Shrub Rose

Rosa William Lobb

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil, including clay
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: June and July
• Flower colour: deep crimson
• Other Features: excellent cut-flowers
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Fragrant, fully double, deep crimson flowers on arching stems in June and July, fading to dusty violet, and mid-green leaves. This vigorous, old shrub rose is perfect for the back of a shrub border in sun or partial shade. One of the best Moss roses, the buds and flower-stalks are covered with a distinctive, moss-like growth.
  
  
• Garden care: Before planting shorten thick roots to 25cm (10in) and reduce top-growth to an outward-facing bud 8-15cm (3-6in) above ground-level. Plant during a frost-free spell, incorporating well-rotted organic matter and a balanced fertiliser into the planting hole. Ensure that the 'bud union' (the bulge at the base of the shoots) is 2.5cm (1in) below the soil.