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Rose Candy Stripe: My Bold Beauty in the Garden I have to admit, my journey with roses has been filled with twists and turns. Just when I thought I’d mastered one variety, another would come along and throw me for a loop. That’s what happened with Rose Candy Stripe—a real showstopper in every sense. Picture this: you’re walking through a garden, and BAM! A rose with pink and white stripes, looking like it’s come straight out of a candy shop. Naturally, I had to have it. I planted Candy Stripe with a bit of hesitation. Could such a beautiful rose really thrive in my garden? But let me tell you, she not only survived, she strutted her stuff like she owned the place! A Rose with Personality One thing I quickly learned is that Rose Candy Stripe is more than just a pretty face. She has attitude—and I mean that in the best way possible. Those distinct pink and white petals almost seem like they were hand-painted, which never fails to impress visitors. It’s a little like the rose is saying, “Yes, I’m beautiful, but don’t mess with me!” And trust me, I’ve had moments where I’ve been tempted to snap photos every day just to capture the patterns. But, and this is a big but, don’t let her delicate looks fool you. Candy Stripe may look fragile, but she’s as tough as they come. In the sometimes unforgiving South African sun, she stands tall and blooms generously, as if to say, “Bring it on!” Planting and Care for South Africa Alright, time to share some wisdom. If you’re in South Africa and you’re thinking about planting a Rose Candy Stripe, here’s what I’ve learned from first-hand experience: Sunlight: Like most roses, Candy Stripe needs full sun—about 6 hours of good, solid sunlight to perform at her best. However, because South Africa’s summers can be brutal, especially here in the warmer regions, I’ve found that giving her a bit of afternoon shade helps prevent the blooms from fading too quickly. Soil: She’s a little more particular about her soil than some of my other roses. Well-draining, loamy soil is the way to go, but you can enrich it with compost or a good rose-specific fertilizer to really help her thrive. My soil leans towards sandy, so I had to add a fair bit of organic matter, but the results have been worth every wheelbarrow load. Watering: Roses love a good drink, and Candy Stripe is no different. I water deeply once a week during the growing season. In the peak of summer, I give her a little extra love with a midweek sprinkle, especially when the heat ramps up. Be sure to water at the base and avoid getting the leaves wet, as roses are prone to fungal diseases if left too moist. Pruning: Ah, pruning. It’s a bit like giving your rose a well-deserved spa day. I prune my Candy Stripe in late winter (July here in South Africa), cutting her back by about a third. Don’t be shy—she’ll thank you for it by producing bigger, better blooms in the next season. The Battle of the Bugs Okay, confession time. I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with pests while tending to Candy Stripe. Aphids, in particular, seem to think her gorgeous blooms are an all-you-can-eat buffet. But I’ve learned to stay ahead of the game. A strong blast of water from the hose does the trick for light infestations, and for heavier invasions, products like Rosecare or Rose Protector work wonders on both aphids and fungi. These have been my go-to options to keep Candy Stripe pest-free and disease-resistant, especially during our humid spells. Black spot and powdery mildew can also make an appearance, particularly when the weather shifts, but keeping the foliage dry and ensuring good air circulation has kept these nuisances at bay in my garden. I’ll also admit to giving her a good pep talk every now and then—because who says plants don’t respond to encouragement? The Candy Stripe Drama Now, let me tell you about the time I almost lost her. Picture this: it’s mid-summer, and I’m feeling pretty proud of how my garden’s shaping up. But then I notice something odd—my Candy Stripe was looking a little less striped and a little more, well, plain. For a hot minute, I panicked. Had I done something wrong? Over-watered? Under-fertilized? It was a stressful few days as I anxiously checked her every morning. As it turns out, some of her blooms had just taken a more solid pink tone that season. She was fine—just going through a phase. Apparently, Candy Stripe likes to mix things up. I can respect that, but wow, did she give me a scare! Now, I just laugh it off. She keeps me on my toes, and that’s part of her charm. The Showpiece of My Garden After all the ups and downs, Candy Stripe has become the centrepiece of my garden. I often catch myself admiring her from my patio, mesmerized by the way the stripes change with each bloom. And if I’m being honest, I love showing her off to visitors. She’s always a conversation starter—”Is that real?” people ask. Yes, yes it is, I tell them, while secretly feeling like a garden wizard. If you’re looking for a rose that’s bold, full of personality, and a little unpredictable (in the best way), Rose Candy Stripe is a must-have for your South African garden. Just remember, she’ll keep you guessing, but she’ll always deliver when it counts. Happy planting! Blog FAQs

The Enchantment of Rose Gardening: My Blooming Journey Ah, roses! Those stunning blooms that seem to whisper sweet nothings with every petal. When I first decided to dive into rose gardening, I had visions of colourful blooms adorning my garden like a scene from a romantic movie. But little did I know, I was in for a delightful—and occasionally thorny—adventure! The journey began with soil preparation. I quickly learned that roses are somewhat particular about their living conditions. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. After a bit of research, I discovered that they thrive in loamy, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. I added compost like a chef seasoning a dish, hoping to whip up the perfect recipe for my rose plants. And let me tell you, digging in that soil felt like a mini workout! Who needs a gym when you can channel your inner gardener? Once my soil was prepped and ready, it was time to choose my roses. I wandered into the local nursery, eyes wide and heart racing, like a kid in a candy store. The options were endless! I finally settled on a mix of classic red and delicate pink roses, imagining how they would transform my garden into a blooming paradise. I gently planted each rose, whispering sweet encouragements like, “You’re going to be the most beautiful rose in the world!” My neighbours must have thought I was a little odd, talking to my plants, but hey, it’s all part of the charm! Watering my newly planted roses was a breeze—until it wasn’t. I quickly learned that roses prefer their soil to be consistently moist but not soggy. During my first summer, I was a bit too enthusiastic with the watering can, turning my garden into a miniature swamp. My roses looked like they were auditioning for a role in a water ballet! After that little mishap, I developed a watering routine, checking the soil regularly and making sure it was just right. My roses thanked me with an explosion of blooms, which felt like a little victory dance. Light is another crucial ingredient in the recipe for healthy roses. I positioned my plants to receive at least six hours of sunlight daily, like giving them a front-row seat to the best show in town. I remember one particularly hot afternoon when I caught a glimpse of my roses wilting in the sun. I rushed out with a jug of water, feeling like a heroic gardener swooping in to save the day. “Don’t worry my lovely roses! I’ve got your back!” I shouted, and I swear they perked up as if they understood. As the season progressed, I became more familiar with pruning—something I initially approached with the grace of a toddler wielding scissors. I learned that regular pruning encourages healthy growth and prevents disease. With my trusty shears in hand, I started snipping away, channelling my inner Edward Scissorhands. It was a bit of a learning curve, but I found joy in shaping my roses and watching them thrive. Plus, I’d always tell myself, “Every snip is a step closer to the garden of my dreams!” Speaking of dreams, let’s chat about propagation! I discovered that roses can be propagated from cuttings, which felt like a magical secret. After snipping off some healthy stems, I dipped them in rooting hormone and planted them in moist soil, feeling like a rose wizard casting spells. Watching those cuttings develop roots was one of the most rewarding moments of my gardening journey. It’s like giving new life to your favourite blooms—truly enchanting! Of course, no rose garden would be complete without addressing pests. I had my first encounter with aphids one fateful afternoon. It was like a scene from a horror movie as I discovered them feasting on my beloved roses. Armed with a spray bottle filled with a mild soap solution, I went to battle, channelling my inner warrior. “You will NOT take my roses!” I proclaimed dramatically. Thankfully, with persistence, I managed to evict those unwanted guests and restore peace to my garden. As I sit here admiring my blooming roses, I can’t help but reflect on the journey. Gardening isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the experiences, the laughter, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether it’s bonding with friends over a shared love of gardening or celebrating the first bloom of the season, every moment adds to the joy. So, if you’re considering stepping into the world of rose gardening, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a go! With a bit of love, patience, and a sprinkle of humour, you’ll find that cultivating these lovely blooms can be a truly rewarding experience. Grab your tools, pick your favourite varieties, and embark on this fragrant adventure. Here’s to roses and the beauty they bring into our lives! Blog FAQs