- Authors: Alexander M. (Alec) Cocker
- Name synonyms: Alec's Red
- Breeding year: 1970
- Group: tea-hybrid
- The main color of the flower: red
- Flower shape: cupped with tightly curled petals in the center
- Flower size: large
- Diameter, cm: 14-16
- Flower type by number of petals: thick double
- Description of the bush: powerful
The Alex Red rose variety was bred in England as a result of selection in 1970. It belongs to the hybrid tea group. The species is perfect for cutting, for single and group plantings, for mixborders, as well as for growing in flower beds.
Description of the variety
Rose Alex Red is a lush and powerful bush. Its average height is 75-90 cm, and its width is 40-60 cm. The leaves grow dark green, their surface is dull. There are small thorns on the bushes.
The flowers are cherry red, their shape is cupped with tightly twisted petals in the center. The size of the flowers is quite large. The average diameter of each of them reaches 14-16 centimeters. They are thick double.
Each flower contains 35-45 petals. They can be solitary, or they can gather in inflorescences. On the stem, as a rule, there is one flower with a strong aroma.
This variety is very resistant to infections and pests. In addition, it is highly resistant to rain. The variety is characterized by vigorous vertical growth.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages of the variety, a beautiful decorative appearance should be highlighted; this rose is often used in the design of various landscapes. In addition, it is considered unpretentious in care, it is rarely affected by various pests and diseases. And also the flower is resistant to frost, sudden temperature changes. Such a rose has practically no drawbacks.
Flowering features
Rose Alex Red blooms almost continuously throughout the season. Her flowering is very abundant. This variety is re-flowering.
First, dark red buds appear on the bushes. Their shape is spherical. Over time, they bloom into large flowers.
Landing
This rose is planted from April to May. Sometimes it is planted in the fall, but this must be done in a short time, otherwise the plant simply will not have time to take root before the onset of frost.
Before planting, you need to prepare landing pits with a depth of at least 60 centimeters. At the bottom of each of them, a good drainage layer is first laid out, and only then the seedlings are lowered there, and the fertilized soil mixture is poured.
Growing and care
This rose should be grown in partial shade. Alex Red prefers fertile, slightly acidic and breathable soils. After planting, the vegetation will need proper care.
The rose will need to be watered periodically. At the same time, an average of 15-20 liters of water should go for each adult bush. For watering, it is categorically impossible to use cold liquid.
In addition, the plant also needs feeding. In the spring, it is better to feed it with fertilizers, which contain nitrogen. In the summer, dressings with potassium and phosphorus are suitable for her.
In the spring season, it is also necessary to perform formative pruning, and in the autumn season - sanitary pruning. Despite the fact that the vegetation is able to withstand even severe frosts, it is still recommended to cover it for the winter.
Diseases and pests
Rose Alex Red is rarely affected by diseases and harmful insects. But sometimes the flower still suffers from powdery mildew, this fungal disease affects almost the entire bush. And also the plant can get sick with black spot, rust. To cure diseased flowers, Bordeaux liquid should be used.Sometimes homemade tinctures based on nettle and wormwood are also used.
And also various parasites can appear on the plant, such as aphids, spider mites, leaf rollers, scale insects. To eliminate all pests, use bacterial or systemic insecticides or homemade tinctures with garlic, onion husks or tobacco dust.
Review overview
Gardeners have left many positive reviews about this variety of roses. It was noted that the vegetation has an excellent appearance. The flowers grow very lush and beautiful, with a pleasant pronounced aroma.
In addition, gardeners said that this rose is capable of blooming as long as possible. It will not lose its decorative appearance even with frequent heavy rains, when exposed to sunlight.