How to Grow Thérèse Bugnet
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Thérèse Bugnet
Rosa 'Thérèse Bugnet'
shrubThérèse Bugnet is a hardy shrub rose developed by Canadian breeder Georges Bugnet, known for its exceptional cold tolerance and repeat blooming. It produces fragrant, semi-double flowers in shades of pink that darken with age, and develops attractive red hips in fall. This disease-resistant variety is ideal for northern gardens and requires minimal maintenance.
When should you plant Thérèse Bugnet in your zone?
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Example Thérèse Bugnet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Thérèse Bugnet
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 Thérèse Bugnet
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Thérèse Bugnet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 2-6; exceptionally hardy to zone 2, making it one of the coldest-hardy shrub roses
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Get my Thérèse Bugnet timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy & Spring Awakening
4-8 weeksRose is leafless in winter; new red-tinged foliage emerges in spring
Prune in early spring before growth starts, removing dead wood and shaping to open structure. Apply dormant oil spray if needed for overwintering pests.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksVigorous cane growth with dense, medium-green foliage; plant develops its framework
Ensure consistent watering and deadhead spent flowers to encourage branching. Apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
First Bloom Cycle
3-4 weeksSemi-double flowers in deep pink appear in clusters; blooms are fragrant and approximately 2-3 inches across
Remove faded flowers just above the first 5-leaflet leaf to encourage repeat blooms. Monitor for pests and disease.
Repeat Blooming & Summer Growth
12+ weeksSuccessive flushes of flowers alternate with new foliage development; color deepens as flowers age
Continue deadheading and watering consistently. Fertilize monthly for sustained bloom. Watch for spider mites in dry conditions.
Fall & Hip Development
8-12 weeksBloom slows; unmaintained flowers develop into attractive red-orange hips; foliage may develop fall color
Stop deadheading in late summer to allow hip formation. Reduce fertilizing. Hips provide ornamental value and wildlife food through winter.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe; ensure adequate humidity
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators
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Monitor for distorted new growth; remove infected plants immediately to prevent spread
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Hand-pick in early morning; use traps away from rose; apply neem oil for grubs in soil
Uses
Hardy Ornamental Shrub Rose
OrnamentalThérèse Bugnet serves as a beautiful focal point or landscape shrub in northern gardens where tender roses cannot survive. Its repeat blooming, fragrance, and attractive hips provide season-long interest. [source]
Cut Flowers
HouseholdThe semi-double blooms are suitable for cutting and arranging in bouquets and flower arrangements, offering long vase life and a light, pleasant fragrance. [source]
Wildlife Support
WildlifeThe abundant fall hips provide essential food for birds and wildlife through winter months. The flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects throughout the growing season. [source]
Rose Hip Preparation
MedicinalRose hips are traditionally used to make herbal tea and are rich in vitamin C. They can be harvested after frost and dried for culinary or medicinal infusions. [source]
Dried Flowers & Crafts
CraftPetals can be dried for potpourri, and hips can be used in dried arrangements and craft projects, providing long-lasting decorative material. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Thérèse Bugnet is grown for ornamental flowers and hips rather than cutting. Harvest flowers early morning when blooms just open for best vase life (3-5 days). Leave some flowers on the plant unharvested and unpruned in late summer to develop decorative fall hips. Cut stems at 45-degree angle just above a 5-leaflet leaf to encourage branching.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Thérèse Bugnet was bred by Georges Bugnet in Edmonton, Alberta in 1950 and is named after his mother; it is one of the hardiest shrub roses ever developed, surviving temperatures to -40°F (-40°C) without protection.
- 🌱 This rose is rarely affected by common rose diseases like black spot and powdery mildew, making it an excellent choice for organic gardeners and those in humid climates.
- 🌱 The flowers deepen in color as they age, changing from lighter pink in the morning to a deeper mauve-pink by evening, providing a dynamic visual display throughout the day.
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