Rosa "H.C. Andersen", 2 l ruukku

• Type: floribunda rose
• Botanical name: Rosa 'H.C. Andersen'
• Origin: bred by L. Pernille and Mogens N. Olesen, Poulsen Roser (Denmark, 1986), registered as POUlander
• Height and spread: 60–150 cm tall (in Estonia usually 80–100 cm), up to 90 cm wide
• Flowering: repeat flowering profusely in flushes from June until frost; dark red velvety semi-double flowers (9–16 petals) about 6 cm across in small clusters, ovoid buds
• Fragrance: light fragrance
• Light: full sun, at least 6 hours a day
• Soil: fertile, loose, loamy, pH 6–6.5, free-draining
• Hardiness: USDA 4b–5; one of the hardiest floribundas; in Estonia mounding the base is enough, add spruce boughs in winters with little snow
• Disease resistance: very good disease resistance
• Use: beds, low and medium hedges, mass planting, parks
• Size: potted rose plant

Planting. Potted roses can be planted from spring to early October. Choose a sunny spot (at least 6 hours of sun a day) with good air flow and fertile, loose, loamy, slightly acid soil (pH 6–6.5) that does not stay waterlogged. Dig a 50×50 cm hole and set the graft union 3–5 cm below the surface. Space plants 40–50 cm apart.

Watering and feeding. Water deeply but infrequently — 10–15 L per plant once or twice a week in dry spells, at the base, not over the leaves. Feed with a nitrogen or complete rose fertiliser in spring, a complete feed in June–July, and from late July only potassium and phosphorus without nitrogen so the stems ripen before winter. A compost mulch keeps the soil moist.

Care. In spring shorten stems by a third to a half and remove weak, old and frost-damaged wood. In summer remove spent clusters entirely so the bush reflowers sooner. Winter protection is not essential; to be safe, mound the base 15–20 cm high in autumn.

Gardener's tip. One of the hardiest floribundas; in Estonia mounding the base is enough, add spruce boughs in winters with little snow. To keep 'H.C. Andersen' healthy (very good disease resistance), plant it in an open, airy spot and clear fallen leaves in autumn.