Sunsprite Rose, also known as KORresia or Friesia, is a rose cultivar that was developed by Reimer Kordes and introduced in 1973. It is a cross between the cultivars ‘Friedrich Wörlein’ and ‘Spanish Sun’, and it is one of the most successful floribunda roses in the market.
The Sunsprite Rose plant is a shrub that can grow up to 5 feet in height. The blooms high-centered, with a double-petaled form that resembles classic hybrid tea roses. The petals are thick and velvety to touch, and they have a somewhat ruffled appearance.
The color of the blooms is a bright or sunny yellow and can vary from pale lemon hue to a deeper golden shade, depending on the maturity of the flower and the amount of sunlight it receives. Overall, the blooms have a strong, fruity fragrance featuring notes of citrus and honey.
Sunsprite Rose is best grown in full sun to partial shade. It is rated for zones 6-10 by the USDA. This means that it can tolerate minimum temperatures as low as -10°F (-23°C) in zone 6 and as high as 40°F (4°C) in zone 10.
Sunsprite rose has received several prestigious awards including the Baden Baden Gold Medal in 1972 and the ADR-Rose award in 1973 for excellence in beauty and disease resistance. It also received the James Alexander Gamble Fragrance Award in 1979.
Facts About Sunsprite Rose
| Scientific Name | Rosa ‘Sunsprite’ |
| Cultivar Group | Floribunda |
| Origin | Germany |
| Year of Breeding | 1972 |
| Year of Introduction | 1973 |
| Breeder | Reimer Kordes |
| Size | 3 to 5 feet in height |
| Foliage | Light-green, glossy leaves |
| USDA Zones | 6-10 |
| Marketing Names | ‘KORresia’, ‘Friesia’ |
| Awards | Baden Baden Gold Medal 1972, ADR-Rose 1973 (detracted), James Alexander Gamble Fragrance Award 1979 and James Mason Memorial Medal 1989. |
How To Grow and Care for Sunsprite Rose
Planting:
- Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sunlight. Roses generally require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Plant the rose in a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
- Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent diseases.
Soil:
- Provide well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
- Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (around 6.0-7.0).
Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season.
- Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilizing:
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced rose fertilizer.
- Follow package instructions for application rates and frequency.
- Consider supplementing with additional fertilizer during the growing season if needed.
Pruning:
- Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Remove dead or diseased wood and shape the plant to maintain a compact, bushy form.
- Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Disease Control:
- Sunsprite Roses are known for their disease resistance, but it’s essential to monitor for common rose diseases.
- Provide adequate spacing for good air circulation.
- If necessary, apply fungicides preventively, especially in humid conditions.
Pests:
- Monitor for pests like aphids, thrips, or spider mites.
- Treat pest issues promptly using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Support:
- Floribunda roses like Sunsprite may not require extensive support, but it’s a good idea to provide stakes if needed, especially during heavy blooming periods.
Winter Care:
- Mulch around the base of the rose to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
- Consider additional winter protection in colder climates.
Regular Inspection:
- Regularly inspect the Sunsprite Rose for signs of stress, disease, or pests.
- Early detection allows for timely intervention and better plant health.