Ruby Anniversary Rose Bushes

• Variety: Ruby Anniversary
• Type: Floribunda
• Colour: Deep ruby-red, double blooms in good-sized clusters
• Fragrance: Slight
• Height: 75cm (2.5ft)
• Flowering: June to October, repeat-flowering
• Good for: Borders, beds, containers, gifting
• Sold as: Bare root (November–March) and potted plants
• Delivered: By next-day courier. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Ruby Anniversary is a deep ruby-red floribunda with double blooms carried in generous clusters from June right through to October. Named to mark the 40th wedding anniversary, this compact bushy rose is a reliable repeat-flowerer and a popular choice for commemorative plantings.

Ruby Anniversary, the Rose of Celebration

The colour of this rose was chosen specifically to represent the ruby 40th anniversary, and it delivers that deep crimson-red with real presence. The blooms are fully double, with that generous cluster-flowering habit that defines a good floribunda, so you get substantial floral impact even on a relatively compact plant. Throughout the growing season from June through to the first frosts, Ruby Anniversary keeps on flowering reliably. This is a rose that rewards you with colour, not just once in early summer, but week after week if you deadhead spent flowers.

At 75cm tall, Ruby Anniversary sits comfortably in the front to middle ranks of a mixed border. Its bushy, tidy habit means it needs less space than many hybrid teas, making it particularly useful in smaller gardens or where you want to pack in colour without creating an unwieldy tangle of canes. It is a rose that looks purposeful and garden-worthy, not fussy or overwrought.

The slight fragrance is honest rather than overwhelming, which suits many modern gardeners who prefer to layer scent across the garden rather than rely on a single dominant rose. The form is clean and relatively pest-resistant in normal years, and the growth is vigorous enough to establish quickly once planted.

Why Plant Ruby Anniversary for an Anniversary Gift

Ruby Anniversary rose makes a meaningful way to mark a significant milestone. A 40th anniversary rose planting is far more personal and longer-lasting than cut flowers. Whether you plant it in a dedicated border, a container by the front door, or as part of a larger scheme, it will flower reliably year after year as a living reminder of the occasion. Many customers have told us they planted Ruby Anniversary to mark their own 40th, or given it to friends or family as a thoughtful, growing gift that improves with age.

The deep red colour is elegant without being heavy, and works beautifully alongside silver-leaved perennials, white companions, or mixed with other reds for dramatic effect. Its compact habit makes it ideal for container planting too, so even gardeners with limited space can enjoy it on a sunny patio or by the garden door.

Growing and Caring for Ruby Anniversary

Like all floribundas, Ruby Anniversary prefers a sunny spot and well-draining soil enriched with organic matter at planting time. Once established, it is fairly forgiving and responds well to deadheading in summer and a light prune in spring. Prune out any diseased or crossing growth and cut back the main canes by about one third to maintain shape and encourage new flowering shoots. Full guidance on pruning is available in our pruning roses guide.

Companion Plants for Celebratory Roses

Ruby Anniversary looks stunning when partnered with cool silver foliage such as lavender or artemisia, which throw the deep red into sharp relief. Try pairing it with lavender plants for a classic cottage garden effect, or add white or pale pink roses nearby for a layered colour scheme. Herbaceous perennials like delphiniums or salvias provide height and structure around the rose, while allium bulbs in early summer create architectural interest. For a single specimen planting, surround it with clematis on a nearby support to extend the season of colour.

Why Buy Your Roses from Ashridge Nurseries

Our roses are budded onto vigorous rootstock and grown for us by specialist growers. We are Which? Gardening Best Plant Supplier award winners and hold the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award. Explore our full floribunda rose collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Ruby Anniversary

Bare root roses are planted from November to March when dormant. Potted plants can go in at any time of year, though autumn and spring are ideal. Bare root roses establish more quickly and offer better value for money. Read our how to grow roses guide for full planting instructions.

How tall does Ruby Anniversary grow

Ruby Anniversary reaches approximately 75cm (2.5ft) tall. It is a compact floribunda suitable for borders, beds, and containers. Space plants 60cm apart when planting in groups for best effect.

Is Ruby Anniversary fragrant

Ruby Anniversary has a slight fragrance. If scent is important to you, consider pairing it with scented roses or companion plants like lavender to layer fragrance throughout your garden.

When does Ruby Anniversary flower

Ruby Anniversary flowers from June to October with repeat blooms throughout the season. Deadheading spent flowers encourages further flowering and keeps the plant tidy. This makes it one of the longest-flowering roses in the garden.

Can Ruby Anniversary be grown in a container

Yes, Ruby Anniversary works well in a large container (at least 45cm diameter) filled with quality compost. A sunny sheltered position and regular watering in summer will keep it flowering freely. Container roses need refreshing with fresh compost every spring.