Northwest Blooms · Roses
Rosa 'About Face'
About Face Grandiflora Rosa
- Rose type
- Grandiflora
- Height
- 4 to 5 feet
- Bloom size
- Large (4 to 5 inches)
- Flower color
- Golden orange; darker reverse petals
- Fragrance
- Strong
About this plant
Rosa 'About Face' is a floribunda rose known for its rich, bicolor blooms that open in warm shades of golden-orange with darker reverse petals. The flowers are large, double, and lightly ruffled, appearing repeatedly from late spring through fall. Each bloom carries a strong, fruity fragrance with citrus and spice notes, making it a standout in both garden beds and floral arrangements. Clusters of blossoms are held on upright stems, ideal for cutting and long-lasting in vases.
Bred by Tom Carruth and introduced by Weeks Roses in 2005, 'About Face' was developed from a cross that includes 'Oklahoma' and 'Julia Child'. It features deep green, glossy foliage that enhances the bold coloration of the blooms and offers excellent disease resistance even in humid conditions.
Planting & care
Roses reward a sunny, open site with at least six hours of direct light, good air movement, and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water deeply and less often, soaking the root zone while keeping the leaves dry, and mulch with two to three inches of compost or shredded bark held back from the canes. Feed repeat-blooming roses in early spring as growth starts and again after the first flush, then prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing canes and open the center. Grandifloras carry clustered blooms on taller stems, so a sturdy, open framework pays off.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Woodland Park Rose Garden.
