Rose Minerva

Floribundas are often used to decorate the garden, which are valued for their abundant flowering with fairly light agricultural technology. But if the rose also differs in its original color, then its success with rose growers is guaranteed. Minerva, despite the fact that she has been familiar to flower growers for quite some time now, is the object of their close attention. Gardeners are interested in this variety because of its unusual color, because the novelty belongs to the series of "blue" roses. In addition, the blue-eyed is able to please with a lush, long flowering and a wonderful aroma.

History of creation

Our heroine belongs to the Belgian selection. It was created by Martin Visser, who set himself the task of creating a culture with a good flavor and resistance to diseases. The new variety is the result of crossing two Belgian varieties - Sharon's Love and Marie Louise Velge. Both parents have a light pink color scheme, but their daughter surprised with a special shade. In 2010, the new product was presented by Viva International BVBA as Minerva. A unique letter code - VISancar, another synonym is also known - VMX 4010. And a new variety is dedicated, no, not to the ancient Roman goddess of wisdom Minerva, but to the Belgian car company Minerva, famous for two prestigious car models, which at one time were quite popular in Europe. This rose is also sold for charitable purposes, in collaboration with the Minerva Lions music group from Antwerp.

Awards

Despite her short history, our heroine already has awards. In 2008, France received the Fragrance Prize. In 2011, already in Spain, also the Fragrance Prize.

Description

Plant of medium vigor. The shrub is upright, low, usually about 70 - 80 cm high, about 60 cm wide. The bush is harmonious, round and neat, moderately lush, but sometimes it can throw fishing rods to a height of 1.2 - 1.5 meters. Shoots of medium thickness, but quite strong. The thorns are large, few in number. Moderate leafiness. The leaves are large, pinnate, rich green-olive color, with a matte smooth surface, they look quite attractive and serve as an excellent background for a blossoming flower. On one shoot of a rose, clusters-inflorescences are formed, consisting of at least 3 - 5 flowers.

The tightly squeezed buds are teased with a crimson color. But as it dissolves, the color becomes dark lilac or dark purple. Its saturation can only be assessed in person, the photograph is not able to convey the full depth of Minerva's color gamut. The flower is not very large, its size is 6 - 8 cm. The shape is beautiful, cupped, similar to the classic old one, with beautifully arranged petals. The rosette is well-filled, terry, and consists of 26 - 40 petals. During the opening, the flower seems light and fluffy thanks to the wavy petals, the top of which is only slightly bent back. Among rose growers, our heroine is called "openwork-nostalgic." When fully opened, the rose reveals bright yellow stamens, which contrast well with the main background. Closer to the end of flowering, the color of the petals becomes smoky purple.

Bloom

Minerva is a multi-flowering variety. With good care, it is distinguished by abundant flowering, which lasts from June to September (in the south, almost until the first frost). The break between flower tides is almost invisible in temperate climates. The flowers last long enough. But in hot regions, pronounced waves can be observed - in spring and late summer. The aroma is strong enough, rich, sweetish, but very pleasant, as evidenced by the awards of the rose. The most intense aroma is felt in the morning and evening.

The deep purple hue is resistant to sunlight and practically does not fade, except that it becomes slightly lighter. In diffused penumbra, the color becomes much brighter, deeper and takes on cold shades.

Characteristics

• The beauty Minerva blooms in the year of spring planting, however, while she will show weak growth and poor flowering. But in the second year, the bush is already completely covered with fluffy purple pom-poms;
• winter hardiness is quite consistent with the winter temperatures of central Russia, especially if there is a stable snow cover. But if the thermometer drops below -23 ° C, shelter will be necessary;

• immunity is declared high, since one of the main directions of the selection of this rose was good health. The originators claim very high resistance to black spot and powdery mildew. True, rose growers still note insufficient resistance to black spot. But this rather applies to young, immature plants and the quality of their care. If the seedling is in waterlogged soil or overgrown with grass, the disease is inevitable;
• the declared average resistance to rain is confirmed by many growers. Moreover, many of them say that the culture is capable of continuing to bloom even in the rainy season. But during the period of prolonged rains, a double flower, having collected water, becomes heavy and wilts, and the buds may not open up to the end;
• in hot regions in direct sunlight, the leaves of the plant can dry out, and the tips of the petals melt;
• a strong shoot does not bend under the weight of the flower brush, and the flowers retain their freshness for a long time, so the Minerva variety can be used for cutting and making bouquets.

Agrotechnics

In central Russia, it is better to plant Minerva in the spring, after waiting for the soil to warm up to a comfortable + 10 ° С ... + 12 ° С. It is advisable to choose a place that is sunny, open, well-ventilated, but not in a draft. In the southern regions, a site that is in diffuse penumbra from noon is preferable. The culture prefers soils with neutral acidity, loose and nutritious. In clayey areas, drainage is laid at the bottom of the planting pit, and then filled with a suitable soil mixture. The care is not special. To maintain flowering, the rose needs additional fertilizing, which is carried out once every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the fertility of the soil. From the second half of summer, only phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied. The plant responds well to organic matter, which can be alternated with mineral fertilizers. Watering is carried out as needed. Mulching will help retain moisture in the soil and reduce the rate of weed growth. Pruning will help maintain the decorative effect of the bush and encourage abundant flowering. The procedure is carried out in the spring. Shoots are cut rather low - above 4 - 5 well-developed buds. Our heroine looks very beautiful on the trunk.

Minerva is an excellent representative of the Belgian selection, perfectly adapted to the climate of central Russia. In a temperate climate, the culture will show the best decorative qualities, delighting not only with a lush bush, an unusual shade of flowers, but also with a bright aroma. Minerva looks great in a rose garden, in a flower bed, in combination with other plants and in a single planting. A dense lilac-purple hue will bring a touch of mystery to any corner of the garden or recreation area. During cultivation, many growers express only admiration for the beautiful rose. But at first, a young bush will still require increased attention, but only in order, having got stronger, to attract the attention of the rose grower no longer with a requirement for constant care, but with a gorgeous decorative look.