Maidens Blush Rose Bushes

• Variety: Maiden's Blush
• Type: Shrub Rose (Alba)
• Colour: Soft blush pink fading to near-white at the edges, double blooms with quartered form
• Fragrance: Strong – sweet, classic rose
• Height: 150cm (5ft)
• Flowering: One flush in late June and July
• Disease resistance: Good resistance to blackspot and powdery mildew
• Good for: Borders, specimen planting, shade, poor soils, wildlife, cutting
• Sold as: Bare root (November–March) and potted plants
• Delivered: By next-day courier. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Maiden's Blush is a historic Alba shrub rose with soft blush-pink double blooms that fade to near-white, flowering in a single glorious flush in late June and July. Extremely hardy, shade tolerant, and resistant to blackspot and powdery mildew, this ancient cultivar is an easy-care choice for any garden.

Maiden's Blush, the Rosa Alba for every gardener

This is one of the oldest roses in cultivation, documented since at least the 15th century and still treasured today. In France, it has long been known as 'Cuisse de Nymphe' – a name that speaks to its romantic appeal. What makes Maiden's Blush so special is not merely its age, but its unflinching garden performance. Unlike many historic roses that demand coddling, this Alba will thrive where others sulk: in partial shade, in poor soil, in exposed positions. It flowers once, gloriously, with masses of quartered, double blooms that open soft blush pink and gradually fade to a luminous near-white. The fragrance is strong and unmistakably old-rose – sweet, complex, and completely intoxicating.

The foliage is another quiet strength. Alba roses are prized for their distinctive grey-green leaves, a cool, refined backdrop that flatters the pale flowers and persists long after bloom time is over. Maiden's Blush grows to around 150cm (5ft), making it a natural focal point in borders or a fine specimen planted on its own. It is extremely hardy and genuinely disease-resistant – good resistance to both blackspot and powdery mildew means you can plant it and largely leave it alone.

If you are drawn to old roses but have struggled with finicky varieties, or if you have a shady corner that needs a scented shrub, Maiden's Blush rewards you with authenticity and reliability in equal measure.

Shade, poor soil, and hardship – Maiden's Blush excels where others fail

Many modern roses are sunshine addicts, but Maiden's Blush has been bred and selected over five centuries to cope with real gardens – and real gardens often have shade. Plant it under deciduous trees, against a north-facing wall, or in spots where light is dappled and indirect. It will flower reliably. Its tolerance of poor soil is equally valuable. You need not dig in lavish quantities of compost or specialist rose feed; this rose expects little and delivers much. The combination of shade tolerance, soil forgiveness, and disease resistance makes Maiden's Blush ideal for organic gardeners or anyone who simply wishes to garden with less fuss.

Hardiness is exceptional. It will withstand hard winters, coastal winds, and neglect – though of course, you'll reward it with basic care. The single flush of flowers in June and July is a feature, not a flaw. Embrace it as an annual event, a moment of peak perfection rather than an endless display.

Companion Plants for Historic Roses

Maiden's Blush is at home in borders with other heritage plants. Consider pairing it with lavender for soft colour and a dry-soil partnership, or with clematis that can weave through its stems. Allium adds architectural interest and complements pink flowers beautifully. For a full herbaceous scheme, combine it with hardy perennials like catmint and salvia, which flower through summer as Maiden's Blush finishes. Or plant a quartet of Alba roses together from our shrub rose collection.

Why Buy Your Roses from Ashridge Nurseries?

Our Maiden's Blush roses are budded onto vigorous rootstock and grown by specialist growers to exacting standards. As winners of the Which? Gardening Best Plant Supplier award and the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, we pride ourselves on quality and service. Browse our full rose collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to plant Maiden's Blush?

Bare-root plants are best planted November to March when dormant. Potted plants can go in at any time, but autumn and early spring are ideal for establishment.

Does Maiden's Blush need pruning?

Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood and shape the plant. Our rose pruning guide has full instructions.

Can I grow Maiden's Blush in a pot?

Yes. Use a large pot at least 45cm deep, filled with quality rose compost. Water regularly and feed monthly during the growing season.

Why does my Maiden's Blush only flower once?

Alba roses are naturally once-flowering. That single flush is their charm and why they are so prolific – enjoy the abundance in June and July rather than scattered flowers all summer.

Is Maiden's Blush scented?

Yes. It has a strong, sweet, classic old-rose fragrance – one of its finest qualities. Cut blooms indoors and the scent will fill a room.