Roald Dahl Rose

An exceptionally robust rose, the Roald Dahl was so named to mark the centenary of the writer’s birth. It features lovely orange buds that open into medium-sized, cupped, apricot rosettes. Good disease resistance means the deep green foliage sets a dependable backdrop for the repeat blooming throughout the summer.  The blooms have a petal count of 55 and a medium fruity tea scent. 

The Roald Dahl Rose is nearly thorn-free, making it easy to handle and an excellent candidate for cut flowers. Cultivate the Roald Dahl as a specimen plant ringed by annuals or long-blooming perennials to create a stunning summer display. Another option: use several roses to create a low hedge or border. The Roald Dahl even performs well in a sufficiently large container!

Roald Dahl Rose Care

The Roald Dahl Rose prefers a site with full sunlight but can handle a slightly shady location. Roses can grow well in a variety of soil types as long as the site offers good drainage and plenty of organic matter. Work compost into a site prior to planting if the soil has a high clay or sand content. A soil pH around 6.5 keeps nutrients available to the shrub. Feed the Roald Dahl annually with a slow-release, organic fertilizer labeled for roses. 

Snip off spent flowers during the growing season to keep the plant tidy. In late winter, remove the oldest, least productive canes and any canes that look weak or spindly. The general rule of thumb is to remove no more than about one-third of the overall growth. 

Roald Dahl Rose Spacing

The Roald Dahl Rose grows 4 to 5 feet tall with a similar spread, so space this shrub 3 to 4 feet apart as a hedge or give it a bit more space as a standalone specimen. If growing this rose in a container, opt for one that holds 8 to 15 gallons with a 15- to 20-inch diameter. 

Roald Dahl Rose Information