Claire
This might surprise you. There’s a rose named after Julia Child.
The Julia Child rose is a butter-yellow floribunda that smells like licorice. Julia personally chose it to bear her name. And it’s one of the most beloved roses in America.
If you’re a Julia fan and a gardener, this is the rose for you.
About the Julia Child Rose
What is the Julia Child rose? The Julia Child rose is a butter-yellow floribunda rose bred by Tom Carruth and introduced by Weeks Roses in 2006. It won the prestigious All-America Rose Selections (AARS) award in 2006. Julia Child personally chose this rose to bear her name, appreciating its buttery color and sweet licorice fragrance.
This rose was bred specifically to honor Julia. The breeder approached her before her death in 2004, and she gave her enthusiastic approval.
Why did Julia choose this particular rose? Two reasons:
- The color – Butter yellow, just like the ingredient she loved most
- The fragrance – Sweet licorice, fitting for a chef
Julia Child loved butter. Her cookbooks are full of recipes that use it generously. So it’s only fitting that this rose is butter-colored.
The rose was commercially introduced in 2006, two years after Julia’s passing.
Plant Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Floribunda |
| Color | Butter yellow / Golden yellow |
| Height | 3-4 feet |
| Width | 3-4 feet |
| Hardiness Zones | USDA Zones 5-9 |
| Fragrance | Strong, sweet licorice scent |
| Bloom Time | Repeat bloomer, late spring to fall |
| Petals | 20-40 petals, fully double |
| Flower Size | 3-4 inches across |
| Disease Resistance | Excellent |
The plant grows in a compact, rounded, bushy shape. The foliage is glossy dark green, providing beautiful contrast with the yellow blooms.
Awards and Recognition
The Julia Child rose has won numerous awards:
- AARS Winner 2006 (All-America Rose Selections)
- Portland’s Best Rose 2008
- ARS Members Choice Winner
- Best Established 2011
- Gold Star of the South Pacific (New Zealand Rose Trials, 2011)
In the UK, this rose is sold under the name ‘Absolutely Fabulous’.
Julia Child Rose Tree Form
The Julia Child rose is also available as a tree rose (also called a “standard”).
What is a Julia Child rose tree? A tree rose is a rose bush grafted onto a tall, straight stem, creating a tree-like appearance. The Julia Child rose tree typically stands 36 inches tall and is popular for patios, formal gardens, and container growing.
Ebb Tide and Julia Child Combination Tree
One popular option is the Ebb Tide & Julia Child combination tree. This features:
- Ebb Tide – Deep purple, smoky blooms with old rose fragrance
- Julia Child – Butter yellow blooms with licorice fragrance
Both roses are grafted onto the same trunk, creating a stunning two-color display. The purple and yellow combination is striking.
Where to buy the combo tree:
- Jackson & Perkins
- Spring Hill Nursery
- Gurney’s
- Brighter Blooms
Growing and Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun. At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil. Slightly acidic pH of 6.0-6.5 is ideal. Will adapt to loamy, sandy, or clay soils.
Watering
Water deeply once a week. During hot weather, water more frequently. New plants need watering every few days until established.
Pruning
- Prune in early spring before new growth
- Remove dead or damaged canes
- Cut back by about one-third
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering
Fertilizing
- Apply balanced rose fertilizer in early spring
- Feed again in midsummer
- Add a layer of compost or aged manure for additional nutrients
Disease Resistance
The Julia Child rose is known for excellent disease resistance. It has strong resistance to:
- Powdery mildew
- Blackspot (though occasional attention may be needed)
It’s also heat tolerant, making it a good choice for warmer climates.
Winter Care
In colder zones (Zone 5-6):
- Apply mulch around the base
- For potted roses, move to an unheated garage or shed
Where to Buy the Julia Child Rose
The Julia Child rose is widely available at nurseries across the United States.
Online Retailers
- Weeks Roses – The original introducer
- Jackson & Perkins
- Heirloom Roses
- Spring Hill Nursery
- White Flower Farm
- Plant Addicts
Julia Child Rose Near Me
Searching for “Julia Child rose near me”? Check your local nurseries in spring when rose inventory is highest. Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s sometimes carry this variety. Call ahead to check availability.
Best Time to Plant
- Spring (after last frost)
- Fall (in warmer climates, Zones 7+)
Why Gardeners Love This Rose
The Julia Child rose consistently receives positive reviews from gardeners. Here’s what they love:
Easy to grow. Disease resistant, heat tolerant, and forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Continuous blooms. Repeat bloomer from late spring through fall. Deadhead regularly for maximum flowers.
Incredible fragrance. The licorice scent is unique and delightful. Many gardeners say it smells like candy.
The color. That butter-yellow is cheerful without being harsh. It works in almost any garden color scheme.
The story. There’s something special about growing a rose that Julia Child herself chose and approved.
A Perfect Match for Julia Fans
If you love cooking with butter (and who doesn’t?), there’s a fitting symmetry here. Julia Child loved butter. This rose is butter-colored. And it smells like licorice candy.
Julia would approve. Learn more about Julia Child’s life →
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a floribunda rose, meaning it produces clusters of blooms rather than single flowers on each stem.
It typically grows 3-4 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide
It has a distinctive sweet licorice fragrance.
USDA Zones 5-9, though some sources extend this to Zone 10.
Yes. It has excellent resistance to powdery mildew and good resistance to blackspot.
It was introduced by Weeks Roses in 2006.
Yes. Julia personally approved the rose before her death in 2004.
In the UK, it’s sold under the name ‘Absolutely Fabulous’.
Check local nurseries in spring, or order online from retailers like Weeks Roses, Jackson & Perkins, or Heirloom Roses.
Sources
- Wikipedia – Julia Child Rose
- Weeks Roses – Julia Child
- Heirloom Roses – Julia Child
- Gardenia.net – Julia Child Rose
– Claire
