General Culture:

Best grown in medium moisture, slightly acidic, well-drained garden loams in full sun to part shade. Best flowering and disease resistance generally occurs in full sun, however. Water deeply and regularly (mornings are best). Avoid overhead watering. Good air circulation promotes vigorous and healthy growth and helps control foliar diseases. Summer mulch helps retain moisture, keeps roots cool and discourages weeds. Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom. Crowns need winter protection in cold winter areas such as St. Louis. Remove and destroy diseased leaves from plants, as practicable, and clean up and destroy dead leaves from the ground around the plants both during the growing season and as part of a thorough cleanup during winter (dormant season). Prune as needed in late winter to early spring.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

ABBAYE DE CLUNY is a hybrid tea rose recently introduced by the House of Meilland of Cote d'Azure, France as part of their Romantica series. Romanticas are generally noted for their vigorous growth, strong fragrance, good disease resistance, repeat bloom, good winter hardiness and old rose feel. ABBAYE DE CLUNY is a compact, upright plant which typically grows 2.5-3' tall (less frequently to 4') and features profuse numbers of rounded, cup-shaped, apricot blooms (3" diameter) which have a very spicy fragrance. Blooms from May to frost. Leathery, dark green foliage. Named for the 11th century Benedictine monastery at Cluny in east central France.

Problems:

Roses are susceptible to a large number of diseases, the most common of which are black spot, powdery mildew, rust and rose rosette. Although good cultural practices are the first line of defense in disease control, regular preventative fungicide applications throughout the growing season are usually required, particularly in humid climates with regular rainfall such as the St. Louis area. Potential insect problems include aphids, beetles, borers, scale, thrips, rose midges, leafhoppers and spider mites. Local rose associations and extension services are usually able to offer specific recommendations and advice for selecting and growing roses.

Uses:

Best in small groups in borders, cottage gardens or rose gardens. Also effective as a specimen, informal hedge or along fences or foundations.

© Missouri Botanical Garden, 2001-2010