Zphirine Drouhin

Common Name: bourbon rose

Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Rosaceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Height: 4.00 to 12.00 feet
Spread: 3.00 to 6.00 feet
Bloom Time: May to frost
Bloom Description: Dark pink
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Hedge
Flower: Showy, Fragrant
Culture
Best grown in medium moisture, slightly acidic, well-drained garden loams in full sun to
part shade. 'Zephirine Drouhin' is noted for its shade tolerance. Best flowering and

disease resistance generally occur in full sun, however. Water deeply and regularly
(mornings are best). Avoid overhead watering. Good air circulation promotes vigorous
and healthy growth and helps control foliar diseases. Summer mulch helps retain
moisture, keeps roots cool and discourages weeds. Remove spent flowers to encourage
rebloom. Crowns need winter protection in cold winter areas such as St. Louis. Remove
and destroy diseased leaves from plants, as practicable, and clean up and destroy dead
leaves from the ground around the plants both during the growing season and as part of a
thorough cleanup during winter (dormant season). Prune as needed in late winter to early
spring.
Noteworthy Characteristics
'Zephirine Drouhin' is an old Bourbon rose from 1868. It is typically grown in two
different forms: (1) large-flowered climbing rose to 12' tall or (2) large shrub rose usually
pruned to about 6' tall. Graham Thomas expresses the opinion that this rose is best grown
as a climber. Features profuse, sweetly scented, semi-double, dark pink blooms (3.5-4"
diameter) from May to frost on prickle-free canes and stems.
Foliage emerges with a bronze-purple tinge, but matures to a semi-glossy rich green.
Purplish canes may be quite attractive in winter after foliage drop.
Care: Grow in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Provide good
air circulation and remove fallen leaves to help prevent disease. In late winter or early
spring, prune lightly or back by up to 1/3, reducing side shoots by 1/2 to 1/3. To renovate,
prune one in four or five shoots from the base.
Propagation: Take softwood cuttings when bloom begins in spring to summer; take
hardwood cuttings in fall.
Problems
Roses are susceptible to a large number of diseases, the most common of which are black
spot, powdery mildew, rust and rose rosette. Although good cultural practices are the first
line of defense in disease control, regular preventative fungicide applications throughout
the growing season are usually required, particularly in humid climates with regular
rainfall such as the St. Louis area. Potential insect problems include aphids, beetles,
borers, scale, thrips, rose midges, leafhoppers and spider mites. Local rose associations
and extension services are usually able to offer specific recommendations and advice for
selecting and growing roses.
Garden Uses
When trained as a large-flowered climber, this rose may be grown on walls, arbors,
trellises, along fences or around pillars. When pruned as a shrub, this rose may be grown
as a specimen or in small groups in borders, cottage gardens, foundations or rose gardens.
Shrub form is also effective as an informal hedge.