Queen Elizabeth Grandiflora Rose

Like its namesake, the Queen Elizabeth rose has demonstrated great popularity, a pleasing habit that needs little attention to grow and bloom faithfully for many seasons. This 1955 All-America Selections Winner is one of the very few roses to grow more popular and respected over time.Recognized as a grandiflora in the US (the British do not use this category, calling it a floribunda instead), Queen Elizabeth is cold-hardy, with a tall, strong habit. The foliage tells the story: it is quite large, leathery, dark green, and glossy—keeping the growth strong and lush all season. Queen Elizabeth can reach 6 feet high but just 3 feet wide, creating almost a columnar look that works well in tight spaces or as an elegant hedge.But the real glory is, of course, the flowers. Soft pink, they open from pointed buds to high-centered, nearly cupped form. Boasting 40 petals each, they are perfectly symmetrical and of Exhibition quality. The fragrance is light, tea rose. Such a pure pleasure.The flowers arise in flushes all season, with the first and heaviest coming as spring turns to summer. Queen Elizabeth comes by its fine looks and superior performance honestly: it is bred from R. Charlotte Armstrong x Floradora. Plant this rose in full sun and well-drained soil, pruning it in late winter or early spring for more branches and blooms.