‘Pope John’ is an outstanding hybrid tea rose, renowned for its large, perfectly formed, and pristine white blooms. The flowers are high-centred and classic in shape, with a high petal count that gives them a full, lush appearance. The blooms release a delightful, sweet fragrance and are produced on long, sturdy stems, making them an excellent choice for cutting. This rose has a strong, upright growth habit and healthy, deep green foliage, providing a beautiful contrast to the immaculate white flowers. ‘Pope John’ is a truly elegant and sophisticated rose that performs exceptionally well in Australian climates.
Usage This classic rose is perfect for adding grace and beauty to any garden. It makes a stunning feature plant in a mixed garden bed or a dedicated rose garden. Due to its long, strong stems, it is an ideal cut flower for bringing indoors to a vase, where its beauty and fragrance can be fully appreciated. It also looks spectacular when planted in a row to create a hedge, or in a large container as a focal point. Its pure white colour makes it a favourite for wedding arrangements and formal gardens.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Plant in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Plenty of sun is essential for producing the best flowers and maintaining a healthy plant.
- Soil: Prefers rich, fertile, and well-drained soil. Before planting, enrich the soil with plenty of organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure, to improve its structure and fertility.
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during the dry summer months. It’s important to water the soil at the base of the plant and avoid getting the leaves wet to help prevent fungal diseases.
- Fertilising: To support its vigorous growth and abundant flowering, feed ‘Pope John’ regularly throughout the growing season (spring to autumn) with a specialised rose fertiliser.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the bush and remove any dead or weak stems. Regularly ‘deadhead’ spent flowers during the season to encourage continuous blooming.
- Pests & Diseases: This rose is generally healthy, but it’s still a good idea to monitor for common rose problems like black spot and powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions. Good air circulation is key to prevention.
