What hardiness zones is Rosa suitable for?

Rosa is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

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Deciduous Shrubs

Rosa

floribunda roses

Rosaceae

Complex hybrid origin (developed in Europe and North America)

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitMounding

FoliageDeciduous

Height2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m)

Width2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m)

Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Fragrant (moderate)

Container Friendly

Maintenancehigh

Overview

Floribunda roses are a class of Rosa hybrids reaching 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m) tall with a spread of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m), developed in the early 20th century by crossing hybrid tea roses with polyantha roses. The name means 'many-flowered,' and the class is characterized by flowers produced in large clusters (sprays) of 3-15 or more blooms per stem, providing a continuous mass of color. Individual flowers range from single (5 petals) through semi-double to double (25-30 petals), 2-3.5 inches (5-9 cm) across — smaller than hybrid teas but far more numerous per stem. Flower forms are typically less formal and high-centered than hybrid teas, with a more open, cupped, or rosette shape. Available in the full range of rose colors: white, pink, red, yellow, orange, apricot, lavender, and bicolors. Many are fragrant, though generally less intensely than hybrid teas. Leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, with 5-7 glossy, serrate leaflets. Growth habit is bushy, compact, and well-branched. Repeat-blooming from late May through October in the Pacific Northwest. Generally more disease-resistant and cold-hardy than hybrid teas, and lower-maintenance overall. First officially recognized as a class by the American Rose Society in 1952. In the Pacific Northwest, black spot, powdery mildew, and rust are persistent concerns; disease-resistant cultivars are strongly recommended.

Native Range

Complex hybrid origin, developed in the early 20th century primarily from crosses between hybrid tea roses and polyantha roses. Key early breeders include Dines Poulsen (Denmark) and Eugene Boerner (USA). Parent species in the hybrid background include Rosa chinensis, Rosa multiflora, Rosa gallica, and others.

Suggested Uses

Planted in rose beds, mixed borders, foundation plantings, and mass plantings for continuous color, spaced 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) apart. The cluster flowering habit provides more landscape color per plant than hybrid teas. Lower hedges of floribundas are effective along paths and driveways. Disease-resistant cultivars for the Pacific Northwest include 'Iceberg' (white), 'Julia Child' (yellow, fragrant), 'Sexy Rexy' (pink), and Knock Out® series (various colors, exceptional disease resistance). Suitable for large containers (minimum 10-gallon).

How to Identify

Identified by flowers produced in clusters (sprays) of 3-15 on each stem, bushy compact growth habit 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m) tall, and repeat bloom. Individual flowers are 2-3.5 inches (5-9 cm) across. Distinguished from hybrid teas by cluster flowering (not single blooms per stem) and shorter, bushier habit. Distinguished from polyanthas by larger individual flowers. Distinguished from grandifloras by shorter stature.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

red

yellow

orange

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks

SpringSummerFall

Repeat-blooming from late May through October in the Pacific Northwest, with heaviest flushes in June and September. Deadheading spent clusters promotes continuous flowering. In mild Pacific Northwest autumns, bloom can extend into November. Each cluster opens over 1-2 weeks, providing extended color from each stem.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Varies: white, pink, red, yellow, orange, apricot, lavender, bicolor

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclay

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water deeply 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) per week during the growing season, applied at the base to keep foliage dry and reduce fungal disease. Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light and good air circulation. Requires fertile, well-drained soil amended with compost. Mulch 2-3 inches (5-8 cm). Black spot and powdery mildew are persistent concerns in the Pacific Northwest; select disease-resistant cultivars. Fertilize monthly May through August; stop by mid-August to allow hardening. Aphids are common in spring; manage with strong water spray or insecticidal soap.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (February through early March) as buds begin to swell. Remove dead, damaged, and diseased canes. Remove thin, twiggy growth. Reduce remaining canes by one-third to one-half, cutting to an outward-facing bud. Aim to retain 5-8 strong canes forming a vase-shaped framework. Deadhead spent flower clusters during the growing season by cutting to the first 5-leaflet leaf below the cluster.

Pruning Schedule

late spring

Maintenance Level

high

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic