongoing Care for ‘Marilyn Monroe’ Roses
Consistent watering is important for the ‘Marilyn Monroe’ rose, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Deep watering once a week is usually sufficient, though adjustments should be made based on local weather and soil type. Deep watering encourages a robust root system, helping the plant withstand drought.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant blooms. For established roses, begin fertilizing when new growth reaches 4 to 6 inches in spring. Subsequent applications can occur every two to four weeks, depending on the fertilizer type. A balanced granular fertilizer or organic options like fish emulsion, alfalfa meal, or well-rotted compost provide essential nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can stress the plant and attract pests.
Pruning promotes plant health and continuous flowering. Deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, encourages new flowers rather than seed production. Structural pruning is best performed in late winter or early spring, after the risk of severe frost. This involves removing dead, diseased, or damaged wood, and branches that cross and rub.
Thinning the plant’s center improves air circulation, helping prevent fungal diseases. Cuts should be made 1/4 to 1/2 inch above an outward-facing bud at a 45-degree angle to direct new growth away from the center. Reducing the plant’s overall height by one-third to one-half can also encourage stronger growth.
In colder climates, provide winter protection for ‘Marilyn Monroe’ roses, especially for grafted plants. Once the plant enters dormancy, after several hard frosts, mound 10 to 12 inches of soil or compost around the base to cover the graft union. This insulates the sensitive graft from extreme cold. An additional layer of mulch, such as leaves, straw, or pine needles, can be added over the mound for further insulation. Loosely tying the rose canes together helps prevent wind damage during winter.
Managing common pests and diseases is part of maintaining a healthy rose. Good cultural practices, such as adequate air circulation through proper spacing and pruning, and promptly cleaning up fallen leaves and debris, prevent issues. Roses are susceptible to fungal issues like powdery mildew, black spot, and rust.
Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and rose slugs. A strong spray of water can dislodge aphids and spider mites. For persistent problems, horticultural oils like neem oil are effective against both pests and some fungal diseases.