Zephirine Drouhin Rose

Zepherine Drouhin is an incredibly versatile rose. It can be grown as a climber attaining a height of 15’ to 20’ high, or it can be pruned and grown as a shrub rose. It can be grown on walls, trellises, arbors, fences or even around pillars. Pruned to 6’, it can be grown as a specimen plant or massed into a hedge.

The flowers are dark pink and 4 inches across with up to 20 petals. They appear in May like other heirloom roses, but then continue blooming until frost. Remove flowers that are past their prime to encourage new blooms. The fragrance is very strong and has been described as resembling raspberries.

The foliage is purple when young, darkening to green as it ages. The stems which are nearly thornless are also purple and can create winter interest in your garden after it sheds its leaves. The fact that it is nearly thornless makes it an excellent rose to grow if there are children in your family who might injure themselves on the thorns. In fact, it is often called the “Thornless Rose” although it is not truly thornless.