Rosa x hybrida 'Desirée'
shrub

Desiree Rose

Rosa x hybrida 'Desirée'

The Story

Plant Bio

The genus *Rosa* comprises deciduous woody perennials celebrated for their multi-petaled blossoms, thorny stems, and complex fragrances. These shrubs thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils with ample air circulation and direct sunlight to minimize foliar diseases.

'Desirée' is a hybrid tea rose distinguished by its large, high-centered double pink blossoms that emit a rich, classic fragrance. This upright, repeat-blooming shrub exhibits strong disease resistance compared to older cultivars, maintaining clean foliage throughout the summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProduces elegant, highly fragrant pink double blossoms that are excellent for floral arrangements.
Practical UsesProvides a dense, thorny barrier when planted as an informal low hedge.
Ecological BenefitsAttracts bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden with its accessible pollen.
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

48"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Asia (genus)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Fall

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In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
  2. Amend the planting hole with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and nutrients.
  3. Position the plant so the graft union is level with the soil surface in mild climates, or one to two inches below in cold climates.
  4. Water thoroughly at the base of the plant and apply a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Prune canes back by one-third to one-half in late winter, cutting at a 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing bud to encourage an open, vase-like habit that maximizes airflow.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry.
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer formulated for roses in early spring.
  • Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage repeat blooming.

Don't

  • Do not water overhead, as wet foliage promotes fungal diseases.
  • Do not prune heavily in late autumn, which can stimulate tender new growth susceptible to winter damage.
  • Do not allow mulch to touch the main stems or graft union.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mixed BordersCottage GardensCutting GardensSpecimen Planting

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Desiree Rose questions

What zones can Desiree Rose grow in?

Desiree 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 Desiree Rose deer resistant?

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

When does Desiree Rose bloom?

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

Does Desiree Rose need full sun?

Desiree Rose does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Keep exploring

Grow Desiree 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.