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Rosaceae
Rosa x alba 'Alba Semiplena'
White Rose of York
Admired for its clear white semi-double roses, 'Alba Semiplena' is also known to be quite disease resistant and vigorous. Touted as one of the oldest hybrid roses in existence, Rosa x alba is an ancestor of many modern garden roses. This hybrid of Rosa canina and probably Rosa x damascena has been long cultivated in the Middle East for many centuries. A shrubby rose, its double or semi-double white flowers emit a lovely fragrance and are used to produce valuable rose oil.
The slightly arching stems of Rosa x alba are lined with very prickly hooked thorns. The compound leaves are dull green above, gray-green beneath and each leaflet is oval with serrated edges. The fragrant roses bloom in spring or early summer and may be solitary or in clusters of three to five. Each bloom may be single, semi-double or double and white a flush of yellow stamens on the interior. Some selections have a pinkish hue. Bees and other insect pollinators visit the blooms and smooth oval red hips follow.
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 also susceptible to a suite of viral and bacterial diseases as well as insect pests, so it is wise to select a robust and resistant cultivar when choosing a rose. This hybrid is relatively cold-tender and will not winter in areas such as the northern United States.
10 - 1
5 - 10
A1, A2, A3, 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
Shrub
Full Sun, Partial Sun
6'-8' / 1.8m - 2.4m
8'-10' / 2.4m - 3.0m
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
Hybrid Origin
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Medium
Average Water
Oval/Rounded
Spring, Summer
White
Red
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
Green, Sandy Brown
Yes
No
Single, Double, Semi-Double
Matte
Semi-Evergreen
Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
Birds
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