‘Summer Memories’ is a beautiful hybrid tea rose that lives up to its romantic name. It produces huge, classically shaped, fully petalled blooms of a soft, creamy-white colour. The flowers have a high-centred form and can have a blush of soft apricot in the centre, particularly in cooler weather. Its main highlight is the powerful, sweet, and fruity fragrance that is simply intoxicating. The plant has a strong, upright growth habit and a good reputation for health and vigour. It’s a fantastic rose for adding timeless elegance and a wonderful perfume to the garden.
Usage This rose is a perfect choice for gardeners who appreciate both visual beauty and a strong fragrance. Its large, stunning blooms make it an excellent feature plant in a mixed garden bed or a dedicated rose garden. The flowers are produced on long, sturdy stems, making them ideal for cutting to create beautiful and fragrant bouquets for a vase. Plant ‘Summer Memories’ near a path, a patio, or an outdoor entertaining area to truly appreciate its delightful scent on a warm evening.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Plant in a position that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This is crucial for producing the best flowers and maintaining a healthy, vigorous 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 regularly, especially during the dry summer months. It’s best to water the soil at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can help to prevent fungal diseases.
- Fertilising: To support its vigorous growth and abundant flowering, feed ‘Summer Memories’ 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 to encourage continuous blooming.
- Pests & Diseases: While it is generally a healthy rose, 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.
