The history of the Sexy Rexy rose begins with its development by Sam McGredy IV, a popular rose breeder from New Zealand. He introduced the rose in 1984 under the name “Sexy Rexy,” but it is also known by other names in different regions, such as “Heckenzauber” in Germany and “Macrexy” in the United States.
Sexy Rexy is a floribunda rose, a type of rose with prolific blooming and large clusters of flowers. The rose is a cross between the hybrid musk ‘Seaspray’ and the floribunda ‘Dreaming’, which were chosen for their desirable traits such as disease resistance, vigor, and abundant blooms.
Since its introduction, Sexy Rexy has gained popularity among gardeners for its stunning pink blooms and vigorous growth. It has won numerous awards, including the New Zealand Gold Medal in 1984 and the Glasgow Gold Medal in 1989. The rose is also a favorite among rose exhibitors for its large, showy blooms and long vase life.
Characteristics of Sexy Rexy Rose
- Size: It grows to a height of 3 feet and a spread of 2 to 3 feet.
- Growth Habit: It has a bushy, rounded growth habit. It suitable for borders, hedges, and mass plantings.
- Growth Rate: It is a moderate to fast grower, with a growth rate of about 2 feet per year.
- Flower: It produces clusters of medium-sized, fully double flowers. The flowers are a lovely shade of soft pink, with a classic rose form and about 25-30 petals per bloom.
- Bloom Time: The rose blooms continuously from late spring to mid fall, providing a long season of color.
- Fragrance: The flowers have a mild, sweet fragrance.
- USDA Zone: It thrives in USDA zones 5 to 9. It can withstand winter temperatures as low as -28°C (-18°F) to 38°C (3°F).
- Lifespan: With proper care, the Sexy Rexy rose can live for 10 to 20 years or more.
- Hardiness: This rose is relatively hardy, able to withstand varying weather conditions.
Cultivation
- Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Sexy Rexy Rose thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic materials to improve drainage.
- Plant Sexy Rexy Rose in early spring or fall. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Place the rose in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
- Water Sexy Rexy Rose deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer.
- Prune Sexy Rexy Rose in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Cut back the remaining canes by about one-third to promote vigorous growth.
- Sexy Rexy Rose is generally disease-resistant, but keep an eye out for common rose diseases like black spot and powdery mildew. Use organic or chemical controls as needed.
- In cold climates, protect Sexy Rexy Rose by mounding soil around the base of the plant and covering it with a layer of mulch.
- Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.