Rosa 'Mountbatten'

Rosa 'Mountbatten' is a sturdy, reliable rose, excelling in the garden both as a bedding rose for growing en masse, and as a specimen shrub in borders or containers. It also makes a good hedge, especially in mild districts where the foliage is semi-evergreen. It bears large yellow flowers with a fruity perfume, in contrast with leathery foliage.

Grow Rosa 'Mountbatten' in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. As a floribunda rose, it should be pruned from late winter to early spring. Cut back the main stems to 25cm to 45cm above the ground pruning to just above an outward-facing bud. Reduce sideshoots to two or three buds. Remove any spindly or diseased growth. To encourage young, vigorous growth, cut back a third of the oldest stems almost to their base every year. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).