© Another Believer, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Rosa 'Sweet Madame Blue'
Sweet Madame Blue Rose
Of garden origin; no wild distribution
Overview
Rosa 'Sweet Madame Blue' is a floribunda rose forming a rounded, upright bush 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) tall and 2.5-3 feet (75-90 cm) wide. Multiple stems carry semi-glossy dark green leaflets and hold flowers singly and in small clusters. The lavender blooms are double and ruffled, about 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) across with up to 70 petals, carrying magenta to fuchsia tones at the center that resist fading. A moderate sweet-and-spicy fragrance with citrus and old-rose notes rises from the open flowers. Bloom repeats from late spring into autumn in successive flushes. As a mauve-toned rose, the petal color can shift toward grey-pink in intense heat and full afternoon sun. In humid climates the foliage can develop black spot where airflow is limited, and the heavy, many-petalled flowers can ball in prolonged rain. The plant needs full sun, regular feeding, and even moisture to hold repeat bloom. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, it tolerates summer heat with steady root moisture. The long stems and ruffled form suit cutting.
Native Range
Rosa 'Sweet Madame Blue' is a hybrid of garden origin with no wild distribution. The genus Rosa spp. is native to temperate and subtropical regions across the Northern Hemisphere.Suggested Uses
Grown in rose beds, mixed borders, and cutting gardens where the lavender color and fragrance stand among other plantings. The long stems supply cut flowers for arrangements. Plants also grow in containers of 7 gallons (26 L) or larger.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread2'6" - 3'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lavender with magenta centerFoliage Description
Semi-glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-8 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
Plant in full sun in deep, fertile, well-drained loam at a pH of 6.0-6.5. Water deeply once or twice weekly through the growing season, keeping foliage dry to limit black spot. Feed with a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and after each flush. A 2-3 inch (5-8 cm) mulch layer conserves moisture and steadies root temperature. In zones 5-6, mound soil or mulch over the graft union before hard frost. Space plants about 30 inches (75 cm) apart to maintain airflow in humid climates.Pruning
Prune in early spring, cutting canes to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) above outward-facing buds and removing thin or dead wood. Take out the oldest canes at the base over time to renew the bush. Deadhead through the season to a five-leaflet leaf to sustain repeat bloom.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons