Description: Rose 'Pope John Paul II' is an exquisite hybrid tea rose revered for its pristine white blooms and powerful, citrus-like fragrance. Bred in the United States and named in honour of the late Pope, this rose is a symbol of purity, peace, and elegance. The large, luminous flowers are perfectly formed with a classic high-centred shape, borne on long, upright stems ideal for cutting. This variety produces generous flushes of blooms from spring through to autumn and is particularly prized for its fragrance, regarded as one of the most potent among white roses. The foliage is a healthy, glossy mid-green and highly resistant to disease, making it a top performer in both formal and informal garden settings. In Melbourne’s climate, 'Pope John Paul II' thrives in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and benefits from regular feeding and pruning. Its graceful presence and stunning flowers make it a fitting tribute rose, and a favourite for weddings and memorial gardens.
Form: Shrub - Medium
Mature Size: Height: 1.2–1.5 m Width: 90 cm–1.2 m
Aspect: Full Sun
Flowering: Flowers in Spring Flowers in Summer Flowers in Autumn
Flower Colour: Pure white
Key Attributes: Suitable for Pots Scented flowers Suitable for Cut Flowers Disease Resistant Perennial Symbolic / Tribute Rose
Toxicity: May be mildly toxic to pets (particularly dogs and cats) if ingested – can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Thorns may also cause physical injury.
Companion Plants: Lavender Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria) Catmint (Nepeta) Salvia Boxwood (Buxus) White or pastel flowering perennials for a monochrome or elegant contrast