The Julia Child rose, also known as the “Buttergold” rose, is a floribunda rose that was introduced in 2004 by the American rose breeder Tom Carruth. This rose was named after the famous American chef Julia Child, who was a cooking teacher, author and television personality.
The rose has large, buttery yellow blooms, which have a classic, old-fashioned shape and are produced in clusters of about 3 flowers per stem. The blooms have a mild, sweet fragrance with a hint of licorice.
This rose has a medium-sized growth habit, reaching a height of 2 to 4 feet. The Julia Child rose is a repeat bloomer, producing waves of flowers throughout the growing season from late spring to fall. It is a hardy rose, suitable for growing in USDA zones 4-9.
The Julia Child rose was introduced into the United States by Weeks Wholesale Rose Grower, Inc. in 2006. It is also known by other names in different regions, such as “Absolutely Fabulous” in the UK, “Soul Mate” in Australia, and “Anisade” in some parts of Europe. This rose has won several awards, including the All American Rose Selections (AARS) in 2006 and the Gold Star of the South Pacific in 2011.
History
The story behind the naming of the Julia Child rose is quite interesting. For years, Tom Carruth, a former rose hybridizer for Weeks Roses, pursued Julia Child, telling her that he wanted to name a rose after her. And for years, Julia—who was well-known for being opposed to having her name attached to commercial ventures—politely refused him. Until, that is, she saw a golden-colored rose in the gardens of a family friend. As Tom told it, “The daughter of some family friends of hers in Santa Barbara was a rose producer and would sell these really unusual roses at the market. Tom, a former rose hybridizer for Weeks Roses (one of the largest wholesale rose growers in the U.S.) and now the curator of the rose garden at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, would occasionally send the rose producer clippings for her to plant, and one of them was the rose Julia spotted in the producer’s garden. “We’d been after Julia for quite a few years to name a rose after her, but she always said I’m not worthy of that, in typical Julia style,” Tom said. But as he tells it, Julia mentioned to the producer that if she were to ever have a rose named after her, that would be a nice one. That was in the early 2000s, just before Julia’s death in 2004.
Facts and Characteristics About Julia Child Rose
| Scientific Name | Rosa ‘Julia Child’ |
| Type of Rose | Floribunda Rose |
| Origin | United States |
| Year of Introduction | 2006 |
| Breeder | Tom Carruth in 2004 |
| Size | 2 to 4 feet in height |
| Foliage | Bright-green |
| USDA Zones | 4-9 |
| Marketing Names | ‘Soul Mate’, ‘SASOL Rose’ or ‘Anisade’ |
| Awards | All American Rose Selections (AARS) in 2006, Gold Star of the South Pacific in 2011. |
How to grow and care for the Julia Child rose
Planting:
- Choose a well-drained location with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Ensure good air circulation to prevent diseases.
- Plant the rose in a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
Soil:
- Provide well-amended soil with organic matter.
- Aim for slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season.
- Water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal diseases.
Mulching:
- Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Mulching also helps regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing:
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced rose fertilizer.
- Repeat applications during the growing season according to package instructions.
Pruning:
- Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Remove dead or diseased wood, and shape the plant for better air circulation.
- Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming.
Disease Control:
- Keep an eye out for common rose diseases like blackspot or powdery mildew.
- Use fungicides as a preventive measure, especially in humid conditions.
Pests:
- Monitor for pests such as aphids, thrips, or spider mites.
- Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Support:
- Provide support for the rose, especially if it grows tall or produces large blooms.
- Stake the plant to prevent damage from strong winds.
Winter Care:
- Mulch around the base of the rose to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
- Consider wrapping the plant with burlap in colder climates.
Regular Inspection:
- Regularly inspect your Julia Child rose for signs of stress, disease, or pests.
- Early detection allows for timely intervention and better plant health.