Augusta Luise Rose
Rosa 'Augusta Luise'
Height
80–120 cm
Flower size
12–15 cm
Bloom time
June – October (in waves)
Light
Full sun
Watering
Moderate, deep (15 L)
Hardiness
Zone 6 (requires winter protection)
Fragrance
Strong, complex fruity
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Unique 'chameleon' coloring: from peach to champagne splashes
- Extremely large, double-petaled flowers (up to 50 petals)
- High resistance to fungal infections and powdery mildew
- Excellent cutting performance (stays fresh in a vase for 10-12 days)
Disadvantages
- Petal sensitivity to prolonged rain (spotting may occur)
- High demand for regular potassium feeding to maintain flower size
- Requirement for thorough winter covering in northern regions
Use in Landscape Design
Augusta Luise is a classic accent variety. It is ideal for formal areas, rose gardens, and planting near recreation zones where its fragrance can be enjoyed. In mixed borders, it harmonizes with silver-foliage plants (Lamb's-ear, Steller's wormwood) or small-flowered partners (Gypsophila) that emphasize its monumentality.
Botanical Description and Origin
The Augusta Luise variety was introduced by the German house Tantau in 1999 and instantly became a classic of the nostalgic series. This rose embodies the aesthetics of old park roses within the modern hybrid tea group. The flowers are striking in volume, resembling lush ballerina tutus. The palette is constantly changing: rosewood, apricot, and salmon shades intertwine depending on soil acidity and UV intensity.
Planting Techniques
To realize its blooming potential, a site with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day is required. The optimal substrate is humus-rich light loam with a pH of 6.0–6.5. When planting, it is important to prepare a hole 60 cm deep, filling it with a mixture of garden soil, compost, and a small amount of bone meal. The graft union should be buried 5 cm deep to stimulate the development of own roots and protect against freezing.
Professional Pruning Scheme
Augusta Luise requires proper bush shaping. In spring, before the sap begins to flow, moderate pruning is performed: 4–5 of the most vigorous shoots are left, shortened to 20–25 cm (to 3–4 buds). This stimulates the growth of large solitary buds on strong stems. In summer, deadheading the spent blooms down to the first developed five-leaflet leaf is mandatory, which minimizes the pause between blooming waves.
Resistance to Stress Factors
The variety possesses excellent immunity. Glossy, leathery foliage effectively resists black spot. However, when grown in high humidity conditions, preventive treatment with copper-based products or systemic fungicides (such as 'Falcon' or 'Profit Gold') is recommended. The rose tolerates heat well, but at temperatures above +30°C, the flower opens faster and may fade.