The ‘Queen Elizabeth’ rose is a popular Grandiflora known for its enduring beauty and consistent performance. Its elegant form and robust nature make it a beloved choice for both seasoned rosarians and new enthusiasts. This iconic rose offers a timeless addition to various landscape designs.
Meet the ‘Queen Elizabeth’ Rose
The ‘Queen Elizabeth’ rose (Rosa ‘Queen Elizabeth’) holds a special place in rose history as the first Grandiflora ever developed. American rose breeder Dr. Walter Lammerts introduced this cultivar in 1954, naming it to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s ascension to the British throne.
Grandiflora roses are a distinct class, resulting from a cross between Hybrid Tea roses and Floribunda roses, combining the long stems and large blooms of Hybrid Teas with the prolific, clustered flowering of Floribundas.
This tall, upright shrub typically reaches 4 to 10 feet high and 2 to 4 feet wide. Its striking clear to silver-pink flowers, 4 to 5 inches across with 26 to 40 petals, often have darker pink backs. These large, full blooms appear in clusters of 3 to 15 on long stems, offering a moderate, sweet tea fragrance. Dark green, glossy foliage provides a rich backdrop for continuous blooms from spring through fall. Known for its vigor and reliability, ‘Queen Elizabeth’ was inducted into the Rose Hall of Fame.
Successful Planting
Site selection is crucial for a thriving ‘Queen Elizabeth’ rose. They need full sun, at least six to eight hours daily, for optimal growth and flowering. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases, so space plants at least 3 feet apart.
Soil preparation is equally important. ‘Queen Elizabeth’ roses prefer rich, well-draining, loamy soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged, with a slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0). Before planting, incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to a depth of at least 8 inches to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
For bare-root roses, create a soil mound in the planting hole to spread roots, positioning the graft union just above or at the soil line, especially in colder climates. For containerized roses, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, ensuring the plant sits at the same nursery depth. After placing the rose, backfill with prepared soil, firming gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly immediately to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock. Apply organic mulch, like wood chips or bark, around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Ongoing Care for Your Rose
Consistent care ensures abundant blooms and robust health.
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, as these roses prefer consistently moist soil. When the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry, water deeply to reach roots up to 3 feet down. Water at the base, avoiding foliage, especially in the evening, to reduce fungal disease risk. Container-grown roses may need more frequent watering.
Fertilizing provides nutrients for vigorous growth and prolific flowering. In early spring, as new growth emerges, apply an all-purpose rose fertilizer. A second feeding can be given after the first flush of blooms. Avoid too much nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth over flowers.
Always water before and after fertilizing to aid absorption and prevent root burn. A third feeding in late summer is only recommended in warmer climates with long, mild autumns, as late-season new growth is vulnerable to frost.
Pruning maintains shape, health, and bloom production. Primary pruning occurs in late winter or early spring, before new buds form. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood, and crossing stems. Hard pruning, cutting back up to one-third, encourages new growth and abundant flowering.
Throughout the blooming season, deadhead spent flowers just above an outward-facing leaf or bud. This encourages more blooms by preventing seed production. Always use clean, sharp pruning shears to make precise cuts and reduce disease spread.
In colder climates (USDA zones 5-9), ‘Queen Elizabeth’ roses benefit from winter protection. For garden-planted roses, apply a thick mulch layer around the base to insulate roots. Container-grown roses are more vulnerable; move them to a sheltered location or insulate their containers.
Addressing Common Issues
Despite its robust nature, the ‘Queen Elizabeth’ rose can encounter common issues.
Aphids are frequent pests, appearing on new growth and buds, feeding on sap. A strong water stream can dislodge them, or insecticidal soaps can be used for significant infestations. Spider mites are also a problem, especially in hot, dry conditions.
‘Queen Elizabeth’ has moderate resistance to black spot and powdery mildew, but they can occur, especially in humid conditions or with poor air circulation. Black spot causes dark leaf spots, yellowing, and leaf drop. Powdery mildew appears as a white coating on foliage. Good air circulation through proper spacing and pruning helps prevent these fungal issues. Promptly remove and dispose of diseased leaves to limit spread.
If the rose is not blooming, several factors may be at play. Insufficient sunlight (less than six hours daily) can reduce flower production. Nutrient lack or imbalance, especially too much nitrogen, can lead to excessive foliage with few flowers. Pests feeding on buds can also prevent blooms.
Environmental stress, like extreme heat or cold, impacts blooming. Regular watering, appropriate fertilization, and proper pruning contribute to consistent flowering.