Florals for spring may not be ground-breaking in most circumstances, but in Barbra Streisand's case, her seasonal 'miracle' is one of the most unique photos we've seen this year.
'I want to tell you about a little miracle. I saw a PINK rose growing off of a RED rose bush in my garden (called Lasting Love). Wow! I named it Barbra’s Baby,' the singer shared to Instagram, alongside an image of her expansive rose farm. 'About 4,000 plants are growing in Arizona fields, nearly ready to be harvested. After being tested for five years, they will be available this winter,' she adds.
Barbra's garden, particularly the red rose on the pink rose bush, inevitably sparked discussion among the Homes & Gardens celebrity and gardens teams, to which we couldn't conclude what is responsible for the color change. Either way, however, we're in agreement that Barbra’s roses are incredibly healthy, beautiful, and begging to be replicated, if even on a smaller scale. This is where expert rose care and growing tips come into play.
Shop rose care essentials
This light pink rose is bursting with life and citrusy scent, grounded in lush, dark green foliage.
These Felco pruning shears have hardened blades for effortless trimming in your yard, making light work of tough rose pruning jobs.
The 'knock out' family of roses are famed as the most easy-to-grow shrub roses and will reward you with a season long show of blooms.
'Roses are pure joy, bursting with colour, fragrance, and an abundance of repeat blooms. However, to find your perfect rose, here are a few things to keep in mind,' comments Mark Latchford, the director of landscape design at HollandGreen.
The first thing to consider is your soil. 'Roses love rich, moist, well-drained soil. Feed them at the start of the growing season with rose feed, compost, or well-rotted manure. After their first flush of flowers in summer, feed again to encourage repeat blooming,' Mark says. Next, knowing how to water roses correctly is key.
'Give newly planted roses a good soak rather than light watering. Once established, their deep roots will usually find their own water, but still keep an eye on them during dry spells,' he says. 'When it comes to pruning, cut just above outward-facing buds to encourage a nice shape. Remove any DDD (dead, diseased, or damaged wood).'
Lastly, whether you're working with a rose garden as big as Barbra's, or a small rose tree, protecting yourself is always important.
'Gloves and sleeves are your best friends when handling roses,' Mark adds. 'Similarly, watch for pests and disease: Keep an eye out for signs of trouble. If you're unsure, snap a photo and check in with your local garden centre for advice.'
Do you know what might be turning Barbra's rose pink? Please let us know in the comments...
