Rose (Rosa 'Cardinal de Richelieu') ROE-sah Genus:  Rosa This is one of the darkest-flowered roses from the oldest class of garden roses, the gallicas. 'Cardinal de Richelieu' is a strong grower with a compact, lax habit. The rounded, double, fragrant, deeply colored flowers are a deep burgundy-purple. They are in bloom from spring to early summer. Introduced in 1840. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Vigorous growth; casual habit. Fully double, fragrant, deep burgundy-purple flowers. Care:  Very tolerant, but prefers an open site in full sun. Best in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Plant in late fall or early spring, when the ground is not frozen. Remove suckers from rootstock as soon as they appear. Propagation:  Root softwood cuttings from begining of bloom in spring to summer; root hardwood cuttings in autumn. Bud in summer. Sow seed in containers in autumn. Problems:  Susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, scale insects, caterpillars, sawfly larvae, cane borers, Japanese beetles, rose stem girdlers, thrips, rose chafers, rose midges, rose slugs, and leaf cutting bees. Rabbits and deer can also cause damage. Prone to black spot, rust, powdery mildew, dieback, canker, crown gall, viruses, and downy mildew.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Growth Pace Fast Grower Light Full Sun Only Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Fragrant Flowers, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer Flower Color Purple, Red Uses Beds and Borders Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs