How to Grow Madame Pericat
Madame Pericat
Rosa 'Madame Pericat'
shrubMadame Pericat is a charming polyantha rose with small, double pink flowers that bloom profusely in clusters throughout the growing season. This dwarf shrub rose is known for its compact habit, disease resistance, and continuous flowering, making it an excellent choice for borders, containers, and small gardens.
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Example Madame Pericat timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Madame Pericat
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 Madame Pericat
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Madame Pericat dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 5b-9b, prefers temperate to warm climates
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Establishment
4-6 weeksNewly planted rose focuses on root development with minimal top growth. Foliage may appear sparse initially.
Water regularly without overwatering. Avoid fertilizing for first 4-6 weeks. Provide shelter from strong winds. Remove any diseased canes.
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksVigorous shoot and leaf development occurs. Plant establishes bushy, compact form typical of the cultivar, 2-3 feet tall.
Begin light fertilizing every 2-3 weeks with balanced rose fertilizer. Pinch out growing tips on young canes to encourage branching. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Flowering
12+ weeks (summer through fall)Small, double pink flowers appear in tight clusters at branch tips. Continuous blooming occurs from early summer through fall.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms. Maintain consistent watering. Continue fertilizing every 3 weeks during blooming season. Watch for powdery mildew and spider mites.
Peak Bloom
4-8 weeks (mid to late summer)Maximum flower production with abundant clusters of pink double blooms covering the shrub.
Increase deadheading frequency. Maintain even soil moisture. Inspect regularly for pests. Cut flowers for arrangements in early morning when fully hydrated.
Dormancy & Pruning
4-8 weeks (late fall through winter)Flowering slows as temperatures cool in fall. Plant prepares for winter rest with reduced growth.
Stop fertilizing 6-8 weeks before first frost. Reduce watering gradually. In late winter (zones 5-7), prune back to 12-18 inches, removing dead or diseased wood. In zone 8-9, prune lightly to maintain shape.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days if severe. Maintain humidity and avoid overhead watering.
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide at first sign. Spray at dusk in cool weather.
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Spray with strong water stream; release ladybugs for biological control. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation persists.
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Hand-pick early in morning or use Japanese beetle traps away from plants. Apply neem oil or spinosad if needed.
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Remove infected leaves promptly. Apply fungicide every 7-14 days. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage.
Uses
Rose Water & Floral Tea
CulinaryPesticide-free rose petals can be infused into hot water to create delicate herbal tea, or processed into fragrant rose water for culinary applications including desserts, beverages, and Middle Eastern/Persian cuisine. [source]
Fresh & Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftMadame Pericat's prolific small double blooms are excellent for fresh cut bouquets, arrangements, and dried flower crafts. The compact clusters are ideal for wreath-making, corsages, and floral design projects. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedies
MedicinalRose petals contain polyphenols and antioxidants historically used in herbal medicine for digestive support, skin care, and mild anti-inflammatory applications in traditional systems of medicine. [source]
Natural Fragrance & Potpourri
HouseholdFresh and dried petals create naturally fragrant potpourri, sachets, and can be placed in closets or drawers to scent linens and clothing naturally without synthetic chemicals. [source]
Pollinator Garden Support
WildlifeRose flowers attract beneficial insects including bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. The nectar and pollen support pollinator populations while providing landscape beauty. [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 when stems are fully hydrated and flowers are at desired stage of openness. Use sharp clean pruners and cut stems at 45-degree angle above a 5-leaflet leaf pointing outward. Remove lower leaves that would sit below the water line in arrangements. Deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Madame Pericat is a polyantha rose, part of a class developed in the late 1800s by crossing Rosa multiflora with China roses, resulting in disease-resistant compact varieties with prolific flowering.
- 🌱 The 'Pericat' roses, including Madame Pericat, were developed and are especially popular in Spanish and European rose breeding programs, prized for their reliability and garden performance.
- 🌱 Despite being a classic rose variety, Madame Pericat is significantly more disease-resistant than many modern hybrid teas, requiring minimal chemical intervention when given proper cultural care.
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