Northwest Blooms · Roses
Rosa 'Cathedral Bells'
Cathedral Bells Rose
- Rose type
- Shrub
- Height
- 3 to 4 feet
- Bloom size
- Large (over 4 in) – cupped, old-fashioned blooms
- Flower color
- Lilac-pink to rose-pink
- Fragrance
- Strong
About this plant
Rosa 'Cathedral Bells' is a shrub rose with clusters of deeply cupped, lilac-pink blooms with layered petals and a strong anise-lavender fragrance. These richly scented flowers appear from late spring and continue in flushes through fall, carried above glossy dark green foliage on slightly arching stems. Its upright, slightly spreading habit combined with clean, disease-resistant leaves makes it well-suited for beds, mixed borders, or containers.
Bred in France by Georges Delbard around 2004, and introduced commercially in 2018, this rose is recognized for its classic bloom form and powerful scent. Awarded ADR status in Germany, 'Cathedral Bells' offers dependable performance, soothing fragrance, and elegant presence throughout the garden season.
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. Shrub roses need only light thinning, keeping their natural full shape and repeat bloom.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Portland International Rose Test Garden.
