Staircase Roses and White Lupines Create Stunning Summer Displays

The Beauty of Staircase Roses and White Lupines

When it comes to gorgeous flowers that bloom in the summer, two varieties stand out for their striking colors and shapes: staircase roses and white lupines. These flowers pair beautifully together in floral arrangements and gardens, adding vibrant pops of color and enticing sweet scents.

All About Staircase Roses

Staircase roses, also known as hybrid musk roses or ramblers, are known for their clusters of brightly colored blooms that cascade down in flower beds like a floral staircase. They come in a diverse range of hues like pink, purple, yellow, orange, red, and white. When cared for properly, staircase rose bushes can grow quite large, some reaching up to 15 feet tall and wide.

Staircase roses are beloved for a few reasons. For one, they bloom repeatedly if deadheaded, providing continual color and fragrance from early summer through the first fall frost. They also work well as focal points and take up space rapidly to offer good ground coverage. Finally, staircase roses tend to be hardy and low maintenance when grown in the proper conditions.

Caring for Staircase Roses

Staircase roses require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They prefer being planted in spots that receive morning sun in particular. Well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter will provide these plants with the hydration and nutrients they need to establish deep roots and vigorous growth.

Prune staircase rose bushes when they are dormant, likely in late winter or very early spring. Take out any dead, diseased, or damaged stems first before lightly trimming and shaping the shrub. Avoid excessive pruning, which can reduce flowering. As the roses bloom, routinely deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flower production.

The Delicate White Lupine

In contrast to the vibrant staircase rose, white lupines showcase flowers in delicate hues of creamy white. They grow in tall, dense spikes that can reach 3 feet high on unbranched stems covered in fine silvery hairs that catch in the sunlight. Their palmate leaves provide the perfect backdrop to showcase the flowers.

Like most lupines, the white variety thrives in full sun. Well-drained, sandy soil amended with compost suits them well. Take care not to overwater them. Once established, lupines generally do not require much care beyond removing spent flowers to prolong blooming. They spread rapidly through seed pods, readily self-sowing if growing conditions are right.

Combining Staircase Roses and White Lupines

When paired together in garden beds or floral arrangements, staircase roses and white lupines create eye-catching displays. The hot colors of the roses contrast beautifully against the creamy blooms of lupines for visual interest.

In terms of landscape design, consider planting white lupine spikes behind cascading staircase roses. This allows the roses to waterfall down towards the front of a flower bed while the lupines rise tall from the back with their spikes prominent. The lacy green lupine foliage coming through provides depth and dimension.

For cut flower arrangements displayed in vases, mix fully opened white lupine spikes with small spray roses or clusters of staircase roses. The variation in flower size, form, and color helps each stand out. Be sure to pick both at their peak for optimal beauty.

More Gorgeous Summer Flower Pairings

While staircase roses and white lupines are hard to top, many other summer flower combinations result in spectacular displays. Here are a few more dazzling duos to adorn gardens and tablescapes with:

Lavender and Black-Eyed Susans

The elegant spikes of aromatic English lavender beautifully complement bushy clumps of black-eyed Susans. Lovely on their own, but so much more vibrant together!

Sunflowers and Zinnias

It's hard to resist a bouquet bursting with diverse sunflowers and rainbow-hued zinnias. Two happy flowers that pair perfectly for their bold colors and playful form.

Roses and Hydrangeas

Hydrangea blooms in shades of blue, pink, and white make the ideal floral base for artfully arranged roses. Let both flowers shine by toning down extras.

Hopefully these suggestions stir some inspiration for stunning summer garden planting schemes or floral designs! Staircase roses and white lupines certainly take center stage, but don't overlook other eye-catching pairings too.

FAQs

How big do staircase rose bushes grow?

Staircase roses can grow quite large, some reaching up to 15 feet tall and wide. Give them plenty of room to reach their full size potential.

What is the best way to plant white lupines?

White lupines thrive best in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil amended with compost. Take care not to overwater them once established.

What's the ideal time to prune staircase roses?

Prune staircase rose bushes when they are dormant, typically in late winter or very early spring before new growth emerges.

How can I get white lupines to bloom longer?

Deadheading, or removing, spent white lupine flowers after they fade will encourage more blooms all season long.