Pink Drift Rose™

I live in New Mexico in zone 7b. Would Pink Drift ce able to take a western exposure in my zone?

Yes, Pink Drift rose (Rosa 'Meijocos') can thrive in a western exposure in Zone 7b, including your area in New Mexico.

Considerations for Pink Drift Rose in Zone 7b:

1. Sunlight:

   • Pink Drift roses thrive in full sun and will do well with a western exposure, which provides ample sunlight, especially in the afternoon. This exposure is ideal for encouraging abundant blooms and healthy growth.

2. Heat Tolerance:

   • In Zone 7b, especially in New Mexico where summers can be hot, Pink Drift roses can handle the heat, but they may benefit from regular watering to ensure they don’t dry out. The western exposure means they will get intense afternoon sun, so monitoring soil moisture is essential.

3. Soil and Watering:

   • Ensure the soil is well-draining, as roses do not like "wet feet." Water deeply and regularly, especially during the hottest months, to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

4. Wind Protection:

   • If the western exposure in your area is particularly windy, consider providing some wind protection, as strong winds can stress the plants and dry out the soil more quickly.

Summary:

Pink Drift roses can thrive in a western exposure in your Zone 7b location in New Mexico. They are well-suited to full sun but will need consistent watering and possibly some wind protection to ensure they flourish in the hot afternoon sun.

can this be used as a ground cover for larger roses?

Yes, Pink Drift Roses can be used as a ground cover for larger roses. They are low-growing, spreading roses that make an excellent ground cover due to their dense, spreading habit and prolific blooming.

Benefits of Using Pink Drift Roses as Ground Cover:

1. Weed Suppression:

   • The dense foliage and spreading nature of Pink Drift Roses help to suppress weeds, reducing the need for weeding around your larger roses.

2. Aesthetic Appeal:

   • The continuous bloom of Pink Drift Roses provides a beautiful carpet of color beneath taller roses, creating a layered, visually appealing garden.

3. Soil Erosion Control:

   • Their spreading roots help stabilize the soil, preventing erosion, especially on slopes or in areas prone to runoff.

4. Complementary Growth:

   • Pink Drift Roses stay low (typically 1-2 feet in height) and spread out, so they won’t compete with the larger roses for vertical space. This makes them an ideal companion, providing ground-level interest while allowing the larger roses to shine above.

Planting Tips:

• Spacing: Space the Pink Drift Roses 2-3 feet apart to allow them to spread and fill in the area under the larger roses.
• Sunlight: Ensure both the Pink Drift Roses and the larger roses receive plenty of sunlight (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day), as both thrive in full sun.
• Watering: Water consistently, especially during the establishment phase, to help both the drift and larger roses thrive.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and further reduce weeds.

Summary:

Pink Drift Roses are an excellent choice for ground cover under larger roses. They provide aesthetic beauty, weed suppression, and soil stabilization while complementing the growth of larger roses.