Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Common name: JULIA CHILD 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 ensures plentiful blooms. Roses grown in containers can be planted at any time, while dormant bare-root roses 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) will help conserve moisture and keep the roots cool. Fertilized twice yearly, in spring and summer, for best performance. Deadheading spent blooms encourages new leaves and flowers. When established, prune to remove dead or diseased branches, and to maintain shape and increase branching.

Description: The JULIA CHILD hybrid is a rounded, floribunda-type rose that grows about 2½ feet tall and 2 feet wide. The buds are pointed and full, giving rise to warm golden, buttery yellow flowers (up to 3½ inch in diameter) with a full, old-fashioned form. They are very aromatic, with a licorice aroma. The glossy green leaves are disease resistant.