Keepsake Rose Bush Information

Flowers

• Keepsake flowers are large and doubled, with up to 40 petals. Color ranges from solid pink to a pink-and-white blend. Flowers appear in repeating flushes of heavy bloom throughout the season, with light flower production between cycles. Keepsake is a good variety for exhibition and as a cut flower for arrangements. Deadhead spent blooms for best flowering.

Fragrance

• Most sources note that Keepsake has a moderately strong fragrance, although one British book, D. G. Hessayon's "The Rose Expert," disagrees, citing the absence of a strong perfume. It's worth remembering that rose fragrance varies from season to season and is also dependent on location and air temperature, being stronger on warm, humid days in sunny gardens.

Growth Habit

• Keepsake forms a vigorous, upright bush with large, dark green leaves and strong stems. The plants usually grow from 2 1/2 feet to 4 feet, but may grow taller in areas with a long growing season, such as the deep South. Keepsake is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant zone 7b and warmer.

Disease Resistance

• Keepsake roses have good disease resistance, especially to black spot, a common fungal disease in humid areas. Increase the plant's resistance by spacing plants far enough apart that they have good air circulation. If possible, always water early in the morning so the foliage can dry quickly, and use a hose to water the plant roots rather than using a sprinkler.

A Caveat

• An Australian rose breeder, Grandiflora Roses, has recently introduced a rose they've also named Keepsake. This cream-colored, long-stemmed rose is a completely different variety than the Keepsake rose discussed in this article. As of 2011, Grandiflora's Keepsake is only available as cut flowers through florists within Australia. Since supplying cut roses to the florist trade is an international business, if your florist starts selling Keepsake roses, it's a good idea to clarify which Keepsake rose it's offering.