Barbie Mella

Planting and Soil Requirements

• Planting Location: Prefers full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil is essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0) is ideal for optimal growth.
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same level as it was in the nursery pot. In colder climates, the graft union should be slightly below soil level to protect from freezing.
• Spacing: Space plants about 45–60 cm apart to allow for proper air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.

Watering and Fertilization

• Watering: Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.
• Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and again after each bloom cycle for continuous flowering.
• Avoid Over-fertilizing: Overuse of fertilizer can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers and increase susceptibility to pests.

Light and Temperature Requirements

• Light Requirements: Requires full sun for healthy growth and maximum flowering potential.
• Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 5–9. Can tolerate moderate cold but benefits from winter protection in very cold climates.
• Heat Tolerance: Fairly heat tolerant, but regular watering is necessary during hot, dry periods.
• Frost Protection: Mulch heavily in colder regions to protect the roots from freezing during the winter months.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pruning:
  • Time: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Techniques: Remove dead, damaged, or weak stems to encourage new growth and shape the plant. Cut back old canes by about one-third.
  • Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to promote continuous flowering throughout the season.
• Maintenance: Keep the area around the base of the plant free of debris and weeds to prevent pest infestations and diseases.

Pests and Diseases

• Common Pests:
  • Aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles may infest Barbie Mella. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
  • Larger pests like beetles can be removed by hand if the infestation is light.
• Common Diseases:
  • Susceptible to fungal diseases like black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. Prevent by ensuring proper air circulation and watering at the base of the plant rather than on the foliage.
  • Treat fungal infections with a fungicide if they appear.
• Preventative Measures: Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Propagation

• Cuttings: Barbie Mella can be propagated through hardwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
• Grafting/Budding: Nurseries often propagate roses by grafting or budding to ensure uniformity and disease resistance.

Companion Planting and Garden Uses

• Companion Plants: Plant alongside lavender, catmint, or marigolds, which can help deter pests and complement the vibrant blooms.
• Garden Use: Perfect for flower beds, borders, and containers. Ideal for small garden spaces due to its compact size. It also works well in cut flower arrangements, thanks to its attractive blooms and long vase life.

Winter Care and Overwintering

• Winter Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base in late fall to protect roots from freezing.
• Frost Protection: In colder zones, protect the rose with rose collars or burlap wraps. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season to prevent new growth that could be damaged by frost.
• Late Fall Care: Reduce watering and stop fertilizing in late summer to help the rose harden off for winter.

Benefits of Growing Barbie Mella Rose

• Fragrance: Light, pleasant fragrance that enhances garden appeal.
• Long Blooming Season: Blooms from late spring to fall with proper care.
• Compact Size: Ideal for small gardens, containers, or borders.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Key Care Points for Optimal Growth

• Light: Needs full sun for 6+ hours per day for best flowering.
• Watering: Water deeply and consistently to keep the soil evenly moist.
• Fertilization: Feed regularly with a rose-specific fertilizer to ensure vigorous growth and continuous blooms.
• Pruning: Prune annually in late winter or early spring and deadhead spent blooms regularly.
• Pest and Disease Management: Monitor for common pests and diseases, and use appropriate organic or chemical treatments as needed.

Conclusion

The Barbie Mella Rose is a charming, easy-to-care-for variety that rewards gardeners with abundant pink blooms throughout the growing season. With proper care, including regular watering, fertilization, and pruning, this rose will flourish in a variety of garden settings. Following these guidelines will ensure that your Barbie Mella Rose remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.