How to Grow Peace Rose
Wikimedia Commons
Peace Rose
Rosa × damascena 'Peace'
shrubPeace 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.
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Example Peace Rose timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Peace Rose
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 Peace Rose
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Peace Rose dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10, performs best in zones 6-9
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Establishment
4-6 weeksNewly 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 weeksRobust 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 cycleProduction 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:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from roses; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
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Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil; introduce ladybugs
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticides or neem oil if infestation severe
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Improve air circulation; water at base only; remove infected leaves; apply fungicide; mulch to prevent spore splash
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Ensure adequate air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or baking soda spray; thin canes
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Remove affected blooms; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; use blue sticky traps
Uses
Edible Petals & Rose Water
CulinaryPeace 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
MedicinalRose 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
HouseholdPeace 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
CraftLong-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
WildlifeWhile 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.
Gardening Terms
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