Rosa 'Bonica'

Description: A perpetual flowering bush rose with dainty soft pink flowers in sprays. This repeat flowering modern shrub rose producing sprays of dainty, fully double, slightly fragrant, soft pink flowers. Upright and arching branches produce flowers at the tips from late spring until late summer. Has tidy, spreading habit with deep-green foliage and good disease resistance.

Uses: Suitable for mixed beds and borders as well as hedging and screens.

Climate/Position: Sunny open position prefered but will also be happy in partial shade.

Height/Spread: Will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.2m

Soil Requirements: Though roses will tolerate most soil types, for best results roses prefer deep, rich, free draining soils with plenty of organic matter.

Avoid planting in sites that have previously been used for growing roses. Add organic matter before planting and mulch regularly for best results.

Pruning: Pruning roses is best undertaken at the end of February. On all plants remove any dead and diseased stems, as well as very weak and thin stems, and then the oldest stems to encourage rejuvenation. Try to develop an open vase shaped bush for better air movement to reduce risk of pests and disease. Cut down the height by between one third and two thirds.

Within the flowering season, dead heading blooms after colour throughout the season will improve the overall look and flowering capacity of the plant.

Special Requirements: Feeding roses in spring and applying annual mulch will enhance performance, encourage healthy growth and lead to improved flowering.

Additional Interest: Trade name 'Meidomonac' Introduced by French rose breeders Meilland in 1981