This Beginner-Friendly Rose Produces Large, Fragrant Blooms That Will Last Until Fall – No Wonder Garden Designers Love It

29 April marks National Peace Rose Day, celebrating the iconic 'Peace' rose which has become a symbol of hope and unity. In the garden, it's a beacon of light and joy to those who nurture it – and the good news is it's one of the most unproblematic cultivars to grow.

With large double blooms in creamy yellow and pink colors, this type of rose is a hybrid tea rose, originally cultivated in the 1930s and then becoming synonymous with the end of the Second World War. Today, it's a popular romantic flower, bringing a mild sweet scent, attracting pollinators, and putting on a blousy display with its 6" blooms that last from early summer into fall.

While rose care can seem complicated in many respects, 'Peace' rose (which is available to purchase as a bare root from Walmart) is disease-resistant, hardy (USDA zones 5-9), and robust. Here's why it's the best choice of rose for beginners and veteran gardeners alike, and what it really means to have one in your garden.

What the 'Peace' Rose Represents

'The 'Peace' rose is one of the most well-known and beloved hybrid tea roses, and it was named to commemorate the end of World War II,' explains Kelly Funk of Jackson & Perkins.

Originally cultivated in the 1930s by French rose breeder Francis Meilland (who had called it 'Madame A. Meilland'), the 'Peace' rose became a symbol of hope, unity, and peace at the end of the World War.

Its renaming was by the Conard-Pyle Company who had introduced it to the American market in 1945, coinciding with the Fall of Berlin. The rose was even given to each delegate at the inaugural United Nations conference in San Francisco.

Today, it's considered one of the luckiest plants to grow in your garden, representing light, hope, beauty, and, of course, peace.

But, the best way to make the most of it in your garden is by growing it correctly. Here are the key things to know:

Kelly Funk

Kelly is the president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins, a renowned online nursery with roots dating back to 1872 and a storied reputation for cultivating exceptional roses. A passionate gardener herself, Kelly brings hands-on knowledge and a deep appreciation for plants to her leadership.

How to Grow 'Peace' Rose

Just like growing other roses, make sure to steel clear of the general rose growing mistakes. This incudes a lack of pruning, not deadheading, and choosing the wrong spot for it.

• Growing habit: the 'Peace' rose is a bushy rose, with vigorous upright growth that typically reaches 4-6ft in height and 3-4ft in spread. It's the perfect centerpiece to borders for this reason. 'As the rose matures, the colors deepen and spread. Heavy, straight stems support these magnificent flowers, making them a great choice for cut flower gardens,' adds Kelly.
• Position: 'Blooming from late spring to late fall, these beauties thrive in full sun and good air circulation with moist, well-drained soil,' Kelly says. This undemanding rose variety can cope with a wide range of soil types, though it does thrive best in well-draining loamy soil that is nutrient-rich and slightly acidic. This soil test kit from Amazon can give you more insight into your soil. It's a sun-lover and will perform best when grown somewhere with 6-8 hours of direct sun exposure daily.
• Water: It's best not to let your 'Peace' rose dry out entirely, as this can result in wilting, leaf drop, premature death of buds, and heat stress if it's a particularly hot spell. 'They should be watered deeply and infrequently, about 1-2 inches per week, directly at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry,' says Kelly. Getting rose foliage wet can make it more susceptible to rose diseases like black spot and powdery mildew.
• Fertilizing: Just like other hybrid tea roses, 'Peace' rose is a heavy feeder and requires lots of essential plant nutrients to support its large blooms. A liquid rose fertilizer (like this from Amazon) can be applied once a month from spring to summer to support growth, or you can apply a slow-release granular rose fertilizer (like this from Burpee) in early spring to provide a constant supply of nutrients. It can also be a good idea to work some organic compost into the soil around the base of your rose in spring for a boost.
• Pruning: 'Give it a good prune once a year in early spring, typically between late February and mid-April, just as the buds begin to swell,' says Kelly. 'This will encourage new growth,' she explains. When it comes to pruning roses in spring, focus on removing dead and damaged branches, as well as overcrowding ones. You should wear thorn-proof gardening gloves (like these from Amazon) when doing this to protect your skin. 'Light maintenance, like deadheading, should be done throughout the summer to encourage more flowers,' Kelly adds. Whenever tending to your 'Peace' rose, using sharp and clean pruning tools to make clean cuts (these Fiskars bypass pruning shears from Amazon are a reliable choice).

Rose Care Essentials

FAQs

Can You Grow 'Peace' Rose in Pots?

Yes, it is possible to grow this rose in a pot. It's wise to choose a large container for a 'Peace' rose (this 18" terracotta pot from Amazon is a good choice). You should ensure the container has drainage holes, is filled with well-draining soil, and is positioned somewhere in direct sun for more prolific blooms.

If you only have a patio or balcony growing space but are keen to have roses in your garden, read our guide to the best roses for small spaces. It's even be possible to grow a mini rose plant outdoors when done correctly.

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