Petal Pals
shrub · 1999
Rhapsody in Blue
1.2m to 1.5m
Height
Repeat
Blooming
Full sun
Light
6–9
Zone
Plant & Flower Traits
Rose type
shrub
Bloom size
medium
Bloom habit
Clusters
Petal count
semi-double
Flowering
repeat blooming
Habit
upright
Color
purple
Fragrance
moderate
Foliage
mid-green
Foliage surface
semi-glossy
Fragrance Notes
Pleasant, spicy clove-like scent.
Color Description
Velvety purple-blue flowers that fade to a slate-grey or mauve as they age, often with a white eye and yellow stamens.
🌱 Growth & Garden Habits
Light
Full sun
Height
1.2m to 1.5m
Spread
1.0m to 1.2m
Soil
Fertile, loamy, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6–9
Disease Resistance
good
🌿 Care Guide
Watering
Regular watering to maintain moist soil, avoiding overhead watering to reduce disease.
Fertilizer
Balanced rose fertilizer applied in early spring and again after the first major flush of blooms.
Pruning
Prune in early spring by removing dead wood and weak stems; light pruning encourages more blooms.
Pests & Diseases
Generally resistant to black spot and mildew, but can be prone to typical rose aphids.
🧬 Pedigree
(International Herald Tribune x Summer Wine) x (Morning Jewel x Altissimo)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Gold Medal at the Glasgow Rose Trials, RHS Award of Garden Merit