How to Grow Empress Josephine
Empress Josephine
Rosa 'Empress Josephine'
shrubEmpress Josephine is a historic gallica rose prized for its large, fragrant, semi-double flowers with soft pink petals and prominent golden stamens. This heirloom variety was reportedly a favorite of the Empress herself and represents the romantic heritage of old garden roses. The shrub grows as a compact, disease-resistant plant that blooms profusely in early summer.
When should you plant Empress Josephine in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Empress Josephine timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Empress Josephine
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Empress Josephine
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Empress Josephine dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives best in zones 5-8, with hardiness down to zone 4b
Sign up free to see if Empress Josephine grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Empress Josephine timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-6 monthsYoung plant develops root system and basic cane structure with sparse foliage
Plant in spring or fall. Keep soil consistently moist. Avoid heavy pruning first year. Mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summer of year 1Plant develops multiple canes and dense, healthy foliage. No flowers yet or only occasional blooms.
Prune lightly in early spring to shape plant. Remove any dead or weak wood. Apply balanced rose fertilizer monthly during growing season.
Flowering
4-6 weeks, typically June-JulyPlant produces abundant large semi-double pink flowers with golden stamens, typically in a concentrated flush in early summer
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. This is once-blooming, so all flowers appear in a 4-6 week window. Provide consistent water during bloom.
Post-Bloom Foliage
July through fall dormancyPlant develops hips (seed pods) if left on plant. Foliage remains healthy and decorative through summer and fall
Leave hips for wildlife food and winter interest, or remove to redirect energy. Continue regular watering. Reduce fertilizer after midsummer.
Dormancy
November through MarchPlant loses leaves and enters winter rest period. Canes turn woody and brown.
Prune in late winter/early spring before growth begins. Remove dead wood and thin crowded canes. Apply dormant oil in late winter if disease pressure is high.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Improve air circulation with pruning. Apply sulfur powder or neem oil at first sign. Water at soil level only. This old garden rose is relatively resistant.
-
Remove infected leaves promptly. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide spray weekly if needed. Mulch to prevent spores from splashing up.
-
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
-
Pick off affected leaves or canes. Prune out heavily infested stems. Apply insecticidal soap if severe.
-
Hand-pick early morning or use pheromone traps away from roses. Apply neem oil or spinosad if populations are high.
Uses
Rose hip tea and infusions
CulinaryThe hips (seed pods) can be dried and steeped into a fragrant, vitamin C-rich herbal tea with floral notes. Traditionally used for immune support and as a soothing beverage. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalRose petals and hips have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to support digestive health, reduce inflammation, and promote skin health. The petals contain antioxidants. [source]
Fragrant cut flowers
HouseholdThe intensely perfumed blooms are prized for cutting and bringing indoors. A few stems will perfume an entire room with the classic old rose fragrance beloved in Victorian times. [source]
Dried flower arrangements and potpourri
CraftPetals dry beautifully and retain their fragrance for months, making them ideal for potpourri, dried arrangements, and craft projects. The flowers can also be pressed for botanical art. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeThe abundant golden stamens and open flower form attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Hips left on the plant provide winter food for birds and small mammals. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental shrub, not harvested for food. Cut flowers in early morning after dew dries, making cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a 5-leaflet leaf. The intensely fragrant blooms are excellent for cutting and arrangements. Harvest hips in late fall after frost if desired for dried arrangements or herbal tea.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Empress Josephine (1763-1814), wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, was an accomplished horticulturist who cultivated over 250 rose varieties at her Malmaison estate near Paris, many of which were depicted in famous botanical paintings.
- 🌱 This historic gallica rose is one of the oldest garden rose types still in cultivation, with gallica roses documented in European gardens since at least the 13th century, making them true living heirlooms.
- 🌱 Unlike modern hybrid tea roses, Empress Josephine blooms only once per season in a spectacular concentrated flush, a trait that makes it particularly valuable for gardeners seeking authentic historic garden effects and reduced maintenance needs.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Empress Josephine planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Empress Josephine seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Empress Josephine timeline →