How to Grow and Care for Queen Elizabeth Rose

Plant Care

With a deep pink shade with some hints of purple, Queen Elizabeth Rose is an impressive rose type for any rose garden or flower border. Being a Grandiflora, it combines strong structure with prolific flowering. It requires full sun, rich soil and regular moisture to flourish. With minimal  care, it will repay you with large, sweetly scented, pale pink blooms from late spring into fall. Its upright, bushy shape also makes it ideal for cut flowers and formal plantings.

Light

This rose loves full sun, which encourages strong growth and lots of blooms. It needs at least 6 hrs of direct sunlight a day, the more the better. Too little light can result in fewer flowers, leggy growth and more vulnerability to disease.

Soil

Queen Elizabeth Rose likes rich, loamy, well-drained soil. Incorporate compost or well-aged manure to add nutrients and create a better texture. A pH of 6.0–7.0 is ideal (slightly acidic to neutral).  Avoid heavy clay or overly sandy soils unless amended properly.

Watering

Water deeply and regularly, particularly during dry spells and when it flowers. Aim to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can invite fungal disease. Most roses require 1–2 inches of water a week, either from rain or irrigation.

Pruning

Pruning helps shape the rose, encourages healthy growth, and stimulates ongoing blooming. 

• In late winter or early spring, remove dead or damaged wood, then shape the plant by cutting back about one third of the previous year’s growth. 
• Cut just above outward-facing buds to encourage a more open and vase-like structure.
• Continue deadheading to promote blooms throughout the season. This will encourage the plant to produce new flowers and will keep the plant looking tidy. 
• In colder climates, prune again lightly in fall to remove any diseased or overly leggy stems.

Propagating

Propagation is most successful through hardwood cuttings taken in fall or early spring.

• Take a healthy, pencil-thick stem 6–8 inches long with some leaf nodes.
• Remove the bottom leaves and put the cut end into rooting hormone.
• Plant in a mix of potting soil and perlite; keep the medium lightly moist.
• Cover with a plastic bag or humidity dome to retain moisture.
• Within a few weeks to a couple of months, you should see new roots forming.

Though propagation may be rewarding, be aware that many cultivated roses are hybrids and are often grafted onto rootstock, meaning the cuttings won’t necessarily produce the exact same growth habits.

Growing in Pots

Queen Elizabeth Rose can be grown in large containers with proper care.

• Use a deep pot with good drainage (at least 18 inches wide and deep).
• Choose a potting mix specially for roses or amend regular soil with compost and perlite.
• Place in a  full sun location.
• Water regularly and feed monthly with a balanced rose fertilizer.

Container roses might need more frequent watering, especially in hot weather, and should be monitored even more closely for stress or pests than garden-grown specimens.

Overwintering

In USDA zones 5–9, the Queen Elizabeth Rose is hardy but still benefits from some winter protection. In colder zones:

• After the first frost, mound soil or mulch around the base of the plant.
• Protect stems with burlap if strong winds are a concern.
• For container-grown roses, move the pot to a sheltered location or unheated garage.
• Avoid heavy fall pruning; shaping should be done in spring.

Blooming

Queen Elizabeth Rose doesn’t merely bloom — it performs in graceful waves from late spring through fall. Instead of blooming continuously, it blooms in flushes, each bringing a fresh display of large, soft pink, double blooms that stand tall on strong, upright stems. These “royal” blooms bear an elegant inflorescence and a soft and delicate scent, just enough to enhance to the beauty without overwhelming the senses.

While it may not match the nonstop show of modern floribundas, this Grandiflora more than makes up for it with the quality and grace of each bloom cycle. Deadheading regularly will keep the plant looking its best and can also promote a second flush of flowers. With each flush, the Queen Elizabeth Rose returns with renewed poise — a garden presence that truly lives up to its royal name.

Common Issues

Queen Elizabeth Rose is mainly disease-resistant but can have some typical rose issues:

• Black spot → Most common in humid climates; prune for airflow and use neem or fungicides if needed.
• Powdery mildew → Prevent with spacing and sun exposure.
• Aphids or thrips →Treat with insecticidal soap or rinse with water.
• Japanese beetles → Hand-picking or applying rose-safe deterrents can help.

Summary

With its rich pink blooms, upright elegance, and historical roots, the Queen Elizabeth Rose truly earns its crown. A good option for modern and cottage gardens alike, it blends grace with resilience, providing color, fragrance and touch of monarchy from spring through fall. Whether you choose to plant it in honor of its namesake or just for its beauty, this rose will stand tall and bloom proudly for years to come.