Petal Pals
old garden · 1863
White Rose of York
Rosa × alba L.
6 to 8 feet
Height
Once
Blooming
Shade OK
Light
4–9
Zone
Plant & Flower Traits
Rose type
old garden
Bloom size
3 inches
Bloom habit
Clusters of 3 to 7 blooms
Petal count
30 to 50 petals
Flowering
once blooming
Habit
arching
Color
blush
Fragrance
strong
Foliage
Grey-green to bluish-grey
Foliage surface
Matte and textured
Fragrance Notes
Sweet, rich, and complex 'Old Rose' scent with subtle hints of honey, citrus, and green foliage.
Color Description
Luminous pure white blooms, occasionally showing a very faint blush of pink in the center when first opening.
🌱 Growth & Garden Habits
Light
Shade tolerant
Height
6 to 8 feet
Spread
5 to 6 feet
Soil
Adaptable to many soil types including clay and sandy soils, but prefers moist, well-drained, and fertile loams.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4–9
Disease Resistance
High resistance to most common fungal diseases.
🌿 Care Guide
Watering
Regular watering to maintain moist, well-drained soil; more frequent during dry periods.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and again after the flowering period.
Pruning
Prune in late winter to remove dead or diseased wood; perform major pruning after the early summer bloom since it flowers on old wood.
Pests & Diseases
Excellent resistance to blackspot, rust, and powdery mildew; may occasionally attract aphids or sawflies.
🧬 Pedigree
Rosa gallica x Rosa canina (or related species)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Specific clones like 'Alba Maxima' and 'Alba Semiplena' hold the RHS Award of Garden Merit.