How to Grow Queen Elizabeth
Wikimedia Commons
Queen Elizabeth
Rosa 'Queen Elizabeth'
shrubQueen Elizabeth is a grandiflora rose renowned for its large, elegant pink blooms and vigorous growth habit. This hybrid rose reaches 5-6 feet tall and produces fragrant, double flowers continuously throughout the growing season. It's considered one of the most reliable and popular rose varieties for gardens worldwide.
When should you plant Queen Elizabeth in your zone?
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Example Queen Elizabeth timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Queen Elizabeth
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 Queen Elizabeth
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Queen Elizabeth dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Establishment
4-6 weeksRecently planted rose with visible canes and early leaf growth. Plant appears sparse initially.
Water deeply and regularly. Avoid fertilizing first 6 weeks. Remove any damaged canes. Mulch around base with 2-3 inches of organic material.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops robust cane structure and dense foliage. Height increases steadily without significant bloom production yet.
Begin balanced fertilizing once established. Prune lightly to encourage branching. Remove any dead wood. Maintain consistent watering.
Flowering
Throughout growing season (spring through fall)Large clusters of pink, double flowers appear at cane tips. Blooms are long-stemmed and fragrant, excellent for cutting.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Apply rose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Peak Production
Mature growing season (year 2 onward)Plant reaches 5-6 feet with continuous abundant blooming. Canes are well-established and woody.
Regular deadheading essential. Deep watering 2x weekly. Fertilize monthly during blooming season. Inspect regularly for aphids and black spot.
Dormancy
3-4 months (November-February in most zones)Plant goes dormant in late fall/winter with minimal or no blooms. Foliage may drop; canes appear bare.
Stop fertilizing 6-8 weeks before first frost. Reduce watering frequency. Prune back by one-third in early spring. Apply winter protection in cold climates.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil spray; introduce ladybugs
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps; apply neem oil or spinosad
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Increase humidity and mist foliage; use miticides or sulfur spray; introduce predatory mites
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Improve air circulation; remove infected leaves; apply sulfur or baking soda spray; avoid overhead watering
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Remove infected leaves immediately; mulch to prevent soil splash; apply fungicide; ensure good air flow
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No cure; remove and destroy infected plants; control rose rosette mite vectors
Uses
Rose water and edible petals
CulinaryPesticide-free petals can be used fresh in salads or crystallized for decoration. Rose water made from petals is used in baking, beverages, and Middle Eastern cuisine. [source]
Cut flowers and floral arrangements
HouseholdQueen Elizabeth roses are prized by florists and home arrangers for their long stems, large blooms, and long vase life. They remain popular for weddings, bouquets, and formal arrangements. [source]
Rose hip tea and herbal medicine
MedicinalAfter flowering, rose hips develop rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Dried hips are brewed into tea to support immune function and joint health. [source]
Dried flower crafts and potpourri
CraftPetals dry well and can be used in potpourri, pressed flower arrangements, craft projects, and homemade products like sachets and bath blends. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeRoses attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. While ornamental, they provide nectar and pollen sources for pollinators during the growing season. [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 fully formed but petals still firm. Cut at 45-degree angle just above a 5-leaflet leaf facing outward. Remove lower leaves before placing in water. Change water every 2-3 days. Blooms last 7-10 days in a vase.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Queen Elizabeth won the prestigious All-America Rose Selections award in 1955 and was named after Queen Elizabeth II's coronation year.
- 🌱 It was the first grandiflora rose, a hybrid class combining hybrid tea roses with floribundas, creating a plant that blooms prolifically with large individual flowers.
- 🌱 Queen Elizabeth roses can live 20-30+ years or longer with proper care, making them a long-term investment in the garden rather than a temporary planting.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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