The ‘Penelope’ rose, a Hybrid Musk cultivar introduced in 1924, is a popular shrub known for its continuous beauty and reliable performance. It enhances garden landscapes with its classic form.
Characteristics of the ‘Penelope’ Rose
The ‘Penelope’ rose produces clusters of semi-double flowers, 3 to 5 inches across, with a creamy-pink hue that fades to white, often revealing golden-yellow stamens. It has a strong, heady musk fragrance, most evident during peak flowering.
This rose exhibits a bushy, upright, and spreading growth habit, reaching 3 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. Its glossy, dark green leaves provide a striking backdrop for the blooms. ‘Penelope’ flowers continuously from late spring through autumn, and the spent blossoms are often followed by attractive coral-pink hips, offering visual interest into the fall and winter.
Planting Your ‘Penelope’ Rose
For successful establishment, plant ‘Penelope’ roses in full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it tolerates light shade, good air circulation is beneficial. The plant adapts to various soil types but performs best in fertile, humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil.
Before planting, ensure the site has excellent drainage; test by filling the hole with water and observing if it drains within an hour. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough for the roots. Incorporate composted organic matter into the excavated soil. Place the rose in the center, ensuring the bud union (if grafted) is at or slightly above soil level. Backfill with amended soil, then water thoroughly to settle the soil and continue regular watering during the first week.
Essential Care for ‘Penelope’ Roses
Water ‘Penelope’ roses consistently, especially during dry periods, as drought reduces flower production. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged, to prevent root rot. For outdoor plants, water when the soil surface feels slightly dry; during hot seasons, water twice daily, morning and evening, avoiding overhead watering. Container-grown roses may require more frequent watering, ensuring drainage from the pot’s bottom.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Begin fertilizing established plants in early spring as new growth emerges, and again in early summer after the first flush of flowers. Scatter a balanced rose fertilizer around the plant’s drip line. For newly planted roses, wait at least six weeks before applying fertilizer to allow roots to establish.
Apply a 1 to 2-inch layer of organic mulch, such as compost or well-rotted manure, around the rose’s base, extending to its canopy width. Mulch retains soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and provides nutrients as it breaks down. Keep mulch a few inches away from stems to prevent rot and allow air circulation. Mulch in late winter or early spring, following the first feeding.
Managing Pests, Diseases, and Pruning
‘Penelope’ roses generally show good disease resistance but can encounter common issues. Aphids are frequently observed on new growth and buds, where they feed on plant sap and can cause distortion. Spider mites may cause small yellow spots on leaves, and black spot disease can lead to dark spots on foliage. Powdery mildew is another fungal concern, appearing as a white, powdery growth on leaves.
Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering help prevent fungal problems. For pest infestations, organic insecticidal sprays or a mild soap and water solution are effective. Removing affected leaves helps manage disease spread.
Pruning maintains plant health, shape, and encourages continuous flowering. ‘Penelope’ does not respond well to heavy pruning, so a lighter touch is preferred. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood first, cutting back to healthy tissue. Thin tangled or crossing stems to improve air circulation.
During blooming, regular deadheading of spent flowers promotes continuous reblooming by redirecting the plant’s energy from seed production to new flower development. For shaping, cut back vigorous new shoots by about one-third, and shorten strong side shoots to two or three buds. If the shrub’s center becomes too dense, remove one or two older stems at their base to open up the plant.