The ‘True Endearment’ rose is a captivating floribunda cultivar, known for its abundant deep red blooms and appealing fragrance. Its compact size and ease of care make it a popular choice for various garden settings.
True Endearment Rose Characteristics
The ‘True Endearment’ rose (Rosa ‘True Endearment’) is a floribunda, producing clusters of flowers. Its deep red petals number 60 to 70 or more, creating a full, luxurious appearance approximately 3.5 inches across. The blooms often exhibit a quartered style, adding to their intricate beauty.
This rose features glossy, dark green foliage that provides a striking contrast to the vibrant red flowers. It emits a spicy, peppery fragrance, sometimes with tea rose notes. Reaching 2 to 3 feet in height and spread, ‘True Endearment’ has an upright, compact growth habit, suitable for various landscape uses. It also demonstrates heat tolerance and good resistance to common rose ailments, thriving on its own roots. This cultivar is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, and potentially up to Zone 11.
Planting True Endearment Rose
Selecting an appropriate site is the first step toward successful establishment. This rose requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. A location that receives morning sun is often preferred, as it allows foliage to dry quickly, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Good air circulation is also beneficial to prevent disease development.
The soil should be well-draining, moderately rich, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 6.5). To prepare the planting site, dig a hole at least 18 to 24 inches deep and equally wide. Amend the excavated soil with organic materials like compost, peat moss, or aged manure to improve drainage and nutrient content.
When planting, carefully remove the rose from its container, disturbing the root ball minimally. Place it in the center of the hole, ensuring the bud union (if grafted) is at or slightly below soil level, or plant own-root roses about an inch deeper than in their pot. Backfill with amended soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water slowly and deeply to settle the soil.
Ongoing Care for True Endearment Rose
Light Requirements
The ‘True Endearment’ rose needs a minimum of six hours of direct sun daily for optimal health and flowering. Full sun encourages robust growth and prolific blooming. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth, reduced flower production, and a weaker plant.
Soil and Fertilization
Maintaining healthy soil involves regular mulching and appropriate fertilization. Mulch around the base helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches, like shredded bark or compost, also contribute to soil health as they decompose.
For established roses, apply a balanced, rose-specific fertilizer according to product recommendations. Fertilize in early spring as new growth emerges (when shoots are about six inches long), and continue monthly throughout the growing season. Stop fertilizing in late summer or early fall to allow the plant to prepare for winter dormancy, as late feeding can encourage tender new growth susceptible to cold damage. Organic fertilizers, such as fish bone meal, alfalfa meal, and kelp meal, can enhance soil health while providing nutrients.
Watering Practices
Consistent watering is important for ‘True Endearment’ roses, especially during dry periods. Newly planted roses require more frequent watering, typically every two to three days until established. Established roses need about one inch of water per week (four to five gallons per plant), adjusting for rainfall and hot weather.
Water in the early morning, allowing foliage to dry before evening to reduce fungal disease risk. Water deeply and slowly at the base to ensure moisture penetrates the root zone, encouraging deeper roots and drought resilience. While roses need consistent moisture, they do not tolerate soggy conditions; good drainage prevents root issues.
Pruning Techniques
Pruning ‘True Endearment’ roses maintains shape, encourages new growth, and promotes continuous blooming. Deadheading, removing spent flowers, signals the plant to produce more blooms instead of seeds. For individual blooms, cut just below the spent flower or at the first leaf with five leaflets. For clusters, remove the entire flowering head when all blooms have faded.
Structural pruning, which involves removing damaged, weak, or crossing stems, is typically done in early spring to shape the plant and improve air circulation. Cuts should be made at a 45-degree angle, about a quarter-inch above an outward-facing bud eye to direct new growth away from the plant’s center. Avoid heavy pruning in the fall, as this can stimulate new growth that is vulnerable to winter cold.
Managing Pests and Diseases
The ‘True Endearment’ rose is noted for its disease resistance, but can still encounter common garden pests and diseases. Aphids, small pear-shaped insects, feed on new growth, causing distortion and secreting sticky honeydew. A strong water spray can dislodge them, and insecticidal soaps are effective for persistent infestations.
Fungal diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew can appear, especially in humid conditions or with poor air circulation. Good cultural practices, including proper watering to keep foliage dry and ensuring adequate spacing, help prevent these issues. If fungal problems arise, a baking soda spray (one tablespoon baking soda and one teaspoon cooking oil in one gallon of water) can be applied to affected areas. Removing and disposing of infected leaves also helps limit disease spread.
Winter Protection for True Endearment Rose
Providing winter protection ensures ‘True Endearment’ roses survive cold temperatures, particularly in colder zones (USDA Zones 5-9). The primary goal is to maintain a consistently cold temperature around the plant, preventing damaging freeze-thaw cycles. Wait until after several hard frosts and leaves have fallen, signaling dormancy.
A common method is to mound soil, compost, or mulch around the base of the rose bush, creating a mound 8 to 12 inches high. This covers and insulates the graft union, which is often the most sensitive part of the plant. For added protection, especially in colder climates, rose cones can be placed over the mounded base, or the plant can be covered with breathable materials like burlap or evergreen boughs once the ground is frozen. Remember to remove winter protection gradually in early spring when the danger of severe frost has passed to prevent premature sprouting.