Rose 'Roald Dahl'

Feed with blood fish and bone as the plant starts into growth in the spring and again after the first flush of flowers. Scrape the soil from around the base of the rose and carefully work in a hand full, recover being careful not to damage the roots that run close to the surface.
Dead head as the season progresses to promote new blooms.
Prune in the dormant season, remove dead or diseased wood. Any crossing stems choose the best and remove the other. Always cut to an outward facing bud. Reduce the length of the remaining stems by a half or a third or two thirds depending upon the desired result

Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that Roald Dahl is thought of as hardy, so this plant will survive close to or on freezing temperatures.

Not normally grown from seed, as the seedlings do not grow like the parent plant. Roses are easily rooted from hard wood cuttings, and in a commercial situation roses are budded onto rootstock

Dig a hole large enough to fit the roots without constriction and deep enough to cover the union by about 3 cm. Back fill adding blood fish and bone, firm in and water well.
Container grown roses can be planted at any time of year, bare root roses establish more easily but can only be planted in the dormant season
Water well in dry weather, during the first year

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Roald Dahl is a hardy plant.

David Austin, Albrighton, Shropshire UK

Roald Dahl children author

Peachy colour reflects the title of one of Roald Dahl’s well known stories ‘James and the Giant Peach’