KATIE'S ROSE® – maroon bedding floribunda rose - Horner
Imagine stepping outside after rain to find velvety, deep burgundy blooms still gleaming on a compact, upright shrub, quietly thriving despite Ireland’s rainfall-soaked, heavy garden soils and soft Atlantic light. KATIE'S ROSE® settles in steadily, building roots, then shoots, then full garden character over its first three years, so you can simply enjoy the unfolding show. Its medium-sized, cup-shaped flowers appear in generous clusters on dense, glossy foliage, giving that relaxed, “girly” cottage feel even in a tiny Dublin front garden. The medium, classic rosy fragrance drifts nicely along a path without becoming overpowering, while the floribunda habit keeps colour coming in repeated flushes for months. With moderate disease resistance and own-root longevity, this rose offers dependable garden structure with very little fuss for busy, style-conscious homeowners.
Usage options
| Target area |
Reasoning |
| Irish cottage front border |
The compact but upright habit fills cottage-style borders with deep burgundy colour without overwhelming narrow beds, while own-root vigour supports a long-lived, reliable display that suits relaxed, low-fuss beginners. |
| Dublin terraced-house railing or path edge |
Clustered, medium-sized blooms give strong visual impact in a small footprint, ideal beside railings or short paths where repeat flushes keep the entrance welcoming for many months for busy urban homeowners. |
| Feature plant in a large container (40–50 L+) |
In a generous pot it becomes a neat, upright feature with glossy green foliage and velvety flowers, easy to tend from the paving and perfect where soil is poor or paved over, suiting time-pressed city gardeners. |
| Low hedge along a drive or boundary |
Regular spacing creates a low, maroon-flowering line that defines paths or drives without heavy pruning; own-root growth helps the hedge recover if a stem is damaged, reassuring practical family gardeners. |
| Mixed border with pastel perennials |
The rich wine-red blooms contrast beautifully with soft pinks, creams and airy perennials, giving that romantic “girly” note while the floribunda repeat-flowering habit keeps the border lively for colour-loving enthusiasts. |
| Partially shaded Irish garden corner |
Suitable for partial shade, it keeps flower and foliage quality where sun hours are limited, brightening the sort of damp, overshadowed spots common in Irish gardens for problem-area owners. |
| Small family garden focal point |
The neat, upright shrub and dense foliage offer year-round structure, with repeated waves of maroon bloom adding drama even in short Irish summers, matching the needs of space-conscious family householders. |
| Rainy, heavy-soil beds with improved drainage |
Once drainage is improved with grit and mulch, this rose copes well where moisture lingers, giving dependable colour in conditions often seen under Ireland’s soft, wet climate for weather-aware Irish buyers. |
Styling ideas
- COTTAGE RIBBON – Plant a loose ribbon beside a gravel path, weaving between lavender and soft pink campanulas for a storybook cottage feel – ideal for romantic front-garden owners.
- URBAN JEWEL – Grow one plant in a 50–60 L pot near the front door with silver heucheras at the base for a polished, low-maintenance city entrance – perfect for busy terrace dwellers.
- GIRLY HEDGE – Space plants closely as a low hedge and underplant with dwarf coral bells so dark blooms float above a frilly foliage skirt – suited to playful, colour-loving gardeners.
- EVENING CORNER – Combine with pale pink roses and white gaura in a partially shaded nook so the deep burgundy flowers glow at dusk – great for those who relax outdoors after work.
- RUBY CARPET – Mass-plant in a small bed backed by Lonicera nitida ‘Maigrün’ to create a rich maroon-and-lime contrast – for homeowners wanting big impact from a compact space.
Technical cultivar profile
| Characteristic |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Floribunda bedding shrub rose; registered as HORrapture, marketed as KATIE'S ROSE® maroon bedding floribunda rose; exhibition name Katie’s Rose; own-root, 2-litre container-grown plant. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Heather M. Horner in the United Kingdom around 2012; parentage unknown; initially distributed by Bill LeGrice Roses; introduced to the market in 2013 for garden use. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Upright shrub reaching about 80–110 cm high and 65–95 cm wide; dense, medium-green glossy foliage; moderately thorny stems; forms a neat, well-filled plant suitable for borders and containers. |
| Flower morphology |
Floribunda-type, double, cup-shaped blooms with approximately 26–39 petals; medium flower size, about 4–7 cm across; presented mainly in clusters with good repeat flowering through the season. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Deep burgundy red, velvety tone; ARS code DR, RHS 187A outer, 71A inner; colour lightens gradually to dark purplish-red as blooms age; moderate colour retention under average garden conditions. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Medium-strength, pleasantly noticeable classic rosy scent; fragrance suits paths and seating areas without becoming overpowering; best appreciated in calm, mild weather and in moderately sheltered positions. |
| Hip characteristics |
Occasionally forms small decorative hips; roughly spherical, about 8–12 mm in diameter; ripen to a red colour; mainly of incidental ornamental interest rather than a primary feature of the cultivar. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Hardy to about −21 to −18 °C (RHS H7, Swedish zone 3, USDA 6b); moderate resistance to black spot, powdery mildew and rust; may need occasional plant protection in humid or high-pressure seasons. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Use for borders, containers, low hedges and mass planting; space 50–90 cm depending on effect; prefers well-drained, mulched soil; maintenance medium, with occasional pruning and preventive care. |
KATIE'S ROSE® offers velvety burgundy clusters, compact structure and a classic rosy fragrance on a durable own-root plant, making it a thoughtful choice for long-lived colour in everyday Irish gardens.
