Growing David Austin’s ‘Mrs. Doreen Pike’ Hybrid Rugosa Rose

‘Mrs Doreen Pike’ gave me a run for my money. Slow growing, and of course purchased as a band as I usually do, I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why her leaves looked so chlorotic. What was I doing wrong? Nothing, apparently. After reading a post by another gardener on a rose forum, I discovered that this was normal for this rose and that it eventually resolves itself as it matures (which I did notice it beginning to do.) When she bloomed, though, she more than made up for her earlier nonsense with those pretty pink blossoms and beautiful scent. Also, I never noticed any disease and pest problems, typical for a Rugosa, which is most welcome in my garden. Last spring I edited out many of my roses and ‘Mrs. Doreen Pike’ went to live in my mother’s garden. (Since space is at such a premium here, I have to start being very picky. Roses have to wow me or they’re not staying and besides, I’m more interested in growing her parent ‘Roseraie de l’Haÿ’.) However, if you’re looking for a small shrub ‘Mrs. Doreen Pike’ might be a good choice for you as she is a wee little thing at only about 3′. Perhaps place her with ‘Apothecary’s Rose’ which has a similar stature? Hmmm, getting ideas for my next garden…