Rosa chinensis aka Bengal Rose
Taxonomy
Rosa chinensis, also known as the China rose or Chinese rose, is a shrubby plant native to Southwest China in Guizhou, Hubei, and Sichuan Provinces. It reaches a height of about 90cm and has an open habit with dark green foliage and a few scattered broad thorns. This rose produces semi-double crimson-red blooms, occasionally streaked with white in the center, and flowers continuously from summer into autumn. The first publication of Rosa chinensis was in 1768 by Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin. Cultivated for centuries in East Asia and since the late 18th century in Western Europe, popular cultivars include 'Old Blush China', 'Mutabilis' (Butterfly Rose), and 'Cramoisi Superieur'. The leaves of Rosa chinensis are pinnate with 3-5 leaflets, and the flowers have five pink to red petals. The plant forms thickets or grows in hedges, and its fruit is a red hip measuring 1-2 cm in diameter. The branches are strong and stalk-round, with purplish-brown bark, and may or may not have curved, stocky, flat spines. Overall, Rosa chinensis is a beautiful and versatile shrub with a long history of cultivation.
Common names
Bengal Rose, China Rose, Chinese RoseHow to care for Bengal Rose
Difficulty
Bengal Rose is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
Bengal Rose should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Bengal Rose loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Bengal Rose prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
Bengal Rose is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Humidity
The Bengal Rose does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.
Fertilizer
The Bengal Rose should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Bengal Rose’s native range is Asia, Europe, North America, and northwestern Africa.
Flower
If you provide your Bengal Rose with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
