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Common name
- Rose Hokutu
- Regional name:
- Marathi - Gulab, Bengali - Golap, Hindi - Gulab, Punjabi - Gulab, Kannada - Gulabi, Tamil - Troja, Telugu - Roja
- Category:
- Rose Hybrid Teas
- Family:
- Rosaceae or Apple family
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Info
- Scientific Name: Rosa 'Hokuto'
- Family: Rosaceae
- Class: Hybrid Tea Rose
- Origin: Japan
- Bloom Time: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Flower Color: White with a slight pink blush
- Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Plantation
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Spacing: Plant roses 2-3 feet apart to ensure proper air circulation and growth.
- Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve drainage and fertility.
- Planting Depth: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, and plant the rose so the graft union (the bulge where the rootstock meets the scion) is 1-2 inches below the soil surface.
Growing
- Watering: Water regularly, providing about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, depending on weather conditions. Avoid wetting the foliage to minimize the risk of diseases.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring, and continue feeding every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Stop fertilizing about 6 weeks before the first expected frost.
- Pruning: Prune Hokuto roses in early spring, removing dead or damaged canes and shaping the plant for optimal growth. Remove spent blooms throughout the season to encourage continuous flowering.
Care
- Pest and Disease Control: Inspect the plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases, such as aphids or black spot. Use organic or chemical controls as needed, following label instructions.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the rose to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Winter Protection: In colder climates, protect the graft union by mounding soil or mulch over the base of the plant, and consider wrapping the canes with burlap to prevent winter damage.
Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Hokuto roses add beauty and elegance to gardens and landscapes with their large, fragrant flowers.
- Cut Flowers: The long-lasting blooms and long stems make them ideal for cut flower arrangements.
- Attracts Pollinators: Roses, including Hokuto, attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to your garden, supporting biodiversity.
- Therapeutic Value: Growing and caring for roses can be a rewarding and stress-relieving hobby, offering mental and emotional benefits.
