Belinda’s Dream Rose: Almost Always in Bloom!

The Falls County Courthouse Memorial Garden in Marlin, TX, features Belinda’s Dream roses, their placement superlatively recommended by the Texas A&M Horticulture Department. An increasing number of these roses are finding their place in front lawns and beloved rose gardens! What a delightful presentation!

Belinda’s Dream’ rose was developed by Dr. Robert Basye, a mathematics professor and amateur rose breeder at Texas A&M University in Texas. Introduced in 1992, it is a cross between ‘Tiffany’ and ‘Jersey Beauty’ and was the first to receive the Texas Superstar and Earth-Kind designation.

Belinda’s Dream roses are pink and symbolize admiration, gratitude and appreciation. It is a fast-growing shrub producing flowers on an upright, repeat blooming bush with bluish-green foliage. “This rose is an excellent selection if you are looking for a rose that can be used as a cut flower to arrange in vases and display indoors.” (https:// aggie-horticulture.tamu. edu/earthkindroses) She will make any bouquet dreamy with her fruity, raspberry fragrance. At public places or at home in the front lawn or rose gardens, the pink flowers have a rich fragrance, blooming throughout the summer.

Belinda’s Dream roses have demonstrated their highly heat-tolerance, disease-resistance, and thriving in Texas soils, including heavy clay! Developed in Texas to endure drought and heavy rain alike, they offer consistent, fragrant pink blooms from Spring through Fall with little care.

These plants are “extremely tough” and can persist even after years of neglect, accidental damage, or being cut back frequently. They, however, deserve showcasing and care. Consider the following plant needs prior to transplanting a Belinda’s Dream rose into your garden.

First, plant your rosebush where roses receive full, direct sunlight for at least eight hours each day. Choose a location that provides good air movement over the leaves. Companion plants that love full sun and welldrained soil are lavender, sage, or catmint.

Second, allow five feet between rose bushes and do not place in cramped, enclosed areas. Avoid planting these near Belinda’s Dream roses: a) “Aggressive & climbing plants such as Morning Glory and Mint are notorious for spreading, choking, and overtaking rose bushes. b) Heavy feeders, such as Sunflowers, Hollyhocks, and Fennel compete for the intense nutrients and water that roses require.” (https:// www. realsimple. com/ what-not-to-plant-nextto- roses.) Avoid proximity to water-loving plants, such as irises, ferns, and hostas which prefer moist soil. Avoid woody shrubs: such as boxwoods; their shallow roots fight with rose roots for resources. And finally, c) “Avoid planting close to plants that attract aphids, such as Nasturtiums, Cosmos, and Flowering Tobacco.” (https:/www.facebook. com/buzzed/blooms) Now, you are ready to plant your Belinda’s Dream rose!

Dig the new hole twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper. Create a small mound in the center to set the plant on.

Water the plant thoroughly for two days prior to moving to reduce stress.

Prune by cutting “the canes back to 12–18 inches in height. This reduces the burden on the roots while they are establishing.” (https://menagerieflower. com. Jan 12, 2025) Dig a trench around the bush, roughly 12–15 inches out, to keep the root ball as large as possible. Carefully lift the rose, trying to keep the soil around the roots intact.

“Place the rose on the mound in the new hole. For own-root roses, the crown should be 2-3 inches below the surface. If grafted, place the graft union 2-3 inches below the surface to protect from extreme heat.” (https://www.facebook. com/heirloomrosesusa/ posts/did-you-know, Sept 24, 2025) Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients as it breaks down.

Backfill with native soil mixed with compost.

Next, water. “ Fill the hole halfway, water thoroughly to remove air pockets, then finish filling and water again.” (Earth-Kind Roses, Texas AgriLife Extension Services) Water every day for the first week, then reduce to 2–3 times a week, depending on rain, for the first few months.

Do not fertilize immediately. Wait until you see new growth.

The best fertilizers for roses are balanced, organic, slow-release formulas specifically designed for them, such as Espoma Rose-Tone (4-3-2), which promote strong, bloomheavy plants. Optimal results are achieved using a mix of nutrient-rich amendments like alfalfa meal, composted manure, and “fish emulsion to improve social health” (GardenBound, June 15, 2024). Avoid over-fertilizing to avoid burning the roots. Typically apply in early spring and monthly during the growing season.

Remove spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more flowers rather than rose hips.

Delight in Belinda’s Dream roses, the plant nearly always in bloom.