How to Grow Cabaret
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Cabaret
Rosa 'Cabaret'
shrubCabaret is a modern floribunda rose known for its large, dramatic deep red flowers with a velvety texture. This disease-resistant shrub rose produces abundant blooms throughout the growing season and grows as a compact, bushy plant. It's popular in landscape plantings for its striking color and reliable performance.
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Example Cabaret timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cabaret
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Cabaret
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cabaret dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Get my Cabaret timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-4 weeksNewly planted rose develops root system and produces initial foliage growth
Water deeply and regularly. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping it away from the cane. Avoid fertilizing heavily first month. Remove any flower buds to encourage root development.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops bushy structure with healthy green foliage and multiple strong canes
Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks. Prune to encourage branching and shape. Remove any diseased or dead wood. Maintain consistent watering schedule.
Pre-Flowering/Budbreak
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin to form at branch tips; plant shows vigorous growth with abundant foliage
Switch to higher phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5) to promote blooming. Continue regular watering. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Flowering
4-6 weeks (repeating throughout season)Large, deep red velvety flowers open in clusters; continuous blooming throughout season
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Maintain consistent watering and feeding schedule. Watch for blackspot and powdery mildew in humid conditions.
Late Season/Dormancy Preparation
6-8 weeksFlowering slows as temperatures cool; foliage may take on autumn tones; plant prepares for winter rest
Reduce fertilizing by late summer to harden canes for winter. Stop deadheading in fall to allow hips to form (signals dormancy). Perform winter pruning in late winter/early spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations
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Remove and destroy infected plants; no cure available; prevents spread by eliminating wild roses nearby
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Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; spray with fungicide (sulfur or horticultural oil); water at soil level only
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Improve air circulation; spray with fungicide or sulfur dust; remove heavily infected leaves
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe; neem oil effective in early stages
Uses
Ornamental flower arrangement
CulinaryCabaret's large, dramatic deep red flowers are prized by florists and gardeners for cutting arrangements, wedding bouquets, and special events. The blooms hold their color well in water for 1-2 weeks. [source]
Garden focal point and landscape color
HouseholdIts reliable, prolific blooming and disease resistance make it an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, and garden beds where continuous color is desired throughout the growing season. [source]
Dried flower arrangements
CraftCabaret flowers can be dried for use in pressed flower crafts, potpourri, and long-lasting arrangements by hanging bundles upside-down in a cool, dry location. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeWhile hybrid roses have fewer nectar sources than heirloom varieties, Cabaret's abundant flowers still provide supplemental food for bees and butterflies during the growing season. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalRose petals and hips from roses have been used in traditional medicine for centuries; rose hip tea is rich in vitamin C and used to support immune health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning after dew dries but before heat of day for longest vase life. Cut stems at 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing leaflet (5-leaflet set). Remove lower leaves from cut stems before placing in water. Change water every 2-3 days and re-cut stems. Deadhead spent blooms at the first 5-leaflet set to encourage continuous blooming throughout season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cabaret is an award-winning rose that has received recognition from major rose societies for its disease resistance and ornamental qualities.
- 🌱 The deep red color becomes more intense and velvety in cooler weather, making Cabaret particularly stunning in spring and fall.
- 🌱 Unlike many hybrid tea roses, Cabaret is a floribunda type, meaning it produces flowers in clusters rather than individual blooms, creating a more abundant display throughout the season.
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