How to Grow Thérèse Bugnet Rose

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Thérèse Bugnet Rose

Rosa 'Thérèse Bugnet'

shrub

Thérèse Bugnet is a hardy shrub rose bred in Canada, known for its exceptional cold tolerance and fragrant, deep pink semi-double flowers. This heirloom variety blooms repeatedly throughout the growing season and develops attractive red hips in fall. It is prized by northern gardeners for its ability to survive extreme winters without winter protection.

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Example Thérèse Bugnet Rose timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Thérèse Bugnet Rose
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Thérèse Bugnet Rose
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily for best flowering

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Water: Regular watering during growing season; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, moderately drought-tolerant. Reduce watering in fall to harden off growth.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity: Flowers begin 8-12 weeks after planting; full mature size reached in 2-3 years

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Planting depth: Plant bare root with graft union at or just below soil level in cold climates; containerized plants at same depth as nursery pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Perlite for drainage Bone meal for phosphorus

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 2-6; exceptionally hardy for northern climates

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b

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Growth Stages

Planting & Establishment

4-6 weeks

Newly planted rose with limited foliage; may take 4-6 weeks to show vigorous growth

Water consistently to establish root system. Avoid fertilizing first month. Mulch around base but keep away from canes. Prune damaged canes to healthy tissue.

Spring Growth

4-6 weeks

Red new shoots emerge and rapidly elongate; leaves unfurl with burgundy tones

Begin regular watering schedule. Apply balanced fertilizer as growth accelerates. Monitor for early pests and diseases. Remove any dead winter-damaged canes.

First Flowering

4-8 weeks

Clusters of deep pink semi-double flowers appear on cane tips; intense fragrance

Deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering. Continue regular watering and fertilizing every 4-6 weeks. Watch for aphids and spider mites on tender growth.

Summer Repeat Bloom & Growth

8-12 weeks

Multiple flushes of flowers; plant reaches mature shape with dense foliage

Maintain consistent moisture. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks until late summer. Deadhead regularly. Prune wayward canes to shape. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer in late summer.

Fall & Dormancy Preparation

6-10 weeks until frost

Final flower flush; foliage colors and hardens; attractive red hips develop as blooming slows

Stop deadheading to allow hip formation. Reduce watering slightly to harden growth. Do not fertilize. Allow plant to acclimate to temperature drop. Red hips persist into winter and attract birds.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Catmint Russian Sage Alliums Coreopsis Salvia Juniper Spiraea

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (juglone toxicity) Dense shade trees Plants requiring consistently wet soil

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil for severe infestations
Increase humidity; spray undersides of leaves with water; apply miticide if severe
Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from roses; apply neem oil
Remove affected leaves; prune out infested canes; spray with insecticidal soap
No cure; remove and destroy infected plants; control mite vectors with miticides

Uses

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Rose Hip Tea & Preserves

Culinary

The nutritious red hips are rich in vitamin C and can be dried for tea, made into jams, or processed into syrups. This traditional use from Canadian and northern European cuisines supports immune health. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Rose hips and petals have been used historically in herbal medicine for immune support and anti-inflammatory benefits. Modern research supports their high antioxidant and polyphenol content. [source]

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Fragrance & Cut Flowers

Household

The intensely fragrant deep pink flowers are excellent for fresh bouquets, rose water production, and dried flower crafts. Their strong scent makes them valuable for perfumery and natural fragrance products. [source]

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Bird & Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies throughout the growing season. Fall hips provide essential winter food for birds including robins, waxwings, and finches. [source]

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Garden Design & Heritage Gardening

Craft

As a Canadian heirloom rose, Thérèse Bugnet is prized by heritage and sustainable gardeners for landscape design. Its extreme hardiness and non-GMO status make it valuable for low-maintenance northern gardens and biodiversity initiatives. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Deadhead spent blooms throughout growing season by cutting just above an outward-facing 5-leaflet leaf node to encourage repeat flowering. For cut flowers, harvest in early morning when stems are fully hydrated; cut at 45-degree angle above a leaf node. Allow red hips to develop in fall for winter interest and wildlife food; these can be harvested in late fall or left on plant.

Fun Facts

🌱 Thérèse Bugnet was bred by Georges Bugnet in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1950 and is named after his daughter; it represents one of the most significant achievements in cold-hardy rose breeding
🌱 This rose survived the extreme Edmonton winter of 1954-55 without winter protection when temperatures dropped to -40°F (-40°C), proving its exceptional hardiness and making it famous across northern gardening communities
🌱 The variety is also known as 'Therese Bugnet' (both spellings are used interchangeably) and remains one of the few repeat-blooming shrub roses that reliably survives zone 2 winters without protection

Gardening Terms

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

Deadhead Full Sun Heirloom Mulch pH

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