Shrub Rose

Rosa Cardinal de Richelieu

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: June and July
• Flower colour: deep burgundy-purple
• Other features: excellent as cut-flowers; virtually thorn-less
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Dense clusters of sumptuous, fragrant, fully double, deep burgundy-purple flowers in June and July and dark green leaves. This gorgeous, gallica rose is an excellent specimen plant for a mixed or shrub border in sun or partial shade. On virtually thorn-less stems, the rounded blooms make exquisite cut-flowers.
  
  
• Garden care: Before planting shorten thick roots to 25cm (10in) and reduce top-growth to an outward-facing bud 20-30cm (8-12in) 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.