The ‘Fame’ rose is a hybrid tea rose, celebrated for its vibrant blooms and striking garden presence. This popular selection is a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners, offering a rewarding experience due to its consistent performance and visual impact.
Understanding Fame Rose Characteristics
The ‘Fame’ rose, a Grandiflora, produces large, double hot pink flowers, 4 to 5 inches in diameter. These showy blooms exhibit a high-centered form, with petals that slowly spiral open from 1½-inch pink buds. While its fragrance is mild to nearly imperceptible, the blossoms’ size and brilliant color make them stand out.
This rose grows upright and spreading, reaching about 4.5 to 5 feet high and 4 feet wide. Its glossy, dark green foliage provides an excellent backdrop, enhancing the blooms’ vividness. ‘Fame’ roses are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6 through 10, thriving in sufficient sunlight and well-drained soil.
Successful Fame Rose Cultivation
Optimal growth for the ‘Fame’ rose requires a planting site with full sun exposure, ideally at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. This encourages abundant blooming and robust plant health. Proper soil preparation is crucial; these roses thrive in rich, well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. Incorporating organic matter like compost enhances soil structure and nutrient availability.
When planting, position the bud union (where the rose was grafted) 1-2 inches below the soil line in colder climates, or at the soil line in warmer regions. After planting, deep, consistent watering is necessary, especially during dry periods, to establish a strong root system. Watering at the base helps minimize fungal diseases.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and prolific flowering. Apply a balanced rose fertilizer according to product instructions, starting in early spring and continuing through the growing season. Stop fertilizing about two months before the first expected frost to prevent new growth that could be damaged by cold.
Pruning and Ongoing Care
Pruning the ‘Fame’ rose is an annual task, best performed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The primary goals are to remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood and improve air circulation. Remove canes that cross or rub to prevent injury and disease entry.
After removing compromised branches, shape the plant by cutting back remaining canes by about one-third. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing bud. This encourages outward growth, maintaining an open structure. Throughout the blooming season, deadhead spent flowers by cutting the stem just above the first set of five-leaflet leaves below the faded bloom. This diverts energy to new flowers, promoting continuous re-blooming. Applying mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Addressing Common Issues
Despite good disease resistance, the ‘Fame’ rose can encounter common challenges. Aphids, small pear-shaped insects, target new shoots and buds, causing distorted growth. A strong water spray can dislodge them, or insecticidal soap can be applied for severe infestations. Spider mites may appear in hot, dry conditions, causing a stippled appearance on leaves; increasing humidity and rinsing foliage can help manage them.
Fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew are also prevalent. Black spot appears as dark, circular spots on leaves, leading to yellowing and defoliation. Powdery mildew presents as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. Good air circulation, proper watering (avoiding overhead watering), and prompt removal of affected foliage can help prevent these issues. In persistent cases, fungicidal sprays may be necessary.