How to Grow and Care for the True Love Rose

The ‘True Love’ rose has earned a reputation for its classic form and romantic character, making it a favored selection for home gardens. This variety is sought by those wishing to cultivate an atmosphere of elegance. Its popularity stems from its dependable performance and the timeless appeal of its flowers, making it an excellent focal point or a source for special occasion arrangements.

Characteristics of the True Love Rose

The ‘True Love’ rose is classified as a hybrid tea, a group known for long, sturdy stems perfect for cutting. Each stem produces a single, high-centered bloom that unfurls from a pointed bud. The flowers are notable for their deep, velvety red color and contain over 80 petals, giving them a very full, cupped appearance. This rose is also prized for its strong, classic rose fragrance.

As a repeat bloomer, ‘True Love’ produces waves of flowers from late spring through the fall. The mature shrub grows in a compact, upright form, reaching a height of two to three feet and a width of about two feet. Its foliage is a glossy, dark green that contrasts with the vibrant red blossoms. This cultivar also demonstrates good tolerance for heat and humidity.

Planting and Site Selection

This rose requires a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is beneficial as it helps dry dew from the leaves, which discourages fungal diseases. The site should also be sheltered from strong winds that could damage the long stems and blooms.

The soil must be well-draining to prevent root rot. A loamy, fertile soil enriched with organic matter like compost is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, in the 6.0 to 7.0 range, for optimal nutrient uptake. When planting, dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the entire root system without bending it. After placing the plant in the hole, backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle it.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Water the ‘True Love’ rose deeply, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to establish a strong root system. Provide about one inch of water per week during the growing season, adjusting for climate and soil conditions. Watering at the base of the plant keeps the foliage dry and reduces the risk of disease.

Applying a 3- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around the base of the rose is beneficial. Mulch helps conserve soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, and keeps the root zone cool. A balanced fertilizer formulated for roses should be applied in the early spring as new growth begins. A subsequent application during the middle of the season supports continuous blooming.

Pruning Guidelines

Pruning maintains the plant’s shape, removes non-productive wood, and stimulates new growth. The best time to prune a ‘True Love’ rose is in late winter or early spring, after the last severe frost has passed but before new growth begins.

Follow these steps for proper pruning:

• Remove any wood that is dead, damaged, or shows signs of disease.
• Cut out canes that are crossing or rubbing against each other to improve air circulation.
• Cut the remaining healthy, strong canes back, leaving about four to six buds on each.
• Make all cuts at a 45-degree angle about a quarter-inch above an outward-facing bud to encourage outward growth.

Common Pests and Diseases

Aphids are a common pest, appearing as small, soft-bodied insects clustered on new growth and buds. They can be managed with a strong spray of water from a hose or by introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.

Fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew are also frequent issues. Black spot appears as dark, circular lesions on the leaves, while powdery mildew is a white, dusty coating on leaves and stems. For existing infections, fungicidal treatments formulated for roses can be effective when applied according to product instructions. The ‘True Love’ variety is bred for good disease resistance, which helps minimize these problems.