Petal Pals
old garden · 1875
American Beauty
Rosa 'American Beauty'
3 to 6.6 feet
Height
Repeat
Blooming
Full sun
Light
5–9
Zone
Plant & Flower Traits
Rose type
old garden
Bloom size
4.3 inches (11 cm)
Bloom habit
Large, cupped, globular flowers borne mostly solitary on long, stiff stems.
Petal count
Up to 50
Flowering
repeat blooming
Habit
upright
Color
pink
Fragrance
very strong
Foliage
Dark green
Foliage surface
Leathery with prickly shoots.
Fragrance Notes
Intense old rose fragrance with hints of damask, centifolia, and sweet fruity notes.
Color Description
Deep pink to crimson flowers, sometimes described as shaded with smoky carmine; high-centered buds opening to cupped, globular blooms.
🌱 Growth & Garden Habits
Light
Full sun
Height
3 to 6.6 feet
Spread
3 to 4 feet
Soil
Thrives in fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5–9
Disease Resistance
Susceptible to common fungal diseases; requires regular preventative treatment.
🌿 Care Guide
Watering
Regular watering is essential to maintain moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and after the first flush of blooms. Benefits from soil enrichment with organic compost or manure.
Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased wood and encourage new growth. Can be pruned to 1/3 of its height to maintain a shrub form.
Pests & Diseases
Susceptible to black spot, powdery mildew, and rust, especially in humid conditions.
🧬 Pedigree
Unknown (Rosa hybrid)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Official flower of the District of Columbia; highly regarded historically but predates many modern ARS award systems.