How to Grow Peace Rose

Peace Rose

Rosa × damascena 'Peace'

shrub

Peace Rose is a hybrid tea rose known for its large, fragrant blooms that transition from golden yellow with pink edges to soft pink tones as they mature. Developed in 1945, it remains one of the most popular and beloved rose varieties worldwide. This vigorous shrub produces long-stemmed flowers ideal for cutting and garden display.

Looking for a specific variety?

Peace Double Delight Ingrid Bergman Chicago Peace Loving Memory Opening Night

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum, preferably 8+ hours

💧

Water: Regular, deep watering 1-2 inches per week; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Water at soil level in early morning to reduce disease.

📏

Spacing: 36 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 120-150 days to first bloom after planting

🌱

Planting depth: Graft union should be 1-2 inches below soil surface in cold climates, at or slightly above in warm climates

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Perlite or sand for drainage Rose-specific fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-10, performs best in zones 6-9

5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Growth Stages

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Newly planted rose with emerging canes and foliage; delicate new growth appearing

Water gently and regularly; protect from extreme conditions; remove any flowers first year to encourage root development; mulch base with 2-3 inches

Vegetative Growth

8-12 weeks

Robust cane development with deep green foliage; plant reaching mature height and spread

Prune to shape; remove dead or diseased wood; apply balanced rose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season

Flowering

Recurring throughout growing season, 6-12 weeks first bloom cycle

Production of large, double blooms (45+ petals) with characteristic yellow centers fading to pink; fragrant flowers on long stems

Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage repeat flowering; provide consistent water and nutrients; protect from extreme heat

Rest/Dormancy

8-12 weeks (varies by climate)

Leaf drop in fall/winter; canes become woody and dormant; minimal growth activity

Reduce watering; cease fertilizing; prune in late winter while dormant; remove fallen leaves to reduce disease

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Catmint Salvia Foxgloves Delphiniums Alliums Nepeta Geraniums

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (toxic juglone) Fennel Garlic Onions Potatoes

Common Pests

Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from roses; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil; introduce ladybugs
Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticides or neem oil if infestation severe
Improve air circulation; water at base only; remove infected leaves; apply fungicide; mulch to prevent spore splash
Ensure adequate air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or baking soda spray; thin canes
Remove affected blooms; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; use blue sticky traps

Uses

🍳

Edible Petals & Rose Water

Culinary

Peace rose petals can be used to garnish desserts, salads, and beverages, though pesticide-free cultivation is essential. Rose water made from petals is used in baking and Middle Eastern cuisine. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Rose petals and hips contain vitamin C and antioxidants; traditionally brewed as tea for digestive support and skin health. Modern herbalism uses rose in stress-relief formulations. [source]

🏠

Perfume & Fragrance

Household

Peace roses are prized for their rich, honey-like fragrance that has graced homes and gardens for nearly 80 years. Petals can be dried for potpourri or used to make natural perfumes. [source]

🎨

Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements

Craft

Long-stemmed Peace rose blooms are a classic choice for wedding bouquets, formal arrangements, and special occasions. Their color transition makes them visually striking in multiple arrangements. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

While heavily cultivated double-flowered varieties have limited nectar, Peace roses still attract bees and other pollinators early in bloom season. Single or semi-double roses near the cultivar support gardens better. [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 blooms in early morning when buds are just opening; use sharp, clean pruners; cut at 45-degree angle above outward-facing bud; leave 2-3 sets of leaflets on stem; blooms will continue opening in a vase and provide 1-2 weeks of enjoyment; deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming

Fun Facts

🌱 Peace Rose was introduced at the 1945 San Francisco United Nations Conference, symbolizing peace at the end of World War II. The rose has since been designated as the official state flower of Washington D.C.
🌱 The name 'Peace' honors the hope for world peace, and each recipient nation at the UN Conference received a plant. Today it remains the best-selling rose variety globally, making it one of the most widely cultivated roses in history.
🌱 Peace roses are a hybrid tea rose, meaning they're the result of crossing hybrid perpetuals with tea roses. This breeding produced the large, fragrant blooms with long stems that modern rose enthusiasts prize for cut flower arrangements.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free