Exotic Mella

Planting and Soil Requirements

• Planting Location: Prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering, but can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter.
• Soil pH: Thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container. Ensure the graft union is just below the soil level, especially in colder areas.
• Spacing: Space plants 40–50 cm apart to allow for adequate air circulation.

Watering and Fertilization

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially in dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Mulching: Apply a 5–7 cm layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Fertilization: Feed every 4–6 weeks with a balanced rose fertilizer during the growing season, starting in early spring.
• Avoid Overwatering: Ensure the soil drains well, as waterlogged roots can cause root rot.

Light and Temperature Requirements

• Light Requirements: Requires full sun, with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for best flowering.
• Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 5–9. In colder climates, protect the plant with mulching during the winter.
• Heat Tolerance: Tolerates warm climates well but needs consistent watering during hotter months to prevent drought stress.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pruning:
  • Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
  • Techniques: Remove dead, damaged, or weak stems. Thin out the center of the plant to improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease.
  • Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms and prolong the flowering season.
• Maintenance: Remove any weeds from around the base to prevent competition for nutrients and water.

Pests and Diseases

• Common Pests:
  • Aphids, spider mites, and thrips can attack the plant. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil at the first sign of infestation.
• Common Diseases:
  • Prone to fungal diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew, particularly in humid conditions.
  • Use a fungicide if necessary and maintain proper spacing for good air circulation.
• Preventative Measures: Water at the base of the plant rather than from above to reduce the risk of fungal infections.

Propagation

• Cuttings: Propagate Exotic Mella from semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
• Grafting: This variety is often grafted to ensure consistent growth and bloom quality.

Companion Planting and Garden Uses

• Companion Plants: Pair with low-growing perennials like lavender, salvia, or creeping phlox for contrast and to repel pests.
• Garden Use: Ideal for containers, small gardens, or as an accent plant in mixed borders. Its compact size makes it perfect for patios or balconies.

Winter Care and Overwintering

• Winter Mulching: Apply a thick mulch layer in late fall to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures.
• Frost Protection: In regions prone to frost, cover the plant with frost cloth or burlap to protect it from the harsh cold.
• Late Fall Preparation: Gradually reduce watering in late fall to help the plant enter dormancy and stop fertilizing at least six weeks before the first expected frost.

Key Care Points for Exotic Mella

• Sunlight: Needs full sun (6 hours or more daily) to thrive and bloom abundantly.
• Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells, keeping the soil moist but well-drained.
• Fertilization: Feed regularly with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season for vigorous growth and abundant blooms.
• Pruning: Prune annually to maintain shape and health, and deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms.
• Pest and Disease Control: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases, and take preventive or remedial action as necessary.

Conclusion

The Exotic Mella is a visually stunning, compact rose that adds a vibrant and exotic touch to any garden or patio. With proper care—ensuring plenty of sunlight, regular watering, and fertilization—this rose will reward you with continuous blooms throughout the growing season. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, prune regularly, and provide winter protection in colder climates to maintain a healthy and flourishing plant year-round.

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)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.