Mortellaro's Nursery
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Rose, Sweet Drift®
Rosa x 'Meiswetdom' PP# 21612 CPBR# 5390
Drift Roses (Rosa spp.) are compact, low-growing shrub roses bred specifically for small spaces and groundcover applications. Available in a variety of colors including Apricot, Coral, Orange, Peach, Pink, and Red, they provide continuous color from spring through frost with minimal maintenance. Their small, double blooms and spreading habit make them ideal for flower beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers.
These roses thrive in full sun and require well-draining soil, performing best with regular watering during establishment and during prolonged droughts. While they prefer slightly acidic soils, they are tolerant of alkaline soils common in Central Texas. Drift Roses are disease-resistant, especially against black spot and mildew, and are deer-resistant as well.
Each plant typically grows to about 1.5 to 2 feet tall and spreads 2.5 to 3 feet wide, forming neat, mounding clusters of foliage and blooms. For best results in mass plantings or borders, space Drift Roses 2 to 3 feet apart. Light pruning in late winter or early spring helps shape the plant and encourages heavier blooming.
Although Drift Roses are generally low-maintenance, they are not immune to Rose Rosette Disease (RRD). Like other roses, they can be affected by this virus spread by eriophyid mites, especially in North and Central Texas during hot, dry conditions. Regular monitoring and sanitation are essential. Remove and dispose of infected plants immediately if symptoms such as distorted growth, thickened stems, or excessive thorniness are observed.
In USDA Zones 5-10, Drift Roses are cold hardy, but benefit from mulching in colder regions to protect roots. They bloom continuously with little to no deadheading, making them an excellent choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, low-care landscape color.
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Groundcover Color |
Flower Color:Pink |
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Height:1-2 Feet |
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Spread:2-3 Feet |
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USDA Hardiness Zone 4a
Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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