‘National Pride’ is a beautiful and robust hybrid tea rose, bred by Meilland International. This variety is highly regarded for its large, classically-shaped, creamy-white blooms with a subtle hint of gold at their centre. Each exquisite, full-petalled flower releases an intoxicatingly strong, spicy perfume. The plant has an upright growth habit and a reputation for being particularly hardy and healthy, making it a reliable choice for gardens in various climates. In Australia, it is also known for being a charity fundraising rose that supports the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia.
Usage This rose is a perfect choice for adding elegance and a wonderful fragrance to any garden. Its long, sturdy stems make it ideal for cutting and creating stunning bouquets for a vase. Plant it in a dedicated rose garden, as a feature plant in a mixed garden bed, or as a fragrant focal point near a patio or path. Its manageable size also makes it an excellent candidate for growing in large pots and containers.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Plant in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Plenty of sun is crucial for promoting strong growth and continuous flowering.
- Soil: Prefers rich, loamy, and well-drained soil. For optimal results, enrich the soil with compost, well-rotted manure, or other organic matter before planting.
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during the warmer months and dry spells. Aim to water the soil rather than the foliage to minimise the risk of fungal diseases.
- Fertilising: Feed regularly throughout the growing season (spring to autumn) with a specialised rose fertiliser. This encourages a continuous display of flowers and maintains plant health.
- Pruning: Like other hybrid tea roses, ‘National Pride’ benefits from a hard prune in late winter to shape the bush and encourage vigorous spring growth. Throughout the flowering season, ‘deadhead’ spent blooms to encourage new flushes of flowers.
- Pests & Diseases: This variety has good natural resistance, but it’s still wise to monitor for common rose pests like aphids and diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions.
