How to Grow Princess Deep Rose

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Princess Deep Rose

Rosa 'Princess Deep Rose'

flower

Princess Deep Rose is a modern hybrid tea rose featuring deep crimson-red blooms with velvety petals and a classic high-centered form. It is renowned for its rich fragrance, long vase life, and vigorous growth habit, making it a favorite for both garden displays and cut flower arrangements. This rose variety combines excellent disease resistance with reliable blooming performance throughout the growing season.

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Example Princess Deep Rose timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Princess Deep Rose

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Princess Deep Rose blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Princess Deep Rose dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (8 hours or more is ideal for maximum blooms)
💧
Water: Deep, consistent watering 1-2 inches per week; water at soil level to keep foliage dry and reduce disease; more frequent watering during hot, dry periods
📏
Spacing: 24 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 120-150 days to first significant bloom; plants reach full maturity at 2-3 years
🌱
Planting depth: Graft union should be 1-2 inches below soil surface in cold climates (zones 5-6), at or slightly above soil surface in warmer zones (7-9)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.5
Amendments:
Compost Aged manure Peat moss Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Rose-specific fertilizer

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8

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

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Newly planted rose developing root system; minimal above-ground growth; may appear dormant for 2-4 weeks

Water gently but consistently; avoid fertilizing for first 4-6 weeks; mulch around base; protect from harsh winds

2

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Canes elongate with healthy green foliage emerging; plant develops bushy, well-branched structure

Begin light fertilizing; remove any early weak growth; prune to encourage branching; monitor for pests and diseases

3

Bud Formation & Flowering

Ongoing throughout growing season, 8-12 weeks per flush

Terminal buds develop at cane tips; buds swell and show deep red coloring before opening into full, velvety blooms

Apply balanced rose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks; deadhead spent blooms; maintain consistent moisture; provide afternoon shade in hottest climates

4

Peak Bloom

2-3 weeks per bloom flush

Large, deep crimson-red flowers with high-centered form fully open; strong fragrance evident; excellent for cutting

Cut flowers in early morning for longest vase life; continue deadheading to encourage repeat blooming; maintain fertilizing schedule

5

Dormancy (Winter)

3-4 months (November-March in northern regions)

Plant enters winter rest with minimal growth; foliage may decline; canes become woody and hardened

Reduce watering significantly; apply dormant oil spray; prune in late winter before growth resumes (late February-March); apply winter mulch in zones 5-6

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

Walnut trees Shallow-rooted plants competing for water Plants requiring significantly different pH levels Black locust Allelopathic plants

Common Pests

  • Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; introduce natural predators like ladybugs; apply neem oil in early morning or evening

  • Increase humidity through misting; spray with water frequently; use miticide or neem oil; introduce predatory mites

  • Hand-pick in early morning; use Japanese beetle traps away from roses; apply neem oil; use insecticide as last resort

  • Remove and destroy infected plants immediately; control vector mites; maintain good sanitation; no cure—prevention is key

  • Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide; remove infected leaves; plant in sunny location

  • Remove infected leaves and debris; improve air circulation; water at soil level only; apply fungicide; prune canes in spring to open canopy

Uses

🍳

Rose Water & Culinary Garnish

Culinary

Fragrant petals can be used to make rose water for baking and cooking, and whole pesticide-free blooms serve as elegant garnishes for desserts and cocktails. The intense fragrance makes this variety particularly valuable for culinary applications. [source]

🏠

Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

Princess Deep Rose excels as a premium cut flower with exceptional vase life (10-14 days) and stunning deep crimson color that adds drama to bridal bouquets, floral designs, and home arrangements. The strong fragrance enhances any flower display. [source]

🎨

Dried Petals & Petal Preservation

Craft

Petals can be carefully dried for use in potpourri, crafts, and decorative projects while retaining the rose's distinctive deep color and fragrance for months. Dried petals make beautiful additions to handmade papers and craft projects. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Rose petals and rose hips contain vitamin C and antioxidants and have been used traditionally in herbal teas and remedies to support immune health and skin wellness. Always use pesticide-free roses for internal consumption. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden, supporting local ecosystems while providing continuous bloom for viewing throughout the season. The fragrance particularly draws beneficial insects. [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 buds are just opening or in the 'tight mature' stage for longest vase life (10-14 days); cut stems at 45-degree angle; remove lower foliage before arranging; change water every 2-3 days and re-cut stems; deadhead spent blooms on the plant to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Princess Deep Rose produces blooms with an exceptional fragrance profile that intensifies in warm afternoon sun, releasing more scent than many modern rose varieties—a trait deliberately bred back into the genetics to restore the aromatic quality of heirloom roses.
  • 🌱 The deep crimson-red color of Princess Deep Rose deepens further when temperatures cool in fall, often showing even richer coloration as days shorten and nighttime temperatures drop below 60°F.
  • 🌱 This rose variety has excellent vase life due to its thick, sturdy petals and the way it opens slowly and evenly; a single bloom can remain in an arrangement for 2-3 weeks if properly maintained, far exceeding the typical 5-7 day lifespan of many cut flowers.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

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