Oranges and Lemons Rose Bushes

• Variety: Oranges and Lemons
• Type: Floribunda
• Colour: Orange-red striped with yellow
• Fragrance: Slight, sweet
• Height: 100cm (3.5ft)
• Flowering: June to October, repeat-flowering
• Good for: Borders, containers, cut flowers
• Sold as: Bare root (November–March) and potted plants
• Delivered: By next-day courier. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Oranges and Lemons is a McGredy floribunda bred in New Zealand in 1992, with striking orange-red flowers striped with golden yellow. Each bloom is uniquely patterned, making this a bold and eye-catching rose that demands attention from June right through to October. We think it's one of the most vivid and unusual colour combinations in the modern rose world.

Oranges and Lemons, A Striped Sensation for Summer Colour

This is a rose that doesn't do subtlety. The striped orange-red and yellow colouring is vivid, almost electric, and because the variegation pattern differs on every single bloom, no two flowers are ever quite the same. That unpredictability is part of the charm. In a border full of softer pastels, Oranges and Lemons cuts through like a shout of joy. The flowers arrive in clusters typical of floribunda roses, giving you plenty of colour from a relatively modest plant.

At 100cm tall, it's a compact floribunda that works just as well in a container as it does in a mixed border. The slight, sweet fragrance won't fill a room, but it's a pleasant bonus on a summer's day. What matters here is colour and longevity of flower. From June until the first hard frost in autumn, you'll have constant blooms if you deadhead spent flowers regularly. That's five months of reliable, showstopping display.

This variety came from the renowned New Zealand breeder McGredy, whose roses are known for vigour and disease resistance. Oranges and Lemons inherits that sturdy constitution. It's a straightforward, reliable plant that rewards you with prolific flowering season after season.

Growing Oranges and Lemons in Your Garden

Like all floribundas, this rose thrives in full sun with at least six hours of direct light daily. Plant it in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Space plants 60-90cm apart to allow air circulation. In spring, prune to an outward-facing bud at around 30cm from ground level, removing any dead or diseased wood. Throughout the growing season, regular deadheading will keep the blooms coming. Cut off spent flower clusters just above the first outward-facing leaf.

Water deeply but infrequently during dry spells. A mulch of garden compost or well-rotted manure in spring helps retain moisture and feeds the plant as it breaks down. In containers, use a quality rose compost and water more frequently, especially during hot weather. Container-grown roses may need feeding fortnightly during the growing season with a balanced rose fertiliser.

Perfect for Bold Colour Schemes

Oranges and Lemons is unapologetically bold, so it demands confident placement. Pair it with deep purple salvias, silver-foliaged artemisias, or dark-leaved heucheras to make the striped flowers sing. It also works beautifully with other warm-coloured floribundas for a hot-border effect. The compact habit means it's excellent for patios and containers, where you can position it as a focal point in full view. As a cut flower, it brings that same eye-catching drama indoors, though the slight fragrance means it's primarily a visual rather than aromatic pleasure.

Companion Plants for Striking Roses

Orange-red striped roses demand equally confident companions. Combine Oranges and Lemons with clematis in deep purples, such as Jackmanii, to create a rich, layered effect. Silver-leaved lavender provides a cooling foil to the warm colours. Dark ornamental alliums, like Allium sphaerocephalon, echo the rose's intensity. For height and structure, add tall herbaceous perennials like achillea or solidago in gold and amber tones.

Why Buy Your Roses from Ashridge Nurseries?

Our roses are budded onto vigorous rootstock and grown for us by specialist growers. As winners of the Which? Gardening Best Plant Supplier award and Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, we've earned our reputation since 1949. Browse our full floribunda collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oranges and Lemons fragrant?

It has a slight, sweet fragrance rather than a strong scent. This floribunda prioritises colour and flower production over perfume, though the delicate fragrance is a pleasant bonus on warm days.

When should I prune Oranges and Lemons?

Prune in early spring as new growth emerges, cutting to outward-facing buds at around 30cm. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing wood. For detailed guidance, see our rose pruning guide.

How tall does Oranges and Lemons grow?

This floribunda reaches approximately 100cm (3.5ft) in height, making it a compact variety suitable for borders, containers, and smaller gardens. Spread is similar to height.

Can I grow Oranges and Lemons in a pot?

Yes, its compact 100cm height makes it ideal for containers. Use quality rose compost, ensure good drainage, and water regularly. Potted roses benefit from feeding during the growing season.

What's the difference between Oranges and Lemons and other floribundas?

The unique striped orange-red and yellow colouring sets it apart. Each bloom is individually patterned, making it genuinely unique. Explore our full floribunda range for comparison.