James Burghardt
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Rosa 'Caldwell Pink'
Plant Common Name
Caldwell Pink Rose, Polyantha Rosa
General Description
Polyantha roses are reblooming shrub roses with low to spreading habits. The cultivar 'Caldwell Pink' is named for Caldwell, Texas, where it was discovered by Dr. Bill Welch in the 1980s. From summer to early fall it produces large sprays of small, double (extra petals), lavender-pink flowers that have little to no fragrance. Its profuse blooms and graceful habit make up for the absence of fragrance. It is also notably heat and disease resistant.
The bushy, compact rose has slender green stems lined with sharp woody thorns. Its compound leaves are leathery and medium green. From late spring to frost, it offers an abundance of long-lasting, fully double flowers that come in flushes. During the hottest months of summer flowering may subside without extra care. Each carnation-like bloom has many elongated, clear lavender-pink petals. If left uncut, reddish hips follow the flowers.
Roses prefer full to partial sun, moderate temperatures and perfectly drained, slightly acid soil with average to good fertility. They grow best in places with slightly dry climates, because such climates disfavor the fungal diseases that plague them. For this reason, it is important to maintain good airflow within and between planted roses through good planting and pruning practices which will dissuade fungal attacks. Roses are rife with pest and disease problems. Fortunately, this is a disease resistant old cultivar.
Though a southern cultivar, 'Caldwell Pink' is frost hardy and should be provided with at least two months of winter chill. Plant it as a low growing hedge, in mixed borders, or allow it to cascade over a stone wall. Some believe that 'Caldwell Pink' may be a much older rose cultivar called 'Pet Pink', which was lost, but this is not definitive.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
-
Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Shrub
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m (3)
-
Width
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m (3)
-
Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Indeterminate
-
Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Loam, Sand
-
Growth Rate
Fast
-
Water Requirements
Average Water
-
Habit
Cushion/Mound-forming
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Special Characteristics
-
Bark Texture
Smooth
-
Usage
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
-
Invasive
No
-
Attracts
Birds, Butterflies
-
Self-Sowing
No
