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

The Country Parson English Shrub Rose

Rosa x hybrida 'The Country Parson'

The Story

Plant Bio

The genus Rosa comprises woody deciduous perennials known for their alternate pinnate leaves, sharp prickles, and insect-pollinated flowers featuring numerous stamens. These shrubs are widely cultivated across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, requiring well-drained, nutrient-rich soils and consistent moisture to support their extensive flowering cycles.

'The Country Parson' is a compact, rounded English shrub rose distinguished by its dense, spiny stems and grey-green foliage. The fully double, rosette-shaped blooms open in a rich sherbet-yellow before fading to a pale pastel tone at the outer margins.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces highly fragrant, double yellow rosette flowers in continuous flushes from summer to fall.

Forms a dense, thorny barrier suitable for informal hedging or security planting.

Provides pollen and nectar resources for generalist pollinators like bees and butterflies.

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

40"

Width

40"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Multi-decade

Native To

United Kingdom (cultivar)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily with fertile, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and mix organic compost into the backfill soil.
Position the plant so the graft union sits just at or slightly below the soil level in cold climates, then backfill and water thoroughly.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing this cultivar back into old, thick wood; instead, maintain its naturally compact three-foot frame by pruning only the outer canopy in late winter to preserve the dense, rounded habit.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear heavy-duty leather gauntlets when handling the stems due to the exceptionally high density of sharp thorns.
Deadhead spent blooms regularly throughout summer to stimulate continuous flower production.
Water deeply at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and minimize fungal infections.

Don't

Do not plant this cultivar adjacent to narrow walkways or seating areas where the dense thorns can easily snag clothing.
Avoid overhead watering in the evening, which leaves foliage wet and increases susceptibility to black spot.
Do not prune heavily during the active growing season, as this disrupts the repeat-blooming cycle.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Informal low hedgesMixed cottage garden bordersContainer specimens for patiosCut flower gardens

Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia Salvia nemorosa Nepeta faassenii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

The Country Parson English Shrub Rose questions

What zones can The Country Parson English Shrub Rose grow in?

The Country Parson English Shrub Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is The Country Parson English Shrub Rose deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse The Country Parson English Shrub Rose, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does The Country Parson English Shrub Rose bloom?

The Country Parson English 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 The Country Parson English Shrub Rose need full sun?

The Country Parson English Shrub Rose does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.