Northwest Blooms · Roses
Rosa 'Arctic Blue'
Arctic Blue Floribunda Rose
- Rose type
- Floribunda
- Height
- 4 to 6 feet
- Bloom size
- Medium (3–4 in)
- Flower color
- Lavender pink that matures to lilac-blue with creamy-white reverse
- Fragrance
- Moderate
About this plant
Rosa 'Arctic Blue' is a floribunda rose with clusters of fully double lavender‑pink blooms that gradually age to a cool lilac‑blue, each showcasing a creamy‑white reverse. These richly petaled flowers appear continuously from late spring into fall, emitting a light citrus‑fruity fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies. The blossoms are carried atop glossy medium‑green foliage that remains healthy throughout the growing season. Their frilly petals resist fading even in high heat, and drought tolerance ensures dependable color and bloom performance in a variety of climates.
Bred in the United States by Christian Bédard and introduced in 2017, this rose earned recognition from trial gardens like American Rose Trials for Sustainability. Celebrated for its disease resistance, continuous flowering, and unique cool-toned blooms, 'Arctic Blue' adds elegant, long-lasting appeal to garden beds, borders, and cutting arrangements.
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. Floribundas bloom in generous clusters, and light shaping keeps the framework rounded and full.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Portland International Rose Test Garden.
