Reine des Violettes is a fragrant, nearly thornless antique Hybrid Perpetual rose known for its violet-mauve blooms, repeat flowering, and ability to grow as both a shrub or short climber in temperate climates.
Reine des Violettes is more than just a beautiful antique rose—it’s a rewarding plant when you understand how to work with its natural growth habit and preferences. This practical growing guide covers planting, pruning, care, and climate suitability across Australia, the UK, and Europe.
How to Grow Reine des Violettes
Reine des Violettes thrives when treated like the relaxed, arching old garden rose it is rather than a rigid modern hybrid. It prefers a position with at least 6 hours of sun, though it tolerates partial shade—especially useful in warmer climates.
- Plant in full sun to partial shade (afternoon shade in hot regions).
- Use rich, well-drained soil improved with compost.
- Allow space for airflow to reduce disease.
- Expect best flowering with consistent moisture and feeding.
How to Plant Reine des Violettes
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Improve soil with compost or aged manure.
- Position bud union at or just above soil level (slightly deeper in cold climates).
- Backfill and firm gently.
- Water deeply and apply mulch.
Space plants 1–2 metres apart. Plant near a support if training as a climber.
Watering and Feeding
- Water deeply once or twice weekly depending on conditions.
- Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
- Add compost in early spring for sustained nutrition.
- Reduce feeding in late autumn (AU) or before winter dormancy (UK/EU).
How to Prune Reine des Violettes
Prune to enhance its natural arching form rather than forcing compact growth.
- Late winter: Remove dead or weak wood and reduce growth by one-third.
- Maintain long canes for better flowering.
- Deadhead regularly to encourage repeat blooms.
- Tie or train canes horizontally for more flowers.
- Use cane pegging to increase lateral growth and blooms.
Growth Habit and Training
- Shrub: 1.5–2m tall with arching form.
- Climber: Up to 2.5–3m with support.
- Nearly thornless, making it easy to manage.
- Ideal for informal, cottage, or espalier-style planting.
Pests and Diseases
- Watch for black spot, powdery mildew, and aphids.
- Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering.
- Remove affected foliage early.
- Use organic treatments if required.
Why Grow Reine des Violettes
- Unique violet-mauve blooms with vintage appeal.
- Strong, classic rose fragrance.
- Repeat flowering across the season.
- Nearly thornless—ideal near paths and seating.
- Performs well in cooler and partially shaded gardens.
About the Name: Reine des Violettes
Reine des Violettes translates directly from French as “Queen of the Violets”, perfectly capturing this rose’s signature violet-mauve blooms and regal, old-fashioned charm. Introduced around 1860 by French breeder Mille-Mallet as a Hybrid Perpetual, the name reflects the Victorian-era fascination with dramatic colour and fragrance in garden roses.
The “violet” reference nods to the flower’s rich, velvety purple-pink tones—uncommon among roses even today—while “Reine” (queen) evokes its luxurious, full-petaled presence. This aristocratic title positions it as royalty among antique varieties, much like its nearly thornless canes and repeat-flowering habit earned it enduring popularity.
We are asked?
Is Reine des Violettes a climber or shrub?
It can be grown as both. Naturally a large shrub, it can also be trained as a short climber up to 3 metres.
Does Reine des Violettes tolerate shade?
Yes, it tolerates partial shade better than most roses, making it suitable for warmer climates or less exposed garden areas.
How often does Reine des Violettes bloom?
It repeat-flowers in flushes throughout the growing season, especially with regular deadheading.
Is Reine des Violettes thornless?
It is nearly thornless, making it safer and easier to handle than many other roses.