shrub

Mme Caroline Testout Rose

Rosa gallica 'Mme Caroline Testout'

The Story

Plant Bio

An early, vigorous Hybrid Tea rose known for its large, globular, fragrant, silvery-pink flowers on an upright, somewhat open bush. Note: This is a Hybrid Tea rose, not a Rosa gallica.

Valued for its large, cupped, fragrant blooms of satiny pink with a deeper center. It is a very vigorous grower but can be susceptible to black spot and mildew.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThe Rosa gallica Mme Caroline Testout provides fragrant, blush-pink blooms that enhance garden aesthetics and scent.
Practical UsesIts hardy nature makes it suitable for low-maintenance hedges and borders.
Ecological BenefitsAttracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
SpeciesRosa gallicaGallica Rose French Rose

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

54 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

20+ years

Native To

Garden Origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a sunny location with well-draining soil.
  2. Tuck roots into soil, ensuring the graft union is above ground.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist.
  4. Mulch around base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Prune in late winter to encourage healthy growth.
  6. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced rose fertilizer.

Pro Tip

Use organic compost to enrich soil and promote vibrant blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply at the base during dry spells 🌱
  • Prune dead or diseased canes annually
  • Apply mulch to retain soil moisture

Don't

  • Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases ❌
  • Don’t prune in late summer to avoid stimulating new growth
  • Never ignore signs of pests or disease

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Spray
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fragrant hedge with silvery foliageRomantic border with blush bloomsClimbing accent for trellises

Companion Plants

Lavender SalviaCatmint Alliums Geraniums

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mme Caroline Testout Rose questions

What zones can Mme Caroline Testout Rose grow in?

Mme Caroline Testout 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 Mme Caroline Testout Rose deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Mme Caroline Testout Rose, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Mme Caroline Testout Rose bloom?

Mme Caroline Testout Rose typically blooms in late spring to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mme Caroline Testout Rose need full sun?

Mme Caroline Testout Rose does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Mme Caroline Testout Rose with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.