Name of Rose: April in Paris

Class: Hybrid Tea

Registration Name: Jacprize

Parentage: ‘Pristine’ x ‘New Zealand’

Hybridizer: Dr. Keith W. Zary

Date of Introduction: 2007

This All-American Rose Selections Award winner and a Jackson and Perkins’ former Rose of the Year® features beautiful, pale, seashell pink, high-centered blooms edged in a deeper shade of pink. Substantially petaled, they last and last in a vase.

The pointed, ovoid buds spiral into 4½-inch blooms on sturdy, generous stems well-suited for cutting. Durable, they maintain their elegant appearance for a long time in a vase or display. An intense tea rose scent wafts from the flowers like an uncorked perfume bottle to be savored in the garden or vase. It reminds you of a spring romance in Paris.

The creamy blooms, typically borne singly, are produced in flushes throughout the season. It will grow to 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. The shrub is a dazzling showpiece in the garden. The dark green foliage sets off the light pink blooms. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn’t necessarily require any plants in front of it. It grows faster, and under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

‘April in Paris’ thrives in average to evenly moist conditions and slightly acidic, well-drained loam in partial sun. It will not tolerate standing water. This rose does not really like full sun, as the delicate petals will burn as the sun heats up during the summer. Make sure the plant has good air circulation, which promotes vigorous and healthy growth and helps prevent disease. During the summer months, a layer of mulch helps retain moisture, keep roots cool, and discourage weed growth.

Pruning is required in the spring, trimming the shrub to half its height or about 18 inches off the ground. Old canes and dead wood should be removed, and canes that cross each other should be cut. In warmer climates, the remaining canes should be cut by one-third. More trimming is required in colder climates.

‘April in Paris’ makes a fine choice for the outdoor landscape, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright growth habit, plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when roses are grown in a container, they may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag and may require more frequent waterings than those grown in the yard or garden.

Tip of the Day: Be romantic!