Images Depict Mature Plants
Coral Drift Rose
Rosa 'Meidrifora' PP19148
Coral Drift® is one of my favorite “front-of-bed finishers” because it does exactly what you want a groundcover rose to do: stay low, bloom hard, and keep your borders looking clean and intentional for months. That coral-orange color has real energy, the plant stays a tidy mound instead of turning into a thorny jungle, and the care routine is refreshingly simple—sun, base watering, and one good prune before spring growth takes off.
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Coral Drift® Rose for Coral-Orange Color, Easy Borders, and Blooming Groundcover
Coral-Orange Blooms That Light Up The Front Of The Bed
Coral Drift® Rose brings a bright, sunset-coral pop that makes a landscape feel warmer and more welcoming instantly. The flowers arrive in generous clusters, so even a small group reads as a “drift” of color rather than a few scattered blooms. That clustered flowering is the secret to Drift® roses looking professionally planted—your border stays bright and consistent, not patchy.
This color is especially strong for curb appeal. Use it to outline a walkway, soften the edge of a driveway, or brighten up the front of evergreen shrubs where you want a long season of contrast. Coral Drift® also plays well with silvery foliage, ornamental grasses, white flowers, and purple-blue perennials. If you’ve wanted roses in a tighter space (without tall canes or constant fuss), this is a compact, design-friendly way to get that classic rose charm.
A True Groundcover Rose For Edging, Mass Planting, And Slopes
Coral Drift® is made to stay low and spread, forming a neat, mounding groundcover rose instead of a bulky shrub. Expect a compact plant that typically tops out around 1.5 feet tall and spreads about 2.5 feet wide, which makes it ideal for the front edge of beds where you want flowers without blocking sightlines. It’s also an easy “connector” plant—linking taller shrubs and perennials together with a clean ribbon of color.
Because it spreads, it’s a smart choice for gentle slopes and wider planting areas where you want coverage that still looks tidy. Plant it in groups for a fuller carpet effect, or use a repeating pattern along paths and walkways to create a polished outline. In small gardens, that low habit is a win: you get months of blooms without giving up space to a tall, sprawling rose.
Low-Maintenance Performance With Clean, Glossy Foliage
Drift® roses are famous for being easy, and Coral Drift® fits that reputation beautifully. It’s known for strong disease resistance and reliable performance when given the basics: full sun, well-drained soil, and watering at the base (not overhead). Those simple choices help foliage stay cleaner and healthier-looking, and they also support stronger, more consistent flowering.
Another reason gardeners love Drift® roses: deadheading is not required to keep the show going. If you enjoy tidying, you can snip spent clusters occasionally to keep the planting extra crisp, but the plant will continue to rebloom without constant attention. Add a 2–3 inch mulch layer (kept a few inches away from the stems) to stabilize moisture and reduce weeds, and you’ve got an easy-care groundcover rose that keeps beds looking finished.
Simple Pruning That Keeps It Dense, Rounded, And Bloom-Packed
Coral Drift® doesn’t need complicated rose techniques. A simple prune in late winter or early spring refreshes the plant, encourages vigorous new growth, and helps maintain the neat, mounded shape that looks best in borders. Start by removing any dead or damaged stems, then lightly shape the plant to keep it balanced and airy. That fresh growth is where you’ll see your best flowering.
After pruning, a spring feeding and steady moisture during establishment will set you up for a strong season. In hot weather, occasional deep watering helps keep bloom cycles rolling instead of stalling. Because Coral Drift® stays low, maintenance stays easy—no ladders, no wrestling tall canes, and no fussy training. With sun, spacing, and one yearly “haircut,” you get a reliable drift of coral color that looks polished for months.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-11 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 1 to 1.5 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 2 to 2.5 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun for best blooms |
| Bloom Time / Color | Mid-spring to fall; bright coral-orange blooms |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements | Medium; water well to establish, then water during dry spells |
| Wildlife Value | Attracts bees and other pollinators |
| Resistance | Strong disease resistance; heat tolerant; moderate drought tolerance once established; not reliably deer resistant |
| Landscape Uses | Borders, mass planting, groundcover, slopes, walkway edging, foundation beds, containers |
How to Care for Coral Drift® Rose
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Coral Drift Rose plant for years to come!
How should I plant Coral Drift® Rose?
Plant Coral Drift® Rose in full sun in well-drained soil. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil, water deeply to settle, and form a shallow watering ring to guide water into the root zone. Finish with 2–3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch a few inches away from the base of the plant. If your soil drains slowly, plant slightly high or improve drainage before planting. A sunny, well-drained start is the quickest path to faster fill-in and heavier bloom cycles.
How often should I water Coral Drift® Rose after planting?
Water deeply right after planting, then keep the root zone evenly moist (not soggy) for the first several weeks. A good baseline is one deep soak per week, increasing to two soaks per week during hot weather, sandy soil, or windy sites where soil dries faster. After it’s established, water during extended dry spells to keep blooms and foliage looking their best. Water at the base rather than overhead so leaves dry quickly. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages stronger roots and better resilience in full sun and on slopes.
When should I fertilize Coral Drift® Rose?
Fertilize in early spring as new growth begins using a rose fertilizer or balanced slow-release fertilizer. Apply it over the root zone (not against the stems) and water afterward so nutrients move into the soil where feeder roots can absorb them. If you want stronger repeat bloom, a second light feeding after the first big flush can help support the next wave. Avoid heavy late-season fertilizing, which can push tender growth when the plant should be slowing down. Consistent, moderate feeding supports healthier foliage and more reliable flowering.
When and how should I prune Coral Drift® Rose?
Prune Coral Drift® Rose in late winter or early spring before active growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged stems first, then lightly shape the plant back into a neat, rounded mound to encourage fresh bloom-producing growth. During the season, light trimming is optional if you want extra-crisp edges, but the main “must-do” is the yearly early-season prune. Deadheading isn’t required, though occasional cleanup can keep the planting looking extra polished. A simple prune rhythm is usually all it takes to keep this groundcover rose dense and flower-filled.
