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Peace Rose

Rosa 'Madame A. Meilland'

The world's most famous rose, developed during WWII and symbolizing hope and peace with its stunning yellow petals edged in pink. This vigorous hybrid tea produces large, fragrant blooms that change color as they mature, creating a living masterpiece that has inspired gardeners for generations.

Sun

White-Tailed Deer

☀️

Zones

5–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-8 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

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Dec

Transplant

Showing dates for Peace Rose in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 rose →

Zone Map

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Peace Rose · Zones 5–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing3-4 feet

SoilRich, well-drained soil with good organic content

pH6.2-6.8

Water1-1.5 inches per week, deep watering preferred

SeasonPerennial, blooms from late spring through fall

FlavorN/A - Ornamental use only

ColorYellow with pink to red edges, color deepens with age

Size5-6 inch blooms

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 5	—	May – July	—	—
Zone 6	—	May – July	—	—
Zone 7	—	May – June	—	—
Zone 8	—	April – June	—	—
Zone 9	—	March – May	—	—
Zone 10	—	March – April	—	—

Complete Growing Guide

Light: White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet, 3 feet-6 feet, 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Propagation: Grafting.

Harvesting

The accessory fruit is called a hip and forms after the flowers finish blooming. The hip will appear under the sepals of where the flower was after the flower dies. They will turn from green to red. They are filled with many achenes surrounded by irritating hairs.

Color: Green, Red/Burgundy. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Showy

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: The fruit (called the hip) is edible.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh-cut Peace roses last 7-10 days in a clean vase with flower preservative or a homemade solution of 1 teaspoon bleach, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice per quart of water. Recut stems underwater every 2-3 days and change water completely to prevent bacterial buildup.

For drying, harvest blooms at peak color and hang them upside down in small bundles in a dark, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. Dried Peace roses retain their distinctive coloring better than many varieties. You can also preserve petals by air-drying them on screens for potpourri or pressing individual blooms between heavy books for 4-6 weeks. Store dried materials in airtight containers away from light to maintain color and fragrance for up to two years.

History & Origin

Origin: Temp. & Subtropical Northern Hemisphere (such as Europe & Asia)

Advantages

+Disease resistance: #showy flowers#fragrant flowers#heat tolerant#rose#tsc#cottage garden#security plant#high maintenance#English garden#cutting garden#border back#tsc-s#bee friendly#container plant#patio#hedge#prickles#shrub rose#cpp#walkway#HS111#HS303#hortcontest#nesting site#fpp
+Wildlife value: Wildlife is attracted to the edible hips. Single-flowered species and cultivars are attractive to bees. Dead stems are used by stem-nesting bees.
+Edible: The fruit (called the hip) is edible.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Lavender

Repels aphids, spider mites, and other rose pests while attracting beneficial pollinators

Marigold

Deters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies while adding vibrant color contrast

Garlic

Repels aphids, Japanese beetles, and fungal diseases when planted nearby

Chives

Prevents aphids and black spot disease while improving rose fragrance

Catmint

Repels ants, aphids, and rodents while attracting beneficial insects

Allium

Deters aphids, thrips, and Japanese beetles with strong sulfur compounds

Clematis

Provides vertical interest and shares similar water and nutrient requirements

Parsley

Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies that prey on aphids

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits rose growth and can cause wilting

Large trees

Compete heavily for water, nutrients, and create excessive shade for roses

Brassicas

Attract pests like cabbage worms and compete for similar soil nutrients

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Moderate resistance, requires regular care program

Common Pests

Aphids, thrips, spider mites, Japanese beetles, scale insects

Diseases

Black spot, powdery mildew, downy mildew, canker

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Peace rose take to grow and bloom?▼

Peace roses typically take 2-3 years to become fully established and reach their mature size of 4-6 feet. You'll see some blooms the first year after planting, but peak flower production and the characteristic large, fragrant blooms develop by the third year. Once established, Peace roses bloom from late spring through fall with 6-8 week cycles when properly deadheaded and fed.

Can you grow Peace roses in containers?▼

Yes, Peace roses can grow in large containers (minimum 20 gallons) with drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix amended with compost and place in full sun. Container plants need more frequent watering and feeding than garden-planted roses. In cold climates (zones 5-6), move containers to unheated garages or wrap them for winter protection, as roots are more vulnerable to freezing.

Is Peace rose good for beginners?▼

Peace roses are moderately challenging for beginners due to their susceptibility to common rose diseases like black spot and their need for regular feeding and pruning. However, they're forgiving once established and their vigorous growth habit helps them recover from mistakes. Start with proper site selection (full sun, good air circulation) and commit to a basic care routine for best success.

When should I plant Peace roses?▼

Plant bare-root Peace roses in early spring 4-6 weeks before your last frost date, or in fall 6-8 weeks before hard freeze. Container-grown roses can be planted anytime during the growing season, though spring and early fall planting allows better root establishment. Avoid planting during hot summer weather or when the ground is frozen.

Why are my Peace rose blooms smaller than expected?▼

Small Peace rose blooms usually indicate insufficient sunlight (needs 6+ hours daily), poor nutrition, water stress, or the plant is still young. Ensure regular feeding with rose fertilizer, consistent watering, and remove competing weeds. Young plants take 2-3 years to produce the characteristic large blooms Peace roses are famous for. Overcrowding and poor air circulation can also reduce bloom size.

Do Peace roses smell fragrant?▼

Yes, Peace roses have a strong, classic rose fragrance that's particularly intense in the morning and evening hours. The scent is sweet and carries well in garden settings, making them excellent choices near patios, windows, or walking paths. Fragrance intensity varies with temperature, humidity, and soil conditions—well-fed plants in ideal conditions produce the most aromatic blooms.