Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’: A Fragrant and Disease-Resistant Climbing Rose
Background and Origin: Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’ is a climbing sport of the popular EarthKind® Rose, Belinda’s Dream. It is a medium-sized shrub rose from the Rosaceae family of plants, that was introduced in Texas in 1992 by Dr. Robert Basye. The rose was named after the daughter of one of Dr. Basye’s friends. Belinda’s Dream quickly gained recognition for its disease resistance, vigorous growth, and stunning flowers.
Characteristics and Description: Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’ is a fast-growing, upright rose that reaches a height of 3 to 6 feet. It features medium-sized, double flowers with a diameter of up to 4 inches. The blooms are very double, comprising more than 100 petals. These gorgeous pink flowers are produced in large clusters, creating a beautiful display throughout the growing season. The fragrance of ‘Belinda’s Dream’ is mild and fruity, adding to its allure.
The foliage of ‘Belinda’s Dream’ consists of dark green, glossy leaves that provide an attractive backdrop to the abundant blooms. The rose is known for its disease resistance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants. It is considered one of the Earth-Kind roses, selected for its ability to tolerate drought, resist diseases, and thrive with minimal care.
Cultivation of Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’:
Sunlight: Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’ thrives in full sun exposure, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. It is important to provide the rose with ample sunlight to promote healthy growth and abundant blooming.
Watering: While Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’ is drought-tolerant once established, it is essential to keep the soil consistently moist during the first month after planting to ensure proper establishment. Afterward, regular watering is still necessary, especially during hot and dry weather. Deep watering is recommended, allowing the water to penetrate the root zone. It is beneficial to water at the soil level, avoiding overhead watering, as this can contribute to the development of diseases.
Soil: Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’ prefers well-drained soil to prevent root rot. It thrives in a wide range of soil types, including loam, sandy loam, and clay loam. Before planting, it is beneficial to amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve its structure and fertility. This helps to provide adequate drainage and nutrient availability for the rose.
Pests and Diseases: Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’ is known for its disease resistance, but it may still be susceptible to common rose diseases such as black spots and powdery mildew, particularly in cool and damp weather conditions. To minimize the risk of these diseases, it is important to provide good air circulation around the plant, as well as to avoid overhead watering. If necessary, applying a suitable fungicide, such as neem oil, can help control the disease. Regular inspection of the rose for pests like aphids, spider mites, and thrips is recommended. If detected, appropriate organic or chemical controls can be employed.
Pruning:
Pruning is an important aspect of maintaining the health and appearance of Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’. Light pruning in the spring, before new growth emerges, helps improve the plant’s overall appearance and blooming frequency. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any crossing or overcrowded stems. Additionally, you can shape the plant or control its size through selective pruning. It is advisable to use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts and minimize the risk of spreading diseases.
Propagation:
Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’ can be propagated through:
Cuttings:
- Take cuttings from healthy, disease-free growth in the spring or summer.
- The cuttings should be around 4-6 inches long and have at least 3-4 leaves.
- Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings and dip the cut ends in the rooting hormone.
- Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil consistently moist.
- Place the cuttings in a warm, bright location, away from direct sunlight.
- Rooting generally occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Layering:
- In the spring or summer, select a healthy, low-growing branch.
- Make a shallow cut in the bark of the branch, approximately 1 inch below a leaf node.
- Bend the branch down and secure it in the soil using a U-shaped piece of wire.
- Cover the cut area with soil, ensuring it remains consistently moist.
- Rooting typically occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Once the cuttings or layers have rooted, they can be transplanted into the garden or larger containers, allowing for the propagation and expansion of Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’ in new locations.
Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’ is a captivating climbing rose that enchants gardeners with its disease resistance, vigorous growth, and stunning flowers. Its medium-sized, double-pink blooms exude a mild fruity fragrance, adding an extra sensory delight to the garden. With its versatility in various garden applications and its low-maintenance nature, ‘Belinda’s Dream’ is a popular choice for both experienced and novice rose enthusiasts. Whether trained on structures, used as a specimen plant, or incorporated into hedges or containers, this rose will surely enhance any outdoor space with its beauty, fragrance, and ability to withstand challenging growing conditions.
