Rosa 'Witchcraft'® - Trandafir teahibrid, puternic parfumat

Rosa 'Witchcraft' is a modern hybrid tea rose, renowned for its large, deep purple-red flowers and strong fragrance. This cultivar is prized for its dramatic appearance and classic elegance, making it a popular choice in ornamental gardens, borders and as a cut flower. Its name evokes a mystical aura, perfectly matching its deep, alluring hue.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The leaves are oval, serrated-edged, dark green, glossy, arranged alternately on the stems. The foliage is dense, healthy and disease-resistant, providing a contrasting background for the flowers. In spring, the new leaves may have reddish hues.
• Flowers : The flowers are large, double, with a diameter of 10-12 cm, made up of 25-30 velvety petals, of a deep red-purple, sometimes with dark purple tones. They have a classic hybrid tea rose shape, with petals tightly coiled in a spiral. The fragrance is intense, fruity, with sweet notes, attracting pollinators. Flowering begins in June and continues intermittently until autumn (September-October), with solitary flowers on long stems, ideal for floral arrangements.
• Fruit : Produces small, round, red-orange rose hips in autumn if the faded flowers are not removed. These have minor ornamental value and are rarely used - it is recommended to remove them to stimulate new flowering.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : Reaches 80-130 cm in height and 60-80 cm in width, forming an erect, well-branched shrub.
• Vigor : Moderate growth, with sturdy, spiny stems that support the large flowers well. It is a vigorous rose, but requires regular care to perform optimally.
• Type : Deciduous evergreen shrub, with leaves falling in winter.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun (6+ hours/day) for abundant flowering. Tolerates partial shade, but flowers will be fewer and less vibrant.
• Soil : Grows in fertile, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Add compost or well-rotted manure when planting to improve fertility. Does not tolerate heavy or waterlogged soils.
• Watering : Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Water deeply at the root, avoiding wetting the leaves, especially during dry periods or in the first year.
• Temperature : Hardy in zones 5-9 (down to -23°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. In severe winters, protect the base of the plant with mulch.

Care and resistance

• Resistance : Moderately resistant to disease, but may be susceptible to black spot, powdery mildew or aphids. Inspect regularly and treat with organic fungicides if necessary. Tolerates wind and rain well, but appreciates protection in exposed areas.
• Fertilization : Apply a rose fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) in spring, when buds appear, and monthly until August. Avoid fertilizing in fall to avoid stimulating frost-sensitive growth.
• Pruning : Prune in the fall, removing dead, weak or crowded branches, and shortening healthy stems to 3-5 buds to stimulate regeneration and spring flowering, while maintaining the bushy appearance. Remove faded flowers to encourage new waves of flowers.
• Propagation : Propagate by woody cuttings in the fall or by grafting, the preferred method for hybrid tea roses. Seeds are not viable.

Rosa 'Witchcraft' is ideal for ornamental gardens, mixed borders, containers or as a cut flower. Its red-purple flowers add a dramatic focal point, combining well with plants such as lavender, sage or white phlox. It is suitable for romantic gardens, modern landscapes or sophisticated floral arrangements. They attract bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity.

Rosa 'Witchcraft' is a modern hybrid tea, developed for its unusual color and intense fragrance.

Planting distance between bushes: minimum 50-60 cm
Mature size: approx. 130 cm

Fragrant flowers: Yes, strong fragrance 5/5.
Delivery specifications: in a pot with a diameter of 21 cm. Height varies depending on the season. Developed plants, with a strong root system, in the flowering period.