Rosa, Genus,
- Genus
floribunda
Complex hybrid origin — developed in Europe and North America in the early-mid 20th century from crosses between hybrid tea and polyantha roses
Overview
Rosa (Floribunda Group) is floribunda rose (cluster-flowered rose), a mounding deciduous shrub growing 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m) tall and 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) wide. Flowers 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) in clusters (corymbs) of 3-15 per stem in full color range — white, pink, red, yellow, orange, apricot, lavender — from May through October (20 weeks of repeat bloom). Many cultivars fragrant. Glossy dark green pinnately compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets on thorny canes. In Rosaceae. Floribunda = profuse-flowering. Developed by crossing hybrid tea × polyantha roses in the early-mid 20th century. The cluster-flowering habit (3-15 flowers per stem simultaneously) produces more continuous color than hybrid teas (1 flower per stem). Disease-prone: black spot (Diplocarpon rosae), powdery mildew, and rust are the primary maintenance limitations — choose disease-resistant cultivars (Knock Out, Iceberg, Julia Child) to reduce fungicide dependency. Japanese beetles in eastern regions. Winter protection (mound soil over the graft union) required in zones 5-6. Not drought-tolerant — 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Deer browse the flowers and new growth. Non-toxic. Zones 5-9. Full sun (6+ hours required for healthy bloom). Growth rate is moderate to fast.
Native Range
Complex hybrid origin — developed in Europe and North America in the early-mid 20th century from crosses between hybrid tea and polyantha roses.Suggested Uses
Grown in rose beds, mixed borders, mass plantings, and in containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L), spaced 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m). Repeat-blooming clusters. Full color range. Fragrant. High maintenance. Non-toxic. Zones 5-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Full color range — white, pink, red, yellow, orange, apricot, lavender, and bicolor; single to fully double, 2-3 inches (5-7 cm), in clusters (corymbs) of 3-15 flowers per stem; many cultivars fragrantFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, pinnately compound with 5-7 leaflets, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm); some cultivars have bronze-tinted new growthGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. 1 inch (2.5 cm) water per week. Deadhead clusters for repeat bloom. Disease-prone (black spot, powdery mildew) — choose resistant cultivars or apply fungicide. Prune in late winter (February-March). Japanese beetles (eastern regions). Winter protection zones 5-6. Not drought-tolerant. Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 5-9.Pruning
Prune in late winter (February-March) before bud break. Remove dead, damaged, and crossing canes. Cut remaining canes to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) above the graft union. Open the center for air circulation (reduces fungal disease). Deadhead to the first 5-leaflet leaf.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late winter
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons