Sophia Loren's rose continually surprises many flower lovers with its beauty. The variety was first bred in Germany more than 50 years ago and named after the famous film actress. Wikipedia says that Sophia Loren is the only flower of its kind belonging to the Rosaceae family.
Characteristics and description of the Sophia Loren rose variety
The flower buds have a round shape with a pointed tip, a velvety surface and a rich scarlet color. Varieties of Lauren roses are classified as a hybrid tea type of plant, since they bloom more than once during the season.
When the flower blooms, the size of its bud reaches up to 12 centimeters. It contains beautiful velvety petals, which give the plant additional beauty and elegance. The smell of terracotta flowers can be smelled from afar. He is quite pleasant and unobtrusive.
Sophie's stem is powerful and straight, bearing abundant inflorescences or single flowers.
The bush is quite tall, reaching up to one and a half meters in height, covered with dark green leaves, round in shape. The stem has thorns, like many other rose families. After cutting, Lauren holds its shape for a long time and maintains a fresh look.
It takes root even in areas where a cold climate prevails. They are grown both in a greenhouse and on an open surface.
How to care for Sophia Loren roses
When purchasing a seedling of this variety of roses, you need to pay attention to their external condition. The seedlings should have several buds and a fairly developed root, but there should be no leaves, buds or fruits.
The root neck should be no more than 1 centimeter in size. Experienced flower lovers recommend that beginners purchase seedlings in containers with soil, since they are less damaged during transportation, but they will also be more expensive. And also, in no case should the root be allowed to dry out; this can lead to a long and painful establishment of the seedling or to the death of the rose.
After purchasing Sophia Loren, it must be immediately replanted in the ground. The soil layer should not be less than 70 centimeters, and the depth of the planting hole should be half a meter. The roots should be straightened and placed freely in the soil.
It is better to plant in spring or autumn. In the spring, it is necessary to take into account that after winter the seedlings are weakened. But autumn planting is more favorable in that after winter storage the plant has time to take root, and in the spring it catches up in growth with previously planted roses.
It is better to choose a place for planting that is dark, but at the same time well warmed up. Under no circumstances should the shrub be planted in full sun. In order for roses to grow in the shade, it is enough to plant them near trees and fruit bushes.
It is better to choose an area for planting on a hill or other elevation - this will help to avoid excessive humidity when the snow melts. After the hole is dug, it is necessary to add fertilizer to it - this can be clay, sand or peat.
After replanting, it should be watered and periodically fed with fertilizers. This type of rose is very capricious and therefore requires special attention.
Sophia Loren is subject to frequent insect attacks, as well as viruses and fungal diseases. And to avoid the appearance of rot, you need to ensure that the flower has sufficient ventilation and moderate watering.
The variety often suffers from powdery mildew, which is facilitated by hot weather with high humidity. To prevent the plant from getting this disease, a number of rules must be followed:
- The landing site should be saturated with fresh air.
- For preventative purposes, periodically trim the stems and buds.
- Spray the seedlings with a copper-soap solution.
- In spring, spray with Bordeaux solution.
- Loosen the soil.
- Burn leaves that have fallen from the plant.
To prepare for wintering, it is not recommended to cut roses, because this will lead to the appearance of new flowering, and if frost occurs at this moment, the plant will die. It is enough to cover the rose with polyethylene or add an additional layer of soil.
Perhaps there is not a single connoisseur of beautiful flowers who would not be familiar with this rose. The Sophia Loren variety is one of the most popular representatives of Rosaceae, which is confirmed by numerous design compositions featuring this flower. Bred in 1967 by flower growers in Germany, this delightful variety of roses received its name in honor of the incomparable actress Sophia Loren. Since then, the hybrid tea rose Sophia Loren has been victoriously decorating the most exquisite garden compositions, bringing with it special notes of real beauty, elegance and splendor.
FEATURES OF ROSE SOPHIE LOREN
Rose Sophia Loren has a wonderful, unobtrusive and at the same time very sensitive aroma. Its luxurious rounded-pointed buds are located on powerful stems, singly and in inflorescences. Opened buds with a large number of delicate velvety petals reach approximately 12 cm in diameter. The flower opens completely and retains its shape perfectly.
The bush with flowers rises about one and a half meters in height. Like other hybrid tea representatives, the Sophia Loren rose blooms repeatedly throughout the season. The leaves of this variety are dark green, leathery, and have rounded outlines. Like a real rose, Sophia Loren has large thorns, which, however, are quite rare. After cutting, the flowers of this variety retain a fresh and attractive appearance for a long time.
GROWING AND CARE OF ROSE SOPHIE LAUREN
The Sophia Loren variety adapts perfectly to the climatic and soil characteristics of regions, even with a cool climate. It can be cultivated both in greenhouses and in open spaces. For comfortable growth, places with good air circulation and sufficient levels of sunlight are suitable. In this case, some shading is desirable, since direct rays of the sun can lead to loss of color and rapid fading.
Excessive watering should also be avoided, to which the rose is also very sensitive. The ideal option in this case would be to use a root drip system. Timely removal of weeds, periodic loosening of the soil, cultivation and spraying with nutrient mixtures - this is essential for the perfect Sophia Loren rose to grow on your site. You can buy this lovely flower in our online store "Gardens of Eden".
Rose Sophia Loren from breeder Mathias Tantau, Jr. was obtained in Germany in 1967 and belongs to the hybrid tea varieties with repeated flowering.
Characteristics and description of the variety
The Sophia Loren variety captivates with its magnificence, and its description is known to almost every experienced gardener in Russia and abroad. The buds have a pronounced rounded-pointed shape and the petals are a rich bright red color, with a delicate velvety surface.
The average diameter of flowers at the stage of full bloom reaches 10.5–12.5 cm. A characteristic feature of the variety is the formation of a large number of velvety petals, making the flowers look very decorative and elegant. The aroma is pleasant, quite strong, but unobtrusive.
It should be remembered that in very hot and dry climates, the edges of the petals may be slightly scorched. Flowering is abundant and long lasting, several times per season. Both single flowers and small attractive inflorescences can form. The stems are very long, straight and powerful. Bushes of vertical orientation, tall - on average 1.2–1.5 m.
The leaves are dark green, leathery, ovate. The spines are rare, but large. The Sophia Loren rose holds its bud shape perfectly and retains its fresh appearance for a very long time after cutting. Roses can be cultivated both outdoors and in greenhouse conditions.
Hybrid tea roses: growing (video)
Rules of care
Compliance with the technology of growing hybrid tea roses allows you to obtain a highly decorative crop with strong growth and lush flowering. General rules for caring for garden roses, including the Sophia Loren variety, are as follows:
- Constant feeding with mineral and basic organic fertilizers: this has a positive effect on the quality and duration of flowering.
- Applying the first fertilizing in the spring (in the form of urea).
- At the stage of active budding, fertilize with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers or a solution of slurry with the addition of potassium sulfate and superphosphate (10–12 grams of each substance per 10 liters of nutrient infusion).
- Trimming and removing faded flowers (if necessary).
- Maintaining maximum cleanliness in the flower garden: periodically removing weeds and superficial loosening of the soil, preventing the formation of a soil crust.
- Timely prevention of damage to roses by fungal infections, aphids, beetles, caterpillars and mites.
Caring for a Sophia Loren rose also involves preparing the plant for winter, which should begin in the last ten days of August or early September. During this period, flowers should not be cut: it stimulates the ripening of shoots. Before the onset of significant cold weather, it is recommended to add a layer of soil or peat 20–25 cm high into the trunk circles of rose bushes, and also cover the plants with spruce branches and garden polyethylene.
Use in garden design
Tall hybrid tea roses are very often used in landscape design, due to their attractive appearance and the ability to be used as a profusely blooming background for other plants.
A combined hedge looks very elegant and modern, in which roses are planted in the foreground, and the background is represented by evergreen or deciduous plants of tree or shrub species.
Solitaire, or single planting, is also an excellent option for growing Sophia Loren hybrid tea roses. The very impressive appearance allows the rose bush to be used as the focal point of a lawn, clearing, paved area and slope.
Sophia Loren rose pairs well with gypsophila, soft mantle and pungent ranunculus. Late peonies, large-flowered dahlias and tuberous begonias are not recommended as partners. Aconites, speedwell and sage, catnip, and astilbes of contrasting color are well suited for the background. You can combine the rose with blue varieties of hostas and ornamental cereals: blue sesleria, ever-living sheep and any varietal elymus.
Many novice flower growers confuse the Sophia Loren variety with the equally popular hybrid tea rose Burgund-81 (Burgund-81). The difference between the Sophia Loren variety is that it has bright red flowers with a dark crimson center and dark velvety edges. The inflorescences are densely double, consisting of 40–50 petals. In addition, the Sophia Loren rose, unlike the Burgundy-81 variety, forms very tall and powerful bushes.
How to plant a rose (video)
According to reviews from experienced flower growers, the Sophia Loren rose is an ideal option for growing in the Moscow region: it is characterized by sufficient resistance to powdery mildew and black spot, high winter hardiness, easily withstands long rains and winters well under hilling.
Having received such a unique and magnificent name, it cannot but please you with its correspondence to the famous image, since the Sophia Loren rose is one of the most famous representatives of the Rosaceae family, as the encyclopedia of roses says. In this article we will look at how to choose the right one, how to properly plant, fertilize and which plants are best combined with.
Biological features
It is not for nothing that the Sophia Loren variety captivates all flower growers with its beauty. They have buds of a pointed-rounded shape, bright red petals and a velvety surface. The Sophia Loren rose variety belongs to those that have repeated flowering. 
Did you know? The world's smallest rose (variety "Si") is the size of a grain of rice.
At the stage of full bloom, the average size of this variety reaches 12 centimeters. A characteristic feature is a large number of velvety petals, which is why the flowers look elegant and very decorative. It is also worth noting the very strong, but pleasant and not very intrusive aroma of flowers. The shrub blooms, as a rule, with single flowers or in inflorescences, on powerful, straight stems.
The leaves of the bush are leathery, dark green, shaped like an egg, the bush reaches a height of 150 centimeters. There are also large but sparse spines. The Sophia Loren variety holds the shape of its buds well and retains its fresh appearance for a long time after the flowers have been cut. The rose adapts well to soil and weather conditions, even in regions with cold climates, where it takes root well. The flower blooms completely, the plant itself reaches its maximum size. The flower is cultivated both in the open air and in greenhouse conditions.
The Sophia Loren variety was bred by flower growers in Germany in 1967 and, due to its beauty and effectiveness, was named after the famous actress Sophia Loren. 
How to choose the right seedlings when purchasing
When purchasing seedlings of this variety, you need to choose annual or biennial specimens. must have at least 2 woody stems that are dark green in color, have dormant buds and a developed root system with healthy roots. The root collar should be 8-10 millimeters in diameter. Flowers, leaves and fruits should be trimmed.
Important! If you observe a high degree of agricultural technology and follow all the recommendations of flower growers, the rose variety» already in the second year of growth it will achieve high decorative qualities and remain productive for 20 years.
Flower growers recommend buying seedlings planted in a container, in which case you minimize the risk of damaging the plant during transportation. At the same time, a seedling in such a container is several times more expensive than a regular one with bare roots.
You also need to pay attention when purchasing any seedling to the roots and stems. They must look healthy, without damage or signs of disease. Do not overdry the roots of the seedling if they are open; remember that they need moisture during transportation. 
Planting roses on the site
You also need to keep the bushes clean. Remove from time to time (carry out maintenance at least once a week). You also need to pay attention to loosening the soil surface. Loosening prevents the formation of a soil crust, which prevents the penetration of air and water into the soil.
Feeding
With regular feeding, the shrub prolongs its flowering and the number of flowers increases. It is recommended to apply for the first time in the spring at the beginning of the growing season.
Also, fertilizing should be carried out during the period of active budding. During this period, potassium-phosphorus fertilizers are suitable, and you can also prepare the solution yourself. To do this, mix 10 g, 10 g and 10 g. Dissolve the ingredients in 10 liters of water. Recommended in moderation, as they do not like excessive feeding.
Trimming
Sophia Loren rose bushes should be pruned in the spring. Pruning allows you to shape the bush and increase flowering. 2, maximum 3 well-formed buds are left on the stem. If the stem is weak or small, it is recommended to leave 1 or 2 buds.
Preparing for winter
Also, caring for a flower requires proper preparation. It should begin in the last days of August or early September. At the same time, it is not recommended to prune flowers, as this stimulates the appearance of new shoots.
