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How to Grow Reine des Violettes

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Reine des Violettes

Rosa 'Reine des Violettes'

shrub

Reine des Violettes is a historic Hybrid Perpetual rose introduced in 1860, renowned for its deeply fragrant, quartered blooms in rich purple-violet tones. This vigorous, disease-resistant shrub rose blooms repeatedly throughout the growing season and is prized by heritage rose gardeners for its exceptional fragrance and old-garden rose charm. It grows to 4-6 feet tall and can be trained as a climber in warmer zones.

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Example Reine des Violettes timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Reine des Violettes

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Reine des Violettes

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Reine des Violettes dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates afternoon shade in hot climates
💧
Water: Water deeply and regularly, 1-1.5 inches per week; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Water at soil level to avoid wetting foliage, reducing disease risk. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods.
📏
Spacing: 36 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 180-240 days to first substantial bloom; mature flowering by year 2
🌱
Planting depth: Plant grafted roses with bud union 1-2 inches below soil surface in cold climates, at soil level in warm climates

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.5
Amendments:
Compost Aged manure Peat moss or coconut coir Bone meal Rose fertilizer (balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-8; hardy to zone 4 with winter protection

4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Newly planted canes are bare or minimally leafed; root system developing underground

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base. Do not fertilize heavily in first month; focus on root establishment.

2

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Vigorous cane growth with healthy green foliage; plant develops strong branching structure

Begin pruning to shape plant; remove weak or crossing canes. Apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Monitor for pests and diseases. Remove any flowers the first season to encourage root/branch development.

3

Budbreak & Flowering

3-4 weeks per flush; repeats throughout season

Flower buds form on cane tips and laterals; blooms open to reveal quartered, purple-violet flowers with strong fragrance

Apply rose-specific or phosphorus-rich fertilizer to support blooming. Deadhead spent flowers just above first outward-facing leaf to encourage repeat blooming. Ensure consistent watering.

4

Summer/Dormancy (Cyclical)

4-6 weeks between flushes

Between bloom flushes, plant produces new foliage and canes; growth may slow in peak heat

Continue regular watering and feeding. Prune lightly to shape. Reduce fertilizer in late summer (August/September) to encourage hardiness.

5

Fall/Winter Hardening

8-12 weeks

Growth slows; foliage may deepen in color; plant prepares for dormancy

Stop fertilizing in late August to prevent tender new growth. Allow hips to form if desired (signals dormancy). In cold zones, apply winter mulch (6-8 inches) after ground freezes. In warmer zones, reduce watering slightly.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Salvia Catmint (Nepeta) Delphiniums Alliums Coreopsis Santolina Boxwood Lady's mantle (Alchemilla)

Avoid planting near:

Juglans (Walnut trees) Plants requiring very dry conditions (as roses need consistent moisture) Shallow-rooted competitors in confined spaces

Common Pests

  • Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Spray with sulfur or neem oil at first sign. Plant in full sun and well-spaced locations.

  • Hand-pick in early morning and drop into soapy water. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Use pheromone traps away from plants.

  • Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.

  • Increase humidity with regular misting. Spray with neem oil or miticide. Improve air circulation to reduce hot, dry stress.

  • Remove affected leaves by hand. Spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap. Prune to improve air flow.

  • Remove affected leaves promptly; do not compost. Water at soil level only. Apply sulfur or copper fungicide. Improve air circulation and avoid crowding.

Uses

🍳

Rose petals for culinary use

Culinary

Fully fragrant petals can be used in teas, desserts, preserves, and garnishes. Use only organically grown, pesticide-free flowers. [source]

🏠

Cut flowers & arrangements

Household

Exceptional cut flower lasting 7-10 days in water; prized for weddings, floral arrangements, and period gardens due to its romantic quartered form and deep color. [source]

🎨

Dried flowers & potpourri

Craft

Petals and whole blooms dry beautifully and retain fragrance for months; ideal for potpourri, sachets, and dried arrangements. [source]

🏠

Garden fragrance & ornament

Household

Outstanding fragrance perfumes the garden and surrounding areas; deep purple-violet blooms provide season-long color and are a centerpiece of heritage rose gardens. [source]

💊

Rose hip tea and herbal medicine

Medicinal

Hips form in fall after bloom cycles and are rich in vitamin C; dried hips make nutritious tea. Historical use in herbalism for immune support. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Reine des Violettes is grown for ornamental blooms and fragrance, not harvested for consumption. Cut flowers for arrangements in early morning when stems are fully hydrated, cutting just above an outward-facing leaf or bud eye. Cut stems that have at least 2-3 leaves remaining on the cane. For maximum fragrance, harvest blooms when they are fully open to medium stage (not tight buds or overly blown). Deadhead spent flowers at the same point to encourage continuous blooming.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Reine des Violettes, meaning 'Queen of Violets,' was introduced in 1860 by French breeder Mille-Mallet and is considered one of the finest purple-toned Hybrid Perpetual roses, prized by heritage rose collectors worldwide.
  • 🌱 This rose is exceptional for its repeat-blooming ability—unusual for 19th-century roses—producing multiple flushes of flowers from spring through fall, with the most intensely fragrant blooms appearing in cool spring and fall weather.
  • 🌱 The quartered form of the blooms (petals arranged in distinct quarters or quadrants) is a hallmark of old-garden roses and is highly valued in rose exhibitions; this form becomes more pronounced in cool weather.

Gardening Terms

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

Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Mulch pH
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