Images Depict Mature Plants
Queen Elizabeth Rose Bushes
Rosa 'Queen Elizabeth'
Queen Elizabeth is my go-to when someone wants a rose that looks instantly classic without feeling fussy—tall, upright growth, elegant pink blooms, and long stems that make cutting feel effortless. Give it full sun, don’t crowd it, and keep watering at the base, and it will reward you with repeat flushes that keep your borders looking polished from late spring into fall.
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Queen Elizabeth Rose for Tall Pink Blooms, Long Stems, and Classic Garden Style
Iconic Pink Blooms With Grandiflora Elegance
Queen Elizabeth Rose is a true classic for a reason: it delivers refined, silver-pink to clear-pink blooms with the “formal rose” look people love. The flowers are full and double, often carried in long-stem clusters that sit proudly above the foliage, so the color reads from across the yard. If you want a rose that looks polished in the landscape and still feels romantic up close, this grandiflora hits the sweet spot.
The bloom style is perfect for gardeners who want a traditional rose garden feel without the fussy vibe. Plant it where the light can catch those soft pink petals—near a sunny fence line, behind lower perennials, or as a repeating feature in a long border. It’s the kind of rose that makes the whole bed look more “finished,” even when everything around it is still filling in.
Long-Stem Flowers Made For Cutting And Sharing
Queen Elizabeth shines as a cutting rose because it naturally produces long stems and showy blooms that look instantly bouquet-ready. Snip a few stems for the kitchen table, and you still have a beautiful plant outdoors because the upright growth keeps the shrub looking full. It’s a great choice for anyone building a cutting garden that feels classic rather than casual—pink roses, strong stems, and a timeless presence.
Fragrance is typically light and tea-like, which is perfect if you love a gentle scent that doesn’t overwhelm. Place it near a walkway or patio edge, and you’ll catch that soft rose perfume as you pass by. And because it blooms in recurring flushes from late spring into fall, you’re not waiting all season for one big moment.
Tall, Upright Growth That Anchors Sunny Borders
This is a rose with presence. Queen Elizabeth grows tall and upright, often reaching roughly 5–7 feet in height with a narrower spread than many shrub roses, making it ideal for the back of a bed or as a vertical accent in a sunny border. It’s also a smart choice if you want the rose color higher in the planting, where it can rise above mounding perennials and be read clearly from the street.
Because it grows vigorously, it’s easy to shape into a confident, well-structured shrub with a simple yearly prune. Give it room for airflow, and you’ll get stronger canes, better bloom stems, and easier maintenance. Think of it as your “signature pink” that brings height, bloom power, and classic form to the garden all season long.
Easy Success With Sun, Airflow, And Base Watering
Roses are always happiest with sun and breathing room, and Queen Elizabeth is no exception. Full sun supports heavier flowering, while good airflow helps foliage dry quickly after rain or watering. Water at the base instead of overhead, and you’ll reduce stress while keeping leaves cleaner and the plant more focused on growth and blooms.
A simple routine goes a long way: deep watering during establishment, mulch to steady moisture (kept off the canes), and feeding in spring plus after the first bloom flush. If you do those basics and avoid crowding, Queen Elizabeth becomes the kind of rose that feels rewarding instead of demanding—more blooms, better stems, and a healthier-looking shrub.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-10 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 4 to 6 feet |
| Mature width: | 3 to 4 feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun (best blooms) |
| Bloom Time / Color | Late spring to frost; soft pink to silver-pink |
| Fragrance | Mild, light tea fragrance |
| Pruning Season: | Late fall for winterization, deadheading all season to encourage reblooming |
| Soil Condition: | Fertile, well-drained soil; slightly acidic to neutral preferred |
| Water | Medium; deep watering, allow slight dry-down between waterings |
| Resistance | Not reliably deer resistant; good airflow supports cleaner foliage; moderate drought tolerance once established |
| Landscape Uses | Cutting gardens, rose beds, sunny borders, back-of-bed height, specimen shrub, cottage and formal gardens |
How to Care for Queen Elizabeth Rose
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Queen Elizabeth Rose plant for years to come!
How should I plant Queen Elizabeth Rose?
Plant Queen Elizabeth Rose in full sun with well-drained soil and room for 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 shape a shallow watering ring to direct 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 canes and crown. If your soil stays wet, plant slightly high or improve drainage before planting. Sun and drainage are the two biggest drivers of strong blooms and long-term performance.
How often should I water Queen Elizabeth 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 weather, sandy soil, or windy sites, increase to twice per week. Deep watering encourages deeper roots, which improves bloom consistency and heat tolerance. After establishment, water during extended dry spells and during heavy bloom cycles. Always water at the base rather than overhead so foliage stays drier. The goal is steady moisture in the root zone without keeping the soil constantly wet.
When should I fertilize Queen Elizabeth Rose?
Fertilize in early spring as new growth begins, using a rose fertilizer or balanced slow-release fertilizer. This supports strong canes and sets the stage for heavy flowering. Water after feeding so nutrients move into the root zone and don’t sit on dry soil. Feed again after the first major bloom flush to encourage repeat flowering through summer. Avoid heavy late-season fertilizing, which can push tender new growth when the plant should be slowing down. Consistent, moderate feeding produces the best flowers.
When and how should I prune Queen Elizabeth Rose?
Prune in late winter or early spring before active growth begins. Remove dead or damaged wood first, then thin weak and crossing canes to open the center for airflow. Make clean cuts just above outward-facing buds to encourage a balanced structure and strong, long-stem blooms. During the season, deadhead spent blooms to promote rebloom and keep the plant tidy. Avoid harsh pruning during extreme heat. A thoughtful annual prune plus light in-season cleanup keeps Queen Elizabeth productive and well-shaped.
