The ‘Julie Andrews Rose’ is a celebrated hybrid tea rose, known for its striking beauty and elegant form. It is a favored choice among gardeners seeking both visual charm and a touch of sophistication in their landscapes, producing large, well-formed blooms on long stems. This variety embodies classic rose aesthetics.
Distinctive Features
The ‘Julie Andrews Rose’ displays vibrant pink-fuchsia blooms, often with a luminous golden-yellow center, creating a striking visual contrast. These large, double flowers typically measure between 3.5 to 5 inches in diameter and have a classic high-centered hybrid tea shape with approximately 26 to 40 petals. Lush, dark green foliage complements each bloom.
A strong, sweet, and complex fragrance, a unique blend of rose, anise, and tarragon notes, emanates from these blossoms. This captivating scent makes it a delightful addition to any garden or as a cut flower. The plant exhibits an upright, bushy growth habit, generally reaching a mature height of 2 to 4 feet and spreading 2 to 3 feet wide.
This rose is robust, demonstrating good resistance to common rose diseases and heat. It thrives in various climates. The ‘Julie Andrews Rose’ is a repeat bloomer, producing continuous flushes of flowers throughout the growing season, providing extended periods of color and fragrance in the garden. Its exceptional qualities were recognized with the “Most Beautiful Rose of the Century” award at the International New Rose Competition in Lyon, France.
Planting and Establishment
Successful establishment of the ‘Julie Andrews Rose’ begins with careful site selection, prioritizing a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Good air circulation around the plant helps reduce the risk of fungal issues.
Soil preparation is a foundational step, as these roses perform best in well-draining, rich, organic soil. Amend the planting area with compost or other soil conditioners to improve soil structure and nutrient content. Dig a hole 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep, or at least twice the root ball’s diameter.
For bare-root roses, it is advisable to soak the roots in water for 8 to 12 hours before planting, and trim any damaged canes. Create a small soil mound at the bottom of the hole, then position the rose, spreading its roots over the mound. The graft union, the swollen area where the rose was budded, should be placed at or just above ground level, or 1 to 2 inches below ground level in colder climates. Backfill the hole with amended soil, gently packing it down to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Initial watering is particularly important during the first growing season to encourage a robust root system. Newly planted roses require more frequent watering than established plants. Water deeply whenever the soil surface feels dry to the touch, ensuring the root ball receives adequate moisture.
Ongoing Care
Consistent watering is a primary aspect of ongoing care for the ‘Julie Andrews Rose’ once it is established. Deep watering is preferred, allowing water to penetrate thoroughly into the root zone, rather than frequent shallow watering. During dry periods, increase watering frequency. Always water in the morning to minimize evaporation and reduce foliage wetness that can lead to disease. Container-grown roses require more frequent watering than those in garden beds.
Fertilizing supports vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Begin fertilizing in early spring after the last frost and when new growth starts. Use a balanced rose-specific fertilizer, following product instructions for application rates and frequency. Apply light, repeat feedings throughout the active growing season to encourage continuous flowering. Cease fertilization in late summer to allow new growth to mature before winter. Always ensure the rose is well-watered before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn.
Pruning is an important practice for maintaining the health and form of the ‘Julie Andrews Rose’ and encouraging prolific blooming. Major pruning of hybrid tea roses occurs in early spring, about three to four weeks before the average last killing frost. This involves removing one-third to two-thirds of the plant to stimulate new growth and flower production. Throughout the growing season, regularly deadhead spent blooms by cutting them above an outward-facing bud at a 45-degree angle to promote new flowers and maintain the plant’s appearance. Remove any damaged, diseased, or crossing canes to improve air circulation and plant vitality.
While the ‘Julie Andrews Rose’ is known for its disease resistance, general preventative measures can help maintain its health. Good air circulation through proper spacing and pruning reduces humidity around foliage, deterring fungal diseases. Regular inspection for common rose pests, such as aphids or spider mites, allows for early intervention. In colder climates, providing winter protection is beneficial for roses in USDA Zones 5-9. Mounding additional soil or applying a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant insulates the graft union and protects roots from extreme cold.