Rosa x hybrida 'Matthias Claudius Rose'
shrub

Matthias Claudius Rose

Rosa x hybrida 'Matthias Claudius Rose'

The Story

Plant Bio

The genus Rosa comprises deciduous and evergreen woody perennials native primarily to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, characterized by alternate pinnate leaves and stems armed with sharp prickles. These plants are widely cultivated for their fragrant, multi-petaled flowers and structural diversity, ranging from low groundcovers to climbing vines and upright shrubs.

'Matthias Claudius Rose' is a modern German shrub rose distinguished by its upright, bushy, and arching habit and its high resistance to common fungal diseases. The large, fully double, cup-shaped flowers open in creamy-apricot tones before fading to a soft pearl-pink margin, releasing a light apple-like fragrance.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProduces large, fragrant, double flowers in a soft cream-to-pink gradient from summer through fall.
Practical UsesFeatures high resistance to black spot and powdery mildew, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
Ecological BenefitsProvides pollen for generalist bees and other beneficial insect pollinators.
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

59"

Width

43"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Good

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Germany (cultivar)

Toxicity

Non-toxic (thorns can cause physical injury)

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily and features well-drained, humus-rich soil.
  2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough to position the graft union just at or slightly below the soil surface.
  3. Backfill the hole with a mixture of native soil and organic compost, tamping down gently to eliminate air pockets.
  4. Water deeply immediately after planting and apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture, keeping the mulch away from the main stems.

Pro Tip

Never plant this rose in a site where other roses have previously grown without completely replacing the soil, as soil-borne pathogens and nutrient depletion will severely stunt the new root system.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal infections.
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly down to the next fully developed leaf to encourage continuous flowering.
  • Apply a balanced rose fertilizer regularly throughout the spring and summer growing seasons.

Don't

  • Do not water the foliage overhead, as prolonged leaf wetness invites black spot and powdery mildew.
  • Do not attempt to propagate this variety, as it is a patented cultivar with restricted propagation rights.
  • Do not prune heavily in late fall, which can expose tender new growth to winter damage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mixed bordersCottage gardensSpecimen plantingInformal flowering hedges

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Matthias Claudius Rose questions

What zones can Matthias Claudius Rose grow in?

Matthias Claudius 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 Matthias Claudius Rose deer resistant?

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

When does Matthias Claudius Rose bloom?

Matthias Claudius Rose typically blooms in summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Matthias Claudius Rose need full sun?

Matthias Claudius Rose does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Matthias Claudius 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.