The Uniquely Colored Rose To Grow In Your Garden That Pollinators Love

When most people think of a rose, the familiar phrase 'roses are red...' likely springs to mind. And while many roses do bloom in classic reds and pinks, the Rosa 'Tuscany Superb' breaks the mold with its rich, magenta-purple petals, a welcome and dramatic swap for traditional rose bushes. A descendant of the centuries-old Gallica rose group, and with origins tracing to the 19th century (1837 to be exact), the Tuscany Superb is considered an old garden rose. An 'old garden rose' refers to a group of roses that existed before 1867 and are known for their distinctive fragrance and large blooms.

The Tuscany Superb foliage tends to be plump and green from spring to fall, but only flowers once a year, usually during June, producing exceptionally fragrant blooms. Besides its strong scent and picture-perfect look, the Tuscany Superb is resilient and hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 4 to 9. The shrub, which can grow up to 4 feet tall and wide, prefers all-day, direct sunlight but it will still do well in an area of your garden that is partially shaded. Plus, you can expect it to contribute to your garden's healthy ecosystem as it is a bee-friendly plant.

Those looking to start a pollinator garden should consider planting the Tuscany Superb. With its deep hues and wide-open blooms, this rose practically rolls out the red carpet for bees and other garden guests. Once fully open, the Tuscany Superb rose displays a golden stamen, which makes gathering pollen a breeze, compared to densely packed hybrid roses that can make it more difficult for pollinators to access the nectar they are looking for. The result? A steady stream of honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies stopping by for a snack once summer comes around.

Besides its readily available pollen, the Tuscany Superb's classic rose scent also plays a key role in attracting pollinators. Bees use scent as a cue when hunting for food. The scent also helps them remember the bloom and return for more later. As the Tuscany Superb has such a rich scent, it is likely that this fragrance acts as a beacon for bees looking for nectar to forage.

If you have a vintage garden or want to bring a bit of unique color and deep fragrance to your yard, you are in luck. The Tuscany Superb is one of the easiest roses to grow to give your garden a low-maintenance upgrade.

Begin by selecting a sunny or lightly dappled corner of your garden, ideally nestled within a mixed border, where the soil is fertile and drains well. This versatile rose also thrives in chalk, clay, sand, or loam, making it a refreshingly adaptable choice for a variety of settings, including coastal living.

It can take up to five years for a Tuscany Superb rose to reach its full height. If you want it to flourish in your garden, you might consider buying an already-established flower. However, you can also propagate it using softwood cuttings. Once planted, keep it fertilized regularly, but particularly during the colder winter months and early spring. The Tuscany Superb rose is an easy plant to take care of. Once established, it will bring some vibrantly hued joy to your garden summer after summer.