Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’

Description

Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ is a stunning floribunda rose that delights gardeners with its soft pink, lightly scented blooms and excellent disease resistance. Perfect for borders, containers, or as a focal point in the garden, this rose can thrive when given the proper care. Follow this comprehensive planting and care guide to ensure your Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ flourishes year after year.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ in spring when the soil has warmed up. This allows the roots to establish well before the growing season.
• Autumn: Alternatively, plant in early autumn. The cooler temperatures promote root development, preparing the rose for vibrant growth in spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ thrives in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot for optimal flowering.
• Soil: This rose prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Amend heavy or clay soil with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of your Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’. This ensures the roots have enough room to spread.
2. Soil Enrichment: Mix compost or a balanced rose fertilizer into the soil. This provides essential nutrients for robust growth and abundant blooms.
3. Planting: Place Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ in the hole so that the graft union (the swollen part where the rose was grafted) is about 2-3 cm below the soil surface. Backfill the hole and firm the soil gently.
4. Watering: Water the rose thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage root establishment.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, ensuring the soil doesn’t dry out completely.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering in the dormant season. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Early Spring: Feed Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ with a balanced rose fertilizer as new growth begins. This helps kickstart the growing season.
• Mid-Summer: Apply a second dose of rose fertilizer mid-season to support continuous flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

Pruning

• Spring Pruning: In late winter or early spring, prune Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ to encourage healthy growth. Remove dead, damaged, or weak stems, and shape the plant as needed.
• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead spent blooms throughout the growing season. This encourages more flowers and keeps the plant looking tidy.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a 5 cm layer of organic mulch around the base of your in spring. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Avoid piling mulch against the stems to prevent rot.
• Winter: In colder months, apply a thicker layer of mulch to insulate the roots and protect the plant from frost.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ generally has a sturdy growth habit and does not require staking. However, if planted in a windy location, consider using supports to prevent damage to the stems.

Additional Tips

• Pest and Disease Management: Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ is highly disease-resistant, but keep an eye out for aphids or black spot. Use organic sprays or remove affected leaves as needed.
• Companion Planting: Pair Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ with lavender, salvia, or nepeta to create a stunning and fragrant garden display.

By providing Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ with the proper care—ample sunlight, well-draining soil, regular watering, and seasonal feeding—you’ll enjoy its beautiful pink blooms from late spring to autumn. Whether gracing borders, patios, or cut-flower arrangements, Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ is a delightful addition to any garden.