Rose 'Gentle Hermione'

Feed with blood fish and bone twice a year, just as the rose starts into growth in the spring and again after the first flush of flowers. Scrape back the surface soil under the bush and sprinkle on a handful of blood fish and bone. Work it in carefully avoiding the roots that run close to the surface
Deadhead frequently to promote new buds
Prune in the dormant season. Remove dead, diseased or damaged wood. Where twi stems cross select the one that works best for the overall plan and remove the other completely. The remaining stems can be shortened by a half, a third or two thirds depending upon the space available for the rose to grow into. Always cut to an outward facing bud

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

Roses are not normally grown from seed as they do not come true to the parent plants. However they easily take from hard wood cuttings taken in the autumn. Commercially, roses are budded onto rootstock

Plant out bare root roses in the dormant season. Dig a hole large enough to take the roots without bending and deep enough to cover the union by about 3cm. Backfill adding a handful of blood fish and bone, firm in and water well.
Container grown roses can be planted at any time of year but need more careful attention after planting. Water the roses well during dry periods in the first season

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

David Austin Roses, Albrighton, Shropshire, UK

‘Hermione’ from William Shakespeare’s The Winters Tale; the virtuous and beautiful Queen of Sicily.