This is easily the most photographed plant in my garden. With a generous supply of the most luscious, peachy-pink blooms in a classic, cabbage rose form, it is easy to understand why.
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*A handy growing summary chart is at the end of the article.*
Be sure to read my posts on caring for your roses, covering everything from soil needs, pests, diseases, etc. Click here for Part 1, and Part 2.
“Ambridge Rose” is one of the many lovely hybrids bred by David Austin. It is an English rose that has the old-world rose shape and fragrance, along with the ability to repeat-bloom like modern hybrid-teas. In fact, “Ambridge Rose” has been an almost perpetual bloomer in my zone 9 garden, regardless of the season.
It’s growth is perfect for the front of the border given it’s shorter height at about 3 feet. It’s width is about the same. It works as both a specimen plant, as well as in a mixed flower bed. It’s shape is balanced all around, and flowers form all over. This means you don’t want to have it hidden behind anything other than shorter, border height plants.
This rose has been in my garden for a few years now and there have been no signs of disease. It is not near other roses, which can help reduce risk of infection. However I know I have had other roses develop black-spot, so the spores are definitely there and this rose has not been bothered by it. It has also taken very high summer temperatures (up to 110° F and higher) with no problems at all, and is growing in heavier clay soil.
The blooms of “Ambridge Rose” are longer lasting than many of the other English roses, and fade only a small amount as they age. Blooms are more abundant during warmer months but will decrease in quantity during times of extreme heat and in colder winter temperatures. Otherwise, you can expect to see flowers on it year round!
Plant Summary:
- Perennial: Plants will live for several years
- Deciduous: leaves may remain year round in mild winter areas, but still plan to prune
- Height: about 3-4 feet
- Width: 3-4 feet
- Sun: full sun, can tolerate light morning or afternoon shade
- Water: moderate, needs regular water during hot times
- Soil pH: neutral to slightly acidic
- Soil type: amend heavy clay or loose sandy soil
- Key nutrients: fertilize as you would for other flowers
- Planting time: best to start in late winter to early spring as bare-root plants
- Zones: 5-10
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