Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Common name: MARY ROSE® shrub rose

Family: Rosaceae (Rose)

Distribution: Cultivated

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4 (-30 to -20 °F)

Life form: Shrub/sub-shrub

Occurrence in New Mexico: Cultivar

Growing Conditions: Soils should be enriched with plenty of organic matter before planting roses. Roses tolerate slightly alkaline to slightly acidic soil, but prefer pH 6-6.5. At least 5 hours of full sun each day will ensure plentiful blooms. Roses grown in containers can be planted at any time, while dormant bare-root plants are planted in winter or early spring. Roses are deep-rooted, and need to be watered deeply, weekly or more often in extremely hot weather, and occasionally when dormant. Blooming often ceases when temperatures go above 90 degrees, so planting where they are protected from intense afternoon sun is helpful in New Mexico. Mulching (4 inches deep) helps conserve moisture and keeps the roots cool. Fertilize twice yearly, in spring and summer, for best performance. Deadheading spent blooms encourages new leaves and flowers. Prune established plants in winter by removing all unproductive or diseased wood. Shrub roses do not require heavy pruning and can be allowed to grow large with minimal pruning. If needed, canes can be cut back approximately ⅓. This rose can be grown as a single specimen, grouped in perennial plantings, or grown as a hedge.

Description: This old rose hybrid grows 3-5 feet tall and wide (or as pruned), reaching full growth in 2-5 years. It is a hardy shrub that resembles a damask rose, with twiggy growth and dark, glossy green foliage. Throughout summer, it produces medium-sized, rose-pink, loose-petaled double flowers, each with about 60 petals. Their fragrance is of Old Rose character with a hint of honey and almond blossom.