Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

260 other cultivars

shrub

Soul shrub rose

Rosa x hybrida 'Soul'

The Story

Plant Bio

The genus Rosa consists of woody perennial shrubs and climbers native to the Northern Hemisphere, widely recognized for their thorny stems and fragrant, multi-petaled flowers. These plants typically thrive in fertile, well-drained soils and require significant daily sunlight to fuel their repeat-blooming cycles.

Cultivar 'Soul' is a vigorous, upright German selection distinguished by its highly double, rosette-shaped flowers of deep crimson-purple to dark ruby-violet. The glossy, deep green foliage exhibits exceptional natural resistance to common fungal diseases, supporting continuous flowering from early summer through fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces deeply fragrant, double crimson-purple rosette flowers that repeat continuously through the growing season.

Highly resistant to common fungal diseases, reducing the need for intensive chemical spray regimens.

Provides pollen and nectar for native bees and honeybees, while unpruned autumn hips offer food for birds.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

51"

Width

47"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Multi-year

Native To

Germany (cultivar origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct daily sunlight and features fertile, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, incorporating organic matter to improve soil structure and moisture retention.
Position the plant so the graft union sits slightly below the soil level in cold climates, backfill, and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing the shrub like a hedge; instead, selectively remove old, crossing interior canes to maximize air circulation and arch strong shoots horizontally to stimulate lateral flowering spurs.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually in late winter to remove dead, damaged, or congested wood.
Feed in spring with a balanced, slow-release rose fertilizer.
Water deeply at the base of the plant to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or suffer from stagnant moisture.
Do not overhead water late in the day, as wet foliage increases fungal risks.
Do not attempt to propagate this cultivar, as it is strictly protected under patent and trademark laws.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mixed shrub bordersCottage gardensSpecimen plantingsLow informal flowering hedgesCut flower gardens

Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia Salvia nemorosa Nepeta faassenii Geranium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Soul shrub rose questions

What zones can Soul shrub rose grow in?

Soul shrub rose is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Soul shrub rose deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Soul shrub rose, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Soul shrub rose bloom?

Soul shrub rose typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Soul shrub rose need full sun?

Soul shrub rose does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Soul shrub rose drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Soul shrub rose handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.