Absolutely Fabulous Rose Bushes

About Absolutely Fabulous Roses

Rose Absolutely Fabulous is a compact, repeat-flowering floribunda with fragrant double blooms in buttery yellow. The ruffled petals darken to a deep golden centre and gently fade as the flower ages, giving a delightful multi-tonal effect. The scent is unusual — a distinctive myrrh fragrance that is strongest in the evening.

Flowers are held in clusters from June until the first frosts, above glossy, dark-green foliage. It typically reaches 75cm in height and rarely exceeds 1m with normal pruning, making it ideal for the front of the border, large pots, or planting beneath windows where it won't block the view. It also has excellent disease resistance — a good choice if roses in your garden have suffered from black spot.

Absolutely Fabulous won the Rose of the Year Award 2010 and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. It was bred by Tom Carruth in the USA, who described it as one of the best roses he has ever produced. If you're looking for other colours in compact floribundas, see Ballerina (pink), Joie de Vivre (soft apricot) and Macmillan Nurse (white) — or browse our full range of floribunda roses.

Where Should I Plant Absolutely Fabulous Roses?

Absolutely Fabulous earns its keep in small spaces. It makes a perfect patio rose — frame a doorway with two large pots, or repeat-plant several in identical containers around a seating area. Guests will love the scent. Keep pots well watered and fed, and give them as much sun as possible; a little shade shouldn't affect performance too much.

In the garden, plant several en masse at the front of a border for a spectacular effect of changing yellow hues. They're best near paths where the myrrh-like scent can be enjoyed, perhaps underplanted with catnip or dwarf lavender. Heucheras with deep, contrasting foliage — Ebony, Plum Pudding, Obsidian, Dark Storm and Black Taffeta — are ideal companions and will hold their leaves through winter after the roses have been pruned.

If you're a flower arranger, Absolutely Fabulous is popular with British florists for its longevity in the vase. Cut stems while still in bud — the plant will quickly form new blooms.

How Do I Grow Absolutely Fabulous Roses?

This is one of the easiest roses to grow — compact, disease-resistant and happy in borders or large pots. Prune in late February, cutting the strongest shoots back to an outward-facing bud 30–40cm above soil level and removing the weakest shoots altogether. Deadhead throughout summer to keep the flowers coming.

For full planting and care instructions, including feeding, soil preparation and seasonal maintenance, see our complete guide to growing floribunda roses.

Why Buy Your Roses from Ashridge?

We've been growing and supplying roses since 1949, and by mail order since 2003. Our bareroot roses are grown in heavy clayey soil with masses of organic matter; perfect conditions for strong root development. They are lifted to order in the autumn and winter. For spring and summer sales, they are potted up using peat-free compost. All our roses are A-grade, and every plant is hand-picked, packed, and sent by next-day courier. Bareroot roses are covered by our no-quibble guarantee, and if anything isn't right, our team at Castle Cary is here to help.

History & Trivia

In the USA, this rose is named after the legendary TV chef Julia Child, who spotted a butter-yellow seedling at a friend's California garden and declared that if she ever had a rose named after her, that would be the one. Sadly, she died in 2004, just before its commercial release.

In the UK, where Julia Child is less well known, the rose was renamed 'Absolutely Fabulous' after the hit BBC comedy. In the trade, it is universally known as AbFab.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Absolutely Fabulous rose smell like?

It has a distinctive myrrh fragrance — unusual for a floribunda — which is strongest in the evening. It's medium-strength: noticeable when you're nearby, not overpowering.

Can I grow Absolutely Fabulous rose in a pot?

Yes. Its compact habit (75cm–1m) makes it one of the best floribundas for large containers. Keep it well watered, fed and in a sunny position.

Is Absolutely Fabulous rose disease resistant?

Very. It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit, which requires proven disease resistance, and is particularly reliable against black spot.

Is Absolutely Fabulous rose good for beginners?

Ideal. It's compact, rarely outgrows its space, has strong disease resistance and needs only a straightforward late-winter prune. One of the most forgiving floribundas to start with.

When does Absolutely Fabulous rose flower?

It repeat-flowers from June through to the first frosts, typically October or later in mild autumns.

Features

• Size: Compact
• Colour: Golden/buttery yellow
• Shape (of flowers): Double
• Flower type: Repeat continuous
• Scent: Medium, myrrh
• Flowering: June–October
• Group: Floribunda bush
• Height: 75cm–1m
• Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit, Rose of the Year 2010
• Good disease resistance
• Ideal for use in large pots, on a patio or terrace