Petal Pals
old garden · 1879
Alphonse Karr
Rosa x odorata 'Alphonse Karr'
4 ft to 6 ft
Height
Repeat
Blooming
Full sun
Light
5–9
Zone
Plant & Flower Traits
Rose type
old garden
Bloom size
Large
Bloom habit
Large, full, globular to cupped blooms produced in small clusters or solitary.
Petal count
Full (26-40+ petals)
Flowering
repeat blooming
Habit
upright
Color
pink
Fragrance
strong
Foliage
Medium to dark green
Foliage surface
Matte
Fragrance Notes
Strong old rose fragrance; rich and sweet.
Color Description
Bright rose-pink to light crimson, occasionally described as vinous red with darker shading.
🌱 Growth & Garden Habits
Light
Full sun
Height
4 ft to 6 ft
Spread
3 ft to 4 ft
Soil
Thrives in rich, loamy, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0) with excellent drainage.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5–9
Disease Resistance
Average for its class; benefits from preventative fungicidal treatments in humid climates.
🌿 Care Guide
Watering
Regular, deep watering to maintain moist, well-drained soil; avoid overhead irrigation to prevent disease.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and again after the first bloom cycle. Supplement with organic mulch or compost.
Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring by removing dead, diseased, or crossing wood. For Hybrid Perpetuals, cut back the previous year's growth by one-third to one-half to encourage vigor.
Pests & Diseases
Susceptible to common rose ailments such as blackspot, powdery mildew, and aphids; requires good air circulation.
🧬 Pedigree
Unknown
🏆 Awards & Recognition
None recorded