MacMillan Nurse Shrub Roses

Rosa Macmillan Nurse

We love this rose. Jettison all ideas of starchy primness, the Macmillan Nurse rose is a glorious rosette of about 41 petals arranged impeccably into a four-inch bloom of ruffled, white petticoats that sometimes veer towards a peachy colour. The heavily scented, old-fashioned flowers grow in clusters and will bloom continuously the summer and may even repeat in autumn. The leaves are green and glossy and the whole plant will do well even in some shade. Fabulously resistant to all the various ailments to which roses tend to succumb, Macmillan Nurse is a model of rose probity and beauty, and we think a great addition to our range of UK grown roses for sale.

Macmillan Nurses to the rescue

As well as being very beautiful, the Macmillan Nurse rose is extremely practical. Its compact shape means that it will slot in well into mixed borders with other perennial shrubs like Nepetas and Penstemons and it can even be used as an ornamental hedge. Unfussy about the luxuries of life, Macmillan Nurse will thrive even in poorer soils and with a bit of shade; it is hardy and makes a great subject for a pot on a terrace too. If your tastes tend to the more showy and colourful as well, then why not marry her up with Rosa de Rescht, resplendent with similarly shaped deep pink blooms? Otherwise, have a look at the long list of shrub roses to devise your own combinations.

Features of Rosa Macmillan Nurse

• Height: 0.9x0.9 m
• Colour: White to peach
• Shape: Cushioned double
• Scent: Strong, floral
• Flowering period: June-September
• Type: Shrub

About Macmillan Nurses

The Macmillan Nurses are a charity set up to help, support and nurse those with cancer. Amanda Beales bred this rose in 1998, which was introduced at the Chelsea Flower Show where it garnered plaudits straight away. It has become one of the most popular double white roses around.

How to plant Macmillan Nurse Shrub Roses

Dig a hole deep enough to allow the graft to finish at soil level when planted and with plenty of room for the roots. Improve the soil from the hole by removing large stones, weeds, roots and other rubbish and mixing in about 25% by volume of well rotted compost or manure. Wet the roots and sprinkle with Rootgrow so it stays in contact with the roots. If planting a pot grown plant gently loosen some of the roots before planting.

Position the plant so the roots are spread out and it is set at approximately the same level in the soil as it was before being transplanted. The union should be level with the soil when you have finished planting. Backfill the hole with the planting mix, firming it down as you go. Water in thoroughly. Water again a day or two later and then keep watering in dry spells.