Introducing...
Standard roses
With their tall lollipop shape, Standard roses (Rosa) add instant height to a border and flower at eye level. They work best in a formal scheme, either as a single focal point or as a pair framing a view. Standard roses are also ideal for containers.
Looks
Standard roses have a single tall stem, topped with foliage and flowers, like a small tree. They are usually a modern rose or miniature rose grafted onto a strong, bare stem. Grafting a climbing or rambling rose in the same way creates a cascading form known as a weeping standard.
Likes
Standard roses prefer a sheltered position in full sun and rich soil, ideally mulched with lots of well-rotted manure. Staking the stem is essential, as a standard in full flower is top heavy and will bend, break or fall over. See the Growing Guide for staking and planting advice.
Dislikes
Avoid an exposed position, as strong wind can blow your Standard rose over. It will not thrive in poor or very wet soil or in shade.
Did you know?
The rounded canopy of foliage and flowers on a Standard rose is grafted onto the stem of a species rose such as Rosa canina or Rosa multiflora. Any shoots, (also called suckers) that sprout further down the stem should be removed as these will be from the stem species.
Growing guide
How to grow roses
All the information you'll need to grow & care for roses in your garden.
Standard roses we recommend
Rosa 'Silver Jubilee' (HT)
rose 'Silver Jubilee'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Rosa Hot Chocolate ('Wekpaltlez') (F)
rose [Hot Chocolate]
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Rosa Port Sunlight ('Auslofty'PBR) (HM)
rose [Port Sunlight]
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Rosa 'Silver Jubilee' (HT)
rose 'Silver Jubilee'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Rosa Hot Chocolate ('Wekpaltlez') (F)
rose [Hot Chocolate]
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Rosa Port Sunlight ('Auslofty'PBR) (HM)
rose [Port Sunlight]
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Useful advice
Containers: summer selection
Growing plants in containers
Rose black spot
Rose powdery mildew
Rose problems: frequently asked questions
Rose pruning: general tips
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.