ROSA THE POETS WIFE

Care Information for Rosa 'The Poet’s Wife'

Rosa 'The Poet’s Wife' is a beautiful, fragrant English shrub rose bred by David Austin. It features rich, golden-yellow blooms that fade gracefully to a soft yellow over time. With its compact, rounded growth habit, it makes an excellent choice for borders, rose beds, and container planting. The strong lemon fragrance, combined with its repeat-flowering nature, makes it a favorite among rose enthusiasts.

Planting Rosa 'The Poet’s Wife'

• Best Planting Time – Ideally planted in late autumn to early spring (October to March), though potted roses can be planted at any time of year.
• Soil Requirements – Prefers moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0) is ideal.
• Sunlight Needs – Thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). While it tolerates partial shade, flowering may be reduced.
• Planting Depth & Spacing – Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Place the rose so that the graft union (swollen area where the stems join the roots) is just above soil level. Space plants 80-100cm (2.5-3ft) apart to allow for good air circulation.
• Watering After Planting – Water deeply and thoroughly after planting to help the roots establish.

Caring for Rosa 'The Poet’s Wife'

Watering

• Water deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry spells.
• Avoid watering the foliage to prevent fungal diseases such as black spot or powdery mildew.
• Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for best results.

Feeding & Fertilization

• Spring Feeding – Apply a balanced rose fertilizer or slow-release granular feed in early spring as new growth emerges.
• Mid-Summer Boost – A second feed in early summer encourages continued blooming.
• Organic Matter – Adding compost, well-rotted manure, or fish bone meal improves soil fertility.

Pruning

• Annual Pruning (Late Winter/Early Spring) – Prune in February or March before new growth starts.
• How to Prune – Remove dead, diseased, or weak stems and cut back old wood to encourage fresh, vigorous shoots.
• Encouraging Bushy Growth – Trim stems by one-third to maintain a compact shape.

Mulching

• Apply a 5cm (2-inch) layer of mulch around the base of the plant in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Avoid direct contact with stems to prevent rot.

Common Pests & Diseases

• Aphids & Greenfly – Can be controlled with insecticidal soap or natural predators such as ladybirds.
• Black Spot & Powdery Mildew – Prevent by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
• Rose Sawfly Larvae – Can be picked off by hand or treated with organic pesticides.

Best Uses for Rosa 'The Poet’s Wife'

• Garden Borders – Adds color and fragrance to mixed flower beds.
• Patios & Containers – Compact size makes it suitable for large pots and planters.
• Cottage Gardens – Perfect for traditional, romantic garden designs.
• Cut Flower Arrangements – Produces long-lasting, scented blooms for indoor displays.
• Wildlife-Friendly Gardens – Attracts bees and pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.

Final Tips for Growing Rosa 'The Poet’s Wife'

• Regular Deadheading – Removing spent flowers encourages repeat blooming.
• Winter Protection – In harsh winters, apply a layer of mulch or horticultural fleece to protect roots.
• Avoid Overcrowding – Space plants adequately to reduce disease risk and improve airflow.
• Support & Training – If grown against a wall or trellis, secure stems with soft ties to provide stability.

With proper care, Rosa 'The Poet’s Wife' will reward you with abundant golden-yellow blooms, a delightful fragrance, and continuous flowering throughout the growing season

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.