Fragrant Rose Fiona's Wish

Superb, classic blooms, shaded cherry red with a creamy, amber reverse. The flowers are borne freely throughout the warmer months. A highly fragrant Rose, the award winning perfume is a delight (the most fragrant rose winner - 1999 Australian National Trial Grounds). A Hybrid Tea that rates an impressive 5/5 on our fragrance scale.

Rose 'Fiona's Wish' was named in honour of Fiona Coote and her tireless efforts to support the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. Grows 1.5m tall and 1m across.

Would any other Rose smell as sweet? Tesselaar has selected this Rose variety especially for its fragrance. You can rest assured it is also vigorous, hardy and disease resistant.

Rose bushes are upright, elegant shrubs that are adorned twice a year with spectacular showy blooms.

The basics of Rose care are simply ...

1. Keep the plants moist at all times, but never allow the roots to sit in water.

2. Feed generously and frequently, 2-3 times over the flowering season.

3. Keep pests to a minimum (this is usually not a problem if you start with a strong variety and keep it well watered and well fed).

4. Prune back once a year.

5. Keep the area around the roots weed free and ensure 4-6 hours of sun per day.

Loamy soils are ideal, though, Roses will grow in heavy top soils (if well drained) and sandy soils (if kept watered and fed more frequently). For Roses to thrive, good drainage is critical.

Tips for picking Rose blooms ...

1. Avoid picking in the first year

2. Never take more than 1/3 of the flower stem to help keep the bush productive and shapely.

3. Use a sharp blade and always cut to an outward facing bud.

4. If the Rose bush isn't growing vigorously remove the flowers without taking any leaves.

5. Pick Roses early in the morning - moisture and sugar levels are high so they tend to last longer.

6. Immerse Rose stems in warm water and re-cut stems under water.

7. Remove all thorns and foliage that will sit below the level of the vase.

8. For larger, prize winning blooms on established plants; we recommend that you 'disbud' by removing all the side buds whilst they are still small. This leaves the Rose plant able to put all its energy to concentrate on making the top bud larger. The end result is fewer, but larger, blooms.

Supplied as: Bare rooted