First Lady, close-up of the flower
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Shrub; nostalgicPink

First Lady

Large nostalgic flowers that open slowly and elegantly; the colour does not fade in sun or rain.

Synonyms: First Lady · 'Perle vom Millstädter See'

Variety profile

Flowering

Repeat flowering

Repeat-flowering, almost continuous; flowers last a long time. Months are approximate, for the climate of Ukraine.

Winter hardiness

−23 °C

Compare reference temperatures

Plant size

120–150 × 60 cm
person 170 cm120–150 cm
Habit
Vigorous, upright, with shoots slightly drooping under the weight of the flowers
Dimensions
1.2–1.5 m tall, ~0.6 m wide
Support
Not needed

Flower

8–10 cm
Flower shape
Large, cup-shaped, very double, nostalgic type; opens very slowly
Flower size
About 8–10 cm
Clusters
Singly and in small clusters

Fragrance

Light

Light, barely perceptible — the variety is valued for its flower form and durability.

Sun

Sun or partial shade

The flowers are very rain-resistant.

Foliage

Dark green, glossy, healthy.

All characteristics in a table
Group
Shrub; nostalgic
Flower shape
Large, cup-shaped, very double, nostalgic type; opens very slowly
Colour
Tender romantic pink; the colour is stable and does not fade
Flower size
About 8–10 cm
Clusters
Singly and in small clusters
Flowering
Repeat-flowering, almost continuous; flowers last a long time
Fragrance
Light, barely perceptible — the variety is valued for its flower form and durability
Habit
Vigorous, upright, with shoots slightly drooping under the weight of the flowers
Dimensions
1.2–1.5 m tall, ~0.6 m wide
Foliage
Dark green, glossy, healthy
Resistance
Good winter hardiness; good disease resistance
Support
Not needed
Use
Specimen, group, romantic flower garden; excellent for cutting (lasts a long time in a vase)
Care
Needs room to grow; feeding and sanitary pruning

Colour scheme

Tender romantic pink; the colour is stable and does not fade

Rose neighbours

Perennials to plant nearby

More about the variety

Use
Specimen, group, romantic flower garden; excellent for cutting (lasts a long time in a vase)
Care
Needs room to grow; feeding and sanitary pruning

How to grow

Where to plant. As a specimen or in a group in a romantic, nostalgic flower garden; the flowers are exceptionally rain-resistant and last well in a vase, so it also suits cut flowers. Highlight: the slow, elegant opening of large nostalgic flowers that hold their shape for a long time.

Care. Give the shrub room to grow; regular feeding and sanitary pruning keep the flowering continuous.

About the name

Name. 'First Lady' (synonym 'Perle vom Millstädter See'); in Ukraine — 'Fjorst Ledi'. This is a garden shrub — do not confuse it with the cut-flower rose of the same name from Tantau. Origin: bred and introduced by Rosen Tantau (Uetersen, Germany), 2005. Photo: Wikimedia Commons; public domain (author Huhu)

Frequently asked questions about First Lady

Does First Lady need winter protection?

The cultivar’s reference temperature is −23 °C. Overwintering depends on the conditions.

How many times a season does First Lady flower?

Repeat-flowering, almost continuous; flowers last a long time.

How big does First Lady grow?

120–150 cm tall, about 60 cm wide.

How much sun does First Lady need?

Sun; sun or partial shade; the flowers are very rain-resistant.

What does First Lady smell like?

Light, barely perceptible — the variety is valued for its flower form and durability.

Gardeners' photos and reviews

My climate

Choose a reference temperature to compare with the cultivar’s data. This is not an overwintering forecast or advice on winter protection; consider wind, moisture and the duration of frost.

Regional data are generalised. USDA describes average annual extreme minima, not a forecast; the values in the list are rounded. Check the conditions at your site. More information: Roses in Ukraine's climate.