One of the most fragrant white Hybrid Teas; pure white; a powerful, fresh citrus scent.
Jean-Paul II
Repeat, almost continuous from early summer to frost. Months are approximate, for the climate of Ukraine.
Fragrance award (Rose Hills, 2006); planted in the Vatican Gardens
USDA zone 6+. South and centre without protection; north and east with winter protection.
Compare reference temperatures
Strong: a powerful, fresh citrus scent; one of the most fragrant white Hybrid Teas.
Good (≈4/5); resistant to rust, botrytis and powdery mildew; moderate against black spot.
The white colour stays stable, without strong fading.
Moderate number of thorns.
Dark green, semi-glossy.
Pure white, with no pink; sometimes a faint creamy tone in the heart of a newly opened flower, then pure white
Astrantia Romapink-white
Hosta Patriotgreen foliage
Veronicastrum Albumblue-violet
Heuchera Silver Scrollspurple foliageOther pure white garden varieties create one snowy mood:
Small white, green and silvery flowers and foliage — a classic companion palette for white bouquets and moonlit gardens:
Why this variety stands out:
Where to plant. Formal beds and fragrance gardens, cut flowers, a specimen by the entrance, white and monochrome schemes.
Climate. USDA 6 and warmer; southern and central Ukraine without protection, northern and eastern Ukraine with winter protection. The white colour stays stable in sun.
Care. A sunny, airy spot; spring pruning to 3–5 buds; regular feeding; watering at the base; moderate preventive spraying
Name. 'Pope John Paul II', after Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyła).
Breeding. Bred by Keith Zary for Jackson & Perkins (USA); parents — Secret × Fragrant Lace. The Vatican chose this white rose: it was planted in the Vatican Gardens in 2013, with a view of St Peter's Basilica.
Significance. Its pure white colour and powerful citrus scent have made it one of the best-known modern white Hybrid Teas — a symbol of light and peace.
The cultivar’s reference temperature is −23 °C (USDA zone 6+). Overwintering depends on the conditions. South and centre without protection; north and east with winter protection.
Repeat, almost continuous from early summer to frost.
120–150 cm tall, 60–90 cm wide.
Overall resistance: 4 out of 5. Good; resistant to rust, botrytis and powdery mildew; moderate against black spot.
Sun; full sun; the white colour stays stable, without strong fading.
Strong: a powerful, fresh citrus scent; one of the most fragrant white Hybrid Teas.
