'Robin Hood' Rose

Robin hood roses (Rosa "Robin Hood") are favored by gardeners with less than ideal growing conditions. Many rose varieties are too susceptible to disease to be grown in gardens without full sunlight or where soil may be poor. Robin hood will thrive in locations where more delicate roses would most likely die.

Robin hood roses are hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture climate zones 6 through 9, although some claim these roses may be hardy through USDA zone 10. They will tolerate extreme temperatures, from winter lows of negative 10, through summer highs in the range of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the Garden
Ideally, these roses will be planted in an area of the garden where they will see full sun. If no such space exists in your garden, robin hood roses will tolerate some shade and as little as four hours of daylight per day. Full sun will encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Remember that these plants are rather large when fully grown, and they will need a space approximately 6 feet high and 5 feet wide.

Soil Type
Roses like slightly acidic, well-draining soil, in the range of 6.0 through 7.0. Robin hood is noted for its hardiness and resistance to disease and will tolerate poor soil conditions. Amend your soil with mature compost before planting. A raised flower bed could be necessary if your soils do not drain well.

Clusters of blooms on robin hood roses may be so abundant as to bend the canes nearly to the ground. Displaying continuous blooms throughout the growing season in the form of an an upright shrub, this rose bush makes an excellent specimen for a front yard. Robin hood roses may be used to divide two properties or cover an unattractive fence. Consider planting robin hood roses in a cottage garden, paired with wildflowers and lavenders.