Pollination Info for Love Song Rose (Rosa 'WEKstameda')

The Love Song Rose, known by its botanical name Rosa 'WEKstameda', is a hybrid tea rose variety that was developed by Tom Carruth in 1997. This beautiful rose cultivar is renowned for its stunning and fragrant blossoms, making it a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements.

Pollination Requirements

Love Song Roses are self-fertile, which means they can produce viable seeds and fruits without requiring another compatible plant for cross-pollination. However, while they are capable of self-pollination, some gardeners prefer to encourage cross-pollination to introduce genetic diversity and improve overall plant health and vigor.

Pollination Methods

To promote cross-pollination, you can use the following methods:

1. Insect Pollination:

Roses are predominantly insect-pollinated, and various bees, butterflies, and other insects are attracted to their vibrant flowers. You can encourage insect pollinators by planting a diverse range of flowering plants nearby, such as lavender, cosmos, and salvia. The insects will visit these flowers and inadvertently cross-pollinate the Love Song Roses as they move between plants.

2. Hand Pollination:

If you want to be more involved in the pollination process, you can perform hand pollination. This method is particularly useful if you have limited insect activity in your area or want to ensure controlled cross-pollination. Here's how to hand-pollinate Love Song Roses:

1. Select a fully opened Love Song Rose flower in the morning when pollen production is at its peak.
2. Locate another compatible rose cultivar nearby or use pollen from a different flower on the same plant for cross-pollination.
3. Remove the petals carefully to expose the reproductive organs of the flower.
4. Using a small, clean brush or cotton swab, gently collect the pollen from the anthers of the chosen pollen source.
5. Transfer the collected pollen onto the stigma of the Love Song Rose flower. Ensure the pollen comes into contact with the sticky surface of the stigma.
6. Repeat this process with other flowers as desired.

Fruit and Seed Development

Once successfully pollinated, the Love Song Rose will develop a structure called a rose hip. Rose hips are the fruit of the rose plant, and they contain the seeds. As the rose hip matures, it will change in color and become firm to the touch.

Harvesting Seeds

If you wish to harvest seeds from your Love Song Rose, allow the rose hip to fully ripen on the plant. Once it turns a deep red or orange color and feels firm, carefully cut it from the stem using sterile pruning shears. Split open the rose hip to extract the seeds, which are usually coated in a gel-like substance. Rinse the seeds thoroughly to remove this gel before air drying them in a cool, dry place for several days.

Remember that growing roses from seeds may produce variations and may not result in offspring identical to the parent Love Song Rose due to genetic recombination. It is often more reliable to propagate Love Song Roses through vegetative methods, such as stem cuttings or budding onto rootstocks.

Frequently Asked Questions - Love Song Rose (Rosa 'WEKstameda')

1. What is the Love Song Rose?

The Love Song Rose, scientifically known as Rosa 'WEKstameda', is a beautiful hybrid tea rose cultivar. It is characterized by its large, double flowers with a romantic blend of pink and cream tones.

2. What are the key features of Love Song Rose?

The Love Song Rose has several key features, including:

• Large, high-centered flowers
• Elegant blend of soft pink and creamy white colors
• Mild, pleasant fragrance
• Long, sturdy stems
• Dark, glossy foliage
• Repeat bloomer with a moderate bloom cycle
• Excellent disease resistance

3. How tall and wide does Love Song Rose grow?

The Love Song Rose typically grows to a height of about 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) and spreads to a width of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). However, its size can vary depending on various factors such as climate, pruning practices, and overall care.

4. Where should I plant Love Song Rose?

Love Song Rose thrives in full sun, so it is best to plant it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Ensure proper spacing (2-3 feet) between each plant for adequate air circulation.

5. How do I care for Love Song Rose?

Here are some care tips for Love Song Rose:

• Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as roses prefer slightly moist soil.
• Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
• Feed with a balanced rose fertilizer following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Prune in early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and shape the plant.
• Monitor for common rose pests such as aphids or blackspot and take appropriate measures if needed.

6. Can Love Song Rose be grown in containers?

Yes, Love Song Rose can be grown in containers. Ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the root system and use well-draining potting soil. Place the container in a sunny location and water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.

7. How often does Love Song Rose bloom?

The Love Song Rose is a repeat bloomer, meaning it produces multiple flushes of flowers throughout the growing season. It has a moderate bloom cycle and usually blooms from late spring to autumn, providing a continuous display of its lovely flowers.

8. Is Love Song Rose fragrant?

Yes, Love Song Rose exhibits a mild, pleasant fragrance. However, the intensity of the fragrance can vary depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity.

9. Does Love Song Rose attract pollinators?

Yes, Love Song Rose's beautiful flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These pollinators help in the process of fertilization, enhancing the overall health of the plant and contributing to biodiversity in your garden.

10. Is Love Song Rose disease-resistant?

Yes, Love Song Rose is known for its excellent disease resistance. However, like all roses, it can still be susceptible to common rose diseases such as blackspot or powdery mildew. Regular monitoring and appropriate preventive measures are essential to keep the plant healthy.

Planting & Care for Love Song Rose (Rosa 'WEKstameda')

Description:

The Love Song Rose (Rosa 'WEKstameda') is a beautiful hybrid tea rose variety with stunning lavender-pink flowers. This rose is known for its strong, sweet fragrance and vigorous growth habit. It blooms repeatedly throughout the season, making it a popular choice among rose enthusiasts.

Planting:

• Choose a sunny location in your garden with well-drained soil. Full sun is essential for healthy growth and abundant blooming.
• Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and removing any weeds or grass.
• Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the rose bush. The depth of the hole should be enough to allow the bud union (the swollen area where the rose was grafted onto the rootstock) to sit just above the soil level.
• Place the rose bush in the hole, making sure that it is centered and upright.
• Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots to eliminate any air pockets.
• Water the rose thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and provide moisture to the roots.

Care:

• Watering: Love Song Rose requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Provide deep, thorough waterings rather than frequent shallow ones. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizing: Feed the rose bush with a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring, as new growth begins. Follow the package instructions for application rates. Repeat the feeding every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, ceasing fertilization in late summer to allow the rose to prepare for dormancy.
• Pruning: Love Song Rose benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune in early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as crossing branches. Cut back the remaining canes by about one-third of their length.
• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor the rose bush regularly for pests such as aphids or black spot disease. Treat pest infestations or diseases with appropriate organic or chemical controls to prevent damage.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the rose bush to help retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature.

Following these planting and care guidelines will help ensure that your Love Song Rose thrives and rewards you with its beautiful flowers and enchanting fragrance.