General Culture:

Grow in medium moisture, slightly acidic, well-drained garden loams in full sun. Tolerates some light shade, but best flowering and disease resistance generally occur in full sun. Water deeply and regularly (mornings are best). Avoid overhead watering. Good air circulation promotes vigorous and healthy growth and helps control foliar diseases. Summer mulch helps retain moisture, keeps roots cool and discourages weeds. Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom. Crowns need winter protection in cold winter areas such as St. Louis. Remove and destroy diseased leaves from plants, as practicable, and clean up and destroy dead leaves from the ground around the plants both during the growing season and as part of a thorough cleanup during winter (dormant season). Prune as needed in late winter to early spring.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

BETTY BOOP is a bushy, upright floribunda rose which typically grows 3-5' tall. Features flat to cupped, semi-double, ivory yellow flowers (to 4" diameter) with cherry red petal edges. Flowers appear singly or in clusters from May to frost. Light fragrance. New foliage emerges reddish but matures to glossy green. Plants do not produce hips in fall. Betty Boop was a cartoon character from the 1930s. 1999 AARS winner. Varietal denomination of this rose is 'WEKplapic'. Plant patent #11,517.

Problems:

Roses are susceptible to a large number of diseases, the most common of which are black spot, powdery mildew, rust and rose rosette. Although good cultural practices are the first line of defense in disease control, regular preventative fungicide applications throughout the growing season are usually required, particularly in humid climates with regular rainfall such as the St. Louis area. Potential insect problems include aphids, beetles, borers, scale, thrips, rose midges, leafhoppers and spider mites. Local rose associations and extension services are usually able to offer specific recommendations and advice for selecting and growing roses.

Uses:

This rose grows well as a specimen or in small groups in borders, cottage gardens, foundations or rose gardens. Also effective as a hedge.

© Missouri Botanical Garden, 2001-2010