Remembrance Rose Bushes

• Variety Remembrance
• Type Floribunda
• Colour Scarlet-red, semi-double blooms in large clusters
• Fragrance Slight
• Height 75cm (2.5ft)
• Flowering June to October, repeat-flowering
• Disease resistance Good resistance to blackspot and powdery mildew
• Good for Borders, containers, cutting
• Sold as Bare root (November–March) and potted plants
• Delivered By next-day courier. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Remembrance is a scarlet-red floribunda with semi-double blooms borne in large clusters, bred by Harkness in 1992 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the First World War. A compact grower reaching just 75cm (2.5ft), this rose combines reliable disease resistance with striking colour that commands attention in any border or container display.

Remembrance, a Striking Floribunda for Summer Colour

Remembrance was created with real purpose. Jack Harkness bred it specifically to mark the 75th anniversary of the armistice, and the vivid scarlet-red of its semi-double blooms carries that commemorative spirit perfectly. The flowers appear in generous clusters from June through to October, so you'll have months of continuous colour without the gaps that plague less reliable varieties.

The compact habit makes this rose exceptionally useful in smaller gardens, containers and tight borders where taller varieties would dominate. At 75cm (2.5ft), it sits beautifully at the front of a rose bed or as a specimen in a large pot on a patio. The clusters are generous enough to make real impact, and the semi-double form gives you that classic rose appearance without the formality of fully double blooms.

We've found that Remembrance performs best in a sunny position with well-drained soil, though it's forgiving enough to tolerate partial shade. The slight fragrance won't fill the garden, but the visual impact more than compensates for that. This is a rose you grow for colour, structure and reliability rather than perfume.

Disease Resistance You Can Rely On

One of Remembrance's strongest suits is its documented resistance to blackspot and powdery mildew. Both are common problems in UK gardens, particularly in wet summers or humid conditions, so breeding for resistance was a smart move by Harkness. You'll spend less time spraying and more time enjoying the roses. Good air circulation helps any rose perform better, so don't crowd plants together, but Remembrance will reward you with healthy foliage season after season.

The combination of disease resistance, compact growth and repeat-flowering makes this an intelligent choice for gardeners who want year-on-year performance without constant intervention. It's the sort of variety that justifies itself quickly in the garden.

Growing Remembrance in Containers and Borders

The compact 75cm (2.5ft) height makes Remembrance one of the few floribundas that truly excels in containers. A 45cm pot filled with quality compost will support this rose for years, and the bright scarlet works beautifully alongside silver-foliaged companions like artemisia or senecio. In borders, plant at 60cm spacing and you'll create a ribbon of colour through the summer months. Deadheading spent flower clusters encourages fresh blooms, though Remembrance is naturally generous with its flowering regardless.

Companion Plants for Scarlet Floribunda Roses

The bold scarlet of Remembrance demands carefully chosen companions. Cool-toned lavenders in purple or blue create a classic combination, while silver-foliaged herbaceous perennials like artemisia soften the intensity. Clematis in pale pink or white work well nearby, as do architectural plants like alliums with their spherical purple flowerheads. For year-round structure, underplant with dark-foliaged heuchera or ajuga to anchor the bright blooms visually.

Why Buy Your Roses from Ashridge Nurseries?

We supply Remembrance budded onto vigorous rootstock and grown by specialist rose growers to exacting standards. Award-winning service and Feefo Platinum recognition mean you're buying from people who know roses. Browse our full floribunda rose collection here.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Remembrance?

Plant bare-root roses between November and March while dormant. Potted roses can go in the ground year-round, though autumn and spring establishment is strongest. Avoid planting during hard frosts or waterlogged conditions.

How often does Remembrance flower?

It's a repeat-flowering floribunda, blooming continuously from June to the first hard frosts in autumn. Deadheading spent clusters encourages faster repeat cycles, though this rose flowers generously whether you do or not.

Does Remembrance need pruning?

Yes. In late February or early March, cut back to 30-40cm, removing any diseased or weak growth. Light deadheading during summer keeps flowers coming. Full guidance is in our rose pruning guide.

Can I grow Remembrance in a container?

Absolutely. Its compact 75cm habit is ideal for pots. Use a 45cm container with quality compost, water regularly in summer and feed monthly during the growing season. Repot every two to three years.

What's the disease resistance like?

Remembrance has good documented resistance to blackspot and powdery mildew, two major UK rose problems. Healthy air circulation and avoiding wet foliage at night further reduces disease pressure in the garden.