Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’ (Shrub Rose)

Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’ is a highly regarded shrub rose known for its abundant, lush pink blooms and outstanding disease resistance. Bred in Texas by Dr. Robert E. Basye in 1988 and introduced in 1992, this rose was the first rose named a Texas Superstar® and received the prestigious Earth-Kind® designation, highlighting its ability to thrive with minimal care. With a delightful raspberry fragrance and a continuous blooming cycle from spring to frost, ‘Belinda’s Dream’ is an excellent choice for home gardens, hedges, and cut flower arrangements.

Roses belong to the Rosaceae family, which includes other plants such as Apples (Malus domestica), Peaches (Prunus persica), and Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa).

Description

Belinda’s Dream is an elegant, medium-sized shrub rose admired for its abundant, very full, cupped blooms in a soft, medium-pink hue. The lush flowers, featuring over 100 petals, exude a moderate fruity raspberry fragrance. Blooming in flushes from spring to frost, this rose provides a continuous display of beauty.

With its glossy, blue-green foliage and arching, bushy habit, ‘Belinda’s Dream’ is a striking yet low-maintenance addition to any garden. Recognized as the first Earth-Kind® rose, it is exceptionally disease-resistant, drought-tolerant, and heat-tolerant, thriving in a wide range of climates. 

Plant Type and Habit

This rose is a medium-sized, bushy shrub with a relaxed, arching growth habit. Its lush foliage and generous blooms make it well-suited for mixed borders, foundation plantings, or as a standout specimen in a garden. Its continuous blooming cycle ensures a long-lasting display of color.

Plant Size

• Height: 4–5 feet (120–150 cm)
• Width: 4–5 feet (120–150 cm)

Flowers

Belinda’s Dream rose produces striking, fully double pink blooms that enhance any garden with their romantic appeal.

• Color: Medium pink

• Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm) across

• Fragrance: Moderate, fruity, raspberry scent

• Form: Very full, cupped blooms with 45–100 petals, borne in small clusters

• Bloom Time: Continuous, with flushes from spring to frost

Foliage

• Type: Glossy, blue-green leaves.
• Notable Features: Highly resistant to black spot, rust, and powdery mildew.

Hardiness

This shrub rose is winter-hardy in USDA Zones 5–9, making it a versatile choice for various climates. Originally bred in Texas, it thrives in hot, humid conditions while also showing resilience in cooler temperatures.

Uses

This versatile shrub rose is ideal for a wide range of garden applications:

• Ornamental Borders: Enhances mixed flower beds with continuous blooms

• Hedges: Forms a beautiful, low-maintenance flowering hedge

• Container Gardening: Thrives in large pots for patios and balconies

• Cutting Garden: Long-lasting blooms make excellent cut flowers

• Cottage and Formal Gardens: Adds structure and romance to garden designs

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Deer and Rabbit Resistance

Deer and rabbits can cause damage.

Toxicity

Roses are non-toxic to humans and pets, making them a safe addition to gardens.

Invasiveness

This shrub Rose is non-invasive and remains a manageable, well-behaved shrub in garden settings.

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Light Requirement

This rose thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Sufficient sunlight is essential for abundant blooms, strong growth, and disease prevention. 

Soil

This rose thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 5.5–8.0. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, enhances fertility and structure, promoting healthy root development.

Water

Provide consistent watering, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, increasing frequency during hot, dry weather. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to minimize splashing and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. This rose is drought tolerant once established. Drought-Tolerant Roses: The Best Low-Water Rose Bushes for Your Garden

Fertilizer

No matter the soil type, this rose thrives when mulched year-round with a 3-inch layer of organic material (such as chipped tree limbs with leaves). This mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, reduce soil-borne diseases, regulate soil temperature, and enrich the soil as it decomposes. In most loam or clay soils, following this Earth-Kind® approach—using only compost and mulch for soil management—eliminates the need for commercial synthetic or organic fertilizers.

Pruning

Prune in early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, shaping the plant for airflow and aesthetics. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering and prevent energy loss to seed formation.

Potting/Repotting

This compact rose adapts well to container gardening. Use a large pot with drainage holes and a well-draining rose or garden soil mix. Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant outgrows its container, refreshing the soil to ensure continued vigor.

Propagation

This bush rose can be propagated through hardwood cuttings in late fall or softwood cuttings in early summer. Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in moist, well-draining soil. Keep them in a warm, sheltered location until roots develop.

Pests and Diseases

This rose is known for its excellent disease resistance, but like any plant, it can occasionally face issues from pests and diseases. Understanding common problems and how to address them can help keep your rose healthy and thriving.

Pest Resistance

This rose may attract common pests such as aphids, spider mites, scale insects, or caterpillars. These pests can damage foliage, flowers, and stems, reducing the plant’s vigor.

Disease Resistance

This rose may be susceptible to several fungal diseases, including rose black spot, rust, and powdery mildew. These diseases often thrive in humid conditions, causing leaf discoloration, defoliation, or stem dieback. Disorders like rose blindness (failure to bloom) and flower balling (petals failing to open) may also occur under certain conditions. In severe cases, honey fungus, a soil-borne pathogen, can damage the plant’s root system.