The Angel Face Rose, officially known as Rosa ‘Angel Face’, is a floribunda rose variety. This rose was developed by Herbert Swim & Weeks Rose Growers, and introduced into the United States in 1968 by Conard-Pyle (Star Roses) with the name ‘Angel Face’. From 1968 till today it is a popular flower among gardeners and rose enthusiasts.
It’s considered a classic floribunda with abundant clusters of mauve or lavender blooms with a touch of ruby blush on the edges. The rose experts Charles and Brigid Quest-Ritson, in their “Encyclopedia of Roses”, acknowledge the enduring appeal of Angel Face, stating it as “proof that old roses are sometimes better than new.”
Angel Face Rose is a cross between two other floribunda roses, (‘Circus’ × ‘Lavender Pinocchio’) and ‘Sterling Silver’, a hybrid tea rose. It has won several awards for its beauty and fragrance, including the All-America Rose Selections (AARS) award in 1969 and the ARS John Cook Medal in 1971 for fragrance.
The blooms of the Angel Face Rose are large and semi-double, with ruffled edges and a unique color that varies from lavender to a deep, rich pink. The flowers have an intense fragrance, which is a mix of sweet citrus and rose. The foliage is glossy and dark green. It provides a beautiful contrast to the beautiful blooms.
This rose is a low-growing, bushy plant that reaches a height of about 3 to 4 feet and a width of 3 feet. It is a hardy plant, suitable for growing in USDA zones 5 through 9. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it requires regular watering and fertilization to thrive.
Characteristics of Angel Face Rose
- Size and Growth Habit: This rose is a compact shrub reaching a mature height of 3-4 feet. It has an upright, bushy growth habit with glossy, dark green foliage.
- Growth rate: It a moderate growth rate. It establishes itself relatively quickly in a garden with ideal condition, producing a well-rounded and vigorous shrub.
- Flower: The flowers are semi-double, featuring 30-35 petals with a ruffled, waved edge. The color is a blend of rich, deep lavender with a subtle ruby blush edging some of the petals.
- Bloom Time: Blooms begin in late spring and continue into mid-fall.
- Fragrance: The flowers exude a rich citrus perfume, earning it the ARS John Cook Medal for fragrance.
- USDA Zone: It thrives in warmer climates, ideally suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 6b to 9b. In cooler zones, it may require additional winter protection.
- Lifespan: With proper care and in ideal condition, they can live for about 30 years.
- Hardiness: These roses are relatively hardy, but they are susceptible to aphids and rose rust.
Cultivation Tips
- Planting: Plant in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced rose fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak growth and to shape the plant. This encourages vigorous flowering and maintains the plant’s form.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.