Images Depict Mature Plants
Pope John Paul II Rose
Rosa 'Pope John Paul II'
If you want one white rose that feels truly special, Pope John Paul II is the one I reach for: big, classic hybrid tea blooms, a bright, clean white that looks elegant anywhere, and a citrus fragrance you notice the moment you step outside. Give it full sun and a little breathing room, keep watering deep and consistent the first season, and you will get that long-stem cut-flower look right in your own yard.
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Pope John Paul II Rose (Hybrid Tea Rose)
A Pure White Rose With Legendary Citrus Fragrance
Pope John Paul II is the kind of white rose people remember. The blooms open large and high-centered, with that crisp, luminous white that looks elegant in any setting, from a formal bed to a simple foundation border. What really sets it apart is the fragrance: a fresh, citrus scent that reads “clean” and uplifting, not heavy. If you want a rose you can smell as you walk by, this one delivers the classic experience you were hoping for when you planted a rose in the first place.
It also performs beautifully as a cut flower. Long, sturdy stems and a refined bloom form make it an easy choice for vase arrangements, bouquets, and “just cut one for the kitchen” moments. Plant it where you can reach it with pruners, and you will naturally cut and enjoy it more often, which also encourages the plant to keep producing fresh blooms.
Repeat Blooming Hybrid Tea Form For A Cut-Flower Garden Look
This is a true hybrid tea rose, meaning you get those iconic, single-stem blooms that feel tailor-made for cutting. Pope John Paul II flowers in flushes through the growing season, giving you a steady rhythm of buds, blooms, and the next wave coming right behind. In the landscape, that repeat performance is what keeps a rose bed feeling alive rather than “done for the year” after one big show.
For the strongest rebloom, think of it as a simple routine: full sun, consistent deep watering while it establishes, and timely removal of spent blooms to help the plant reset and push new buds quickly. The reward is a rose that keeps showing up, especially in that prime summer window when gardens can start to feel tired. This one stays fresh, bright, and classic.
Upright, Bushy Growth That Looks Polished In Sunny Beds
Pope John Paul II typically grows into an upright, rounded shrub with a full, bushy habit. Mature size is commonly in the 4 to 5 foot range, with a spread around 3 to 4 feet when given good sun and soil, making it substantial enough to read as a feature without swallowing a bed. Dark green, glossy foliage sets off the white blooms beautifully, and the plant naturally looks “finished” when you give it the space and sun it wants.
It shines in high-visibility planting spots: along walkways, in mixed borders, near patios, or as a small grouping in a dedicated rose bed. If you want a clean designer look, use it as a repeating accent with consistent spacing, and keep the base mulched to reduce weeds and maintain even soil moisture. A little planning makes this rose look like it was installed by a pro.
Stronger Disease Performance With Smart Spacing And Airflow
No rose is completely maintenance-free in every climate, but Pope John Paul II is widely valued for good disease performance when grown in the right conditions. The biggest “secret” is airflow: full sun, open spacing, and watering at the base rather than over the leaves. Those basics go a long way toward keeping foliage cleaner and the plant more productive, especially through humid stretches.
If you have struggled with roses before, this is a great variety to try with a more modern, success-focused approach: plant in sun, avoid crowded planting, clean up fallen leaves, and feed on schedule so the plant stays vigorous. Healthy roses bloom more, resist stress better, and simply look better. With the right start, Pope John Paul II becomes a reliable, fragrant white centerpiece that earns its spot season after season.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 4 to 5 feet |
| Mature width: | 3 to 4 feet |
| Classification: | Hybrid Tea Rose |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Bloom Time / Color | Late spring through fall; pure white (may show a faint blush in cool temps) |
| Soil Condition: | Fertile, well-drained soil; slightly acidic to neutral preferred |
| Water | Medium; deep watering, allow slight dry-down between waterings |
| Resistance | Good disease performance with sun/airflow; heat tolerant; not reliably deer resistant |
| Landscape Uses | Cut flower gardens, rose beds, sunny borders, foundation plantings, patio-adjacent color, specimen shrub |
How to Care for Pope John Paul II Rose
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Pope John Paul II Rose for years to come!
How should I plant Pope John Paul II Rose?
Plant Pope John Paul II Rose in full sun with well-drained soil and good airflow. 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 help water soak into the root zone. Add a 2–3-inch layer of mulch to hold moisture and reduce weeds, keeping it a few inches away from the canes. If your soil stays wet, plant slightly high or improve drainage before planting. Roses reward a good start, and sun plus drainage are the two biggest factors that determine long-term success.
How often should I water Pope John Paul II Rose after planting?
Water deeply right after planting, then continue with a deep soak about once per week during the first growing season. In hot, dry weather or sandy soil, increase to twice per week. Deep watering builds deeper roots, which makes the rose more resilient and more consistent in blooming. After establishment, water during extended dry spells and during heavy bloom cycles when the plant is working hard. Always water at the base rather than overhead to support healthier foliage. The goal is steady moisture in the root zone, not constantly wet soil.
When should I fertilize Pope John Paul II Rose?
Fertilize in early spring as new growth begins using a rose fertilizer or a balanced slow-release fertilizer. This supports strong canes, healthy foliage, and a better bloom cycle. If you prefer a gentler approach, a compost top-dressing plus a rose fertilizer schedule works very well. Feed again after the first major bloom flush to encourage strong rebloom through summer. Avoid heavy fertilizing late in the season, which can push tender growth when the plant should be preparing to slow down. Consistent feeding, not aggressive feeding, is what produces the best flowers.
When and how should I prune Pope John Paul II Rose?
Prune in late winter or early spring before active growth begins. Remove dead or damaged wood first, then thin weak or crossing canes to open the center for airflow. Make clean cuts just above outward-facing buds so the plant grows into a balanced, vase-like form. During the season, deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering and keep the plant looking tidy. Avoid hard pruning during extreme heat. A thoughtful annual prune plus light in-season cleanup keeps Pope John Paul II blooming strongly and producing the long stems hybrid tea lovers want.
