A tough, spreading polyantha groundcover rose smothered in dense sprays of tiny soft-pink rosettes from summer into autumn. Disease-resistant, undemanding and lovely cascading from pots and low walls.
At a glance
- Plant type: Spreading groundcover
- Mature size: 60 cm H × 1.2 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About The Fairy Rose
Rosa 'The Fairy' is a moderate-growing spreading groundcover in the Rosaceae family. It reaches around 60 cm tall and 1.2 m wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Pink flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow The Fairy Rose
The Fairy Rose suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
The Fairy Rose does best in free-draining, loamy and clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
The Fairy Rose is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune The Fairy Rose after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using The Fairy Rose in the garden
The Fairy Rose earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, pots and courtyard containers, hanging baskets and feeding bees and pollinators. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair The Fairy Rose with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
It is thorny — useful as a barrier, but wear gloves when pruning.
Buying The Fairy Rose
Plant Sale lists The Fairy Rose as potted plants and bare-root stock. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.