How to Grow Princess Alexandra of Kent
Princess Alexandra of Kent
Rosa 'Princess Alexandra of Kent'
shrubPrincess Alexandra of Kent is a stunning English shrub rose bred by David Austin, known for its deeply cupped, quartered flowers in rich crimson-red with a velvety texture. The blooms are highly fragrant and appear repeatedly throughout the growing season on a compact, bushy plant. This rose combines classic Old Garden Rose beauty with modern disease resistance and continuous flowering.
When should you plant Princess Alexandra of Kent 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 Princess Alexandra of Kent timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Princess Alexandra of Kent
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Princess Alexandra of Kent
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Princess Alexandra of Kent dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-8, with protection recommended in zone 5
Sign up free to see if Princess Alexandra of Kent grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Princess Alexandra of Kent timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksNewly planted rose is establishing roots; limited growth above ground with sparse foliage
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping it 3 inches away from canes. Avoid fertilizing for first month.
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksPlant develops strong canes and bushy foliage; leaves emerge as reddish new growth maturing to deep green
Begin light fertilizing with balanced rose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Remove any dead or crossing canes. Monitor for pests and diseases. Maintain consistent moisture.
Flowering
6-8 weeks per flush, repeats throughout seasonFlower buds form at branch tips; blooms open into deeply cupped, quartered crimson flowers with strong fragrance
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Increase fertilizer frequency to every 3-4 weeks with phosphorus-rich formula. Maintain steady watering. Enjoy the fragrance!
Repeat Blooming
Ongoing from early summer through fall frostPlant enters multiple bloom cycles throughout growing season, with brief rest periods between flushes
Continue regular deadheading, watering, and feeding. Watch for mid-season pests. Reduce watering slightly if temperatures cool between flushes. Mulch well in summer.
Winter Dormancy
3-4 monthsPlant slows growth; foliage yellows and drops; rose enters dormant phase
Stop fertilizing 6 weeks before first frost. Reduce watering but keep soil from completely drying. In zones 5-6, mound soil 10-12 inches over base for protection. Remove fallen leaves. Prune in early spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Improve air circulation by pruning; avoid wetting foliage; apply sulfur spray or neem oil; remove affected leaves promptly
-
Remove infected leaves immediately; apply fungicide containing copper or sulfur; maintain good drainage and air flow; mulch to prevent soil splash
-
Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
-
Increase humidity with misting; use miticide spray; improve air circulation; remove heavily infested leaves
-
Hand-pick early morning; use pheromone traps away from plant; apply neem oil or spinosad; encourage natural predators
Uses
Rose petals for culinary use
CulinaryThe fragrant petals can be used to garnish desserts, create rose water, or infuse into syrups and beverages. Ensure no pesticides have been applied if harvesting for consumption. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftPrincess Alexandra's deeply cupped, romantic blooms are ideal for cutting gardens, bridal bouquets, and floral arrangements. The strong stems hold their form well in vases for 7-10 days. [source]
Fragrance and perfumery
HouseholdThe rich, velvety fragrance makes these blooms excellent for creating homemade rose water, perfume infusions, or naturally scenting rooms. Dried petals retain fragrance for months. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe abundant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects to the garden. Avoiding pesticides preserves beneficial insect populations. [source]
Rose hip health benefits
MedicinalAfter flowering, rose hips form and can be harvested for teas rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. David Austin roses are known for good hip production. [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 roses in early morning when blooms are fully open but petals still have slight firmness. Use sharp pruning shears and cut at 45-degree angle above outward-facing bud eye. Remove lower leaves from cut stems and place immediately in water with flower preservative. Deadhead spent blooms as soon as petals begin to drop to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Named to honor Princess Alexandra, the wife of King Edward VII, this rose was bred by renowned horticulturist David Austin and represents the pinnacle of English garden rose breeding, combining Victorian Old Garden Rose beauty with modern continuous-flowering traits.
- 🌱 The flower's deeply quartered, cupped form is characteristic of heritage roses and can take on almost 100 petals, creating a lush, romantic bloom that opens slowly over several days.
- 🌱 David Austin roses like Princess Alexandra are among the most fragrant modern roses, with essential oil profiles similar to classic Damask and Gallica roses, making them prized by perfumers and fragrance enthusiasts.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Princess Alexandra of Kent planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Princess Alexandra of Kent 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 Princess Alexandra of Kent timeline →