Rose Princess Alexandra of Kent -Bare root

Princess Alexandra of Kent is an English shrub rose with large, deeply cupped flowers in rich bright pink, deepening towards the centre. The fully petalled blooms carry a strong fresh tea fragrance that develops lemon notes and later hints of blackcurrant as the flowers age. Its bushy, rounded growth can give a mixed border a substantial flowering presence, while the stems may also be cut for indoor arrangements.

Key features

• Botanical name: Rosa 'Ausmerchant'
• Trade name: Princess Alexandra of Kent
• Breeder: David Austin
• Origin: United Kingdom
• Introduction year: 2007
• Rose type: English shrub rose
• Mature height: approximately 1.25 m
• Mature width: approximately 1.25 m
• Flower colour: rich bright pink, darker towards the centre
• Flower form: large, fully petalled, deeply cupped blooms
• Fragrance: strong fresh tea fragrance, developing lemon notes and later hints of blackcurrant as the flowers age
• Flowering habit: repeat flowering through summer and autumn
• Growth habit: bushy, rounded shrub
• Foliage: deciduous, with mid-green foliage
• Position: full sun to partial shade
• Soil: moist but well-drained soil
• Container suitability: suitable for a large container

Growing in Australia

An Australian rose-society source gives a mature size of approximately 1.25 m high and wide, making this a substantial rounded shrub rather than a compact patio rose. It can be grown in a garden bed, mixed border or hedge, with a large container as an option where adequate root space can be provided. Choose full sun to partial shade and moist but well-drained soil. Flowering is recorded through summer and autumn, although the timing and intensity of each flush may vary with local climate, seasonal weather and care.

Care tips

For general shrub rose care, water deeply at the root zone when the soil begins to dry, avoiding repeated shallow watering. Apply mulch to help retain moisture, keeping it clear of the stems. Feed with a suitable rose fertiliser during active growth according to the label directions. During the dormant season, remove dead, damaged or crowded growth and shape the shrub as needed. In a large container, monitor moisture more frequently because potting mix can dry faster than garden soil.

Best uses

• Mixed borders
• Garden beds
• Large containers
• Cut flowers

Purchase note

Available as a bare-root rose from Summer Garden. Product availability and plant size may vary by season.

FAQs

How large does Princess Alexandra of Kent grow?

It grows to approximately 1.25 m high and 1.25 m wide, forming a bushy, rounded shrub.

What colour are Princess Alexandra of Kent flowers?

The flowers are rich bright pink, with deeper colouring towards the centre.

What does Princess Alexandra of Kent smell like?

It has a strong fresh tea fragrance that develops lemon notes and later hints of blackcurrant as the flowers age.