The True Passion Rose is a popular choice for gardeners seeking vibrant color and fragrance. This cultivar is known for its visual appeal and ease of cultivation, making it suitable for both experienced rose enthusiasts and new gardeners.
Understanding the True Passion Rose
The True Passion Rose, scientifically known as Rosa ‘LIM10’ or ‘Double 10’, is an award-winning Hybrid Tea Rose with a vigorous growth habit. Its most striking feature is the vibrant orange-red blooms, often described as blazing fire-orange, densely packed with 50 to 60 ruffled petals. These large flowers, 3.25 to 4 inches in diameter, appear on long, single stems. The rose’s medium to dark green, semi-glossy foliage provides a rich backdrop.
It has a distinct, faint peppery fragrance, offering an intriguing alternative to sweeter rose scents. This rose grows upright, reaching 4 to 5 feet tall with a 2 to 3-foot spread, making it a manageable size for various garden designs. It is a continuous rebloomer, producing flushes of flowers from early summer through the first heavy frost, ensuring a prolonged display of color. The True Passion Rose also boasts resistance to common rose diseases, including black spot, powdery mildew, and rust, contributing to its low-maintenance appeal.
Planting Your True Passion Rose
The True Passion Rose thrives in locations with ample sunlight. It needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally in an easterly-facing position. Space plants about 3 feet apart for good air circulation, which helps prevent disease. The ideal soil for this rose is well-drained, loamy, and rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic pH.
Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or other organic amendments to improve soil structure and fertility. Dig a hole at least twice the diameter of the root ball and equally deep, ensuring enough space for root expansion. After placing the rose, backfill the hole with amended soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Immediately after planting, water the rose thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Ongoing Care for True Passion Roses
Water True Passion Roses consistently, providing 1 to 2 inches of water per week depending on environmental conditions. Water deeply at the base, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to encourage a robust root system. Watering early in the day minimizes evaporation and keeps foliage dry, helping prevent fungal issues. Container-grown roses may need more frequent watering.
Regular fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant blooming. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer three times during the growing season: in spring after leaves emerge, after the first flush of blooms, and in late summer. Alternatively, a 10-10-10 soluble fertilizer can be used once each in spring, summer, and early fall, but cease feeding in late summer to allow new growth to harden before winter. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged canes, and trim crossing stems to improve air circulation. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers rather than hip formation.
Addressing True Passion Rose Challenges
While disease-resistant, the True Passion Rose can still occasionally encounter common garden issues. Black spot, a fungal disease causing dark spots on leaves, and powdery mildew, which appears as a white, dusty coating, are common fungal concerns. These conditions thrive in damp environments; good air circulation around the plant and watering at its base can significantly reduce their occurrence. If fungal issues arise, apply a fungicide formulated for roses.
Pest infestations are less frequent but can occur. Aphids, small insects that cluster on new growth and buds, are common pests. A forceful water spray can dislodge aphids, or an insecticidal soap can be applied for larger infestations. Regularly inspect foliage and stems for early detection of problems, enabling prompt intervention. Keep the area around the rose free of fallen leaves and debris to minimize sites where fungal spores and pests can harbor.