Rosa ‘Silver Jubilee’: A Regal Tribute in Apricot-Pink
Rosa ‘Silver Jubilee’, or Rose ‘Silver Jubilee’, a stunning hybrid tea rose bred in Scotland. It is a flower fit for royalty—literally. Introduced in 1978 by Anne Cocker, this apricot-pink beauty was named in honor of the 25-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II. With a backstory rich in horticultural legacy and blooms that blend tones of peach, pink, and cream, ‘Silver Jubilee’ remains one of the most iconic and beloved roses in modern garden history.
Belonging to the Rosaceae family, this rose is a classic hybrid tea type. Silver Jubilee has large, high-centered blooms and refined habit. It was the crowning achievement of breeder Alec Cocker, whose sudden passing in 1977 meant he never witnessed the tremendous success of his final creation. Since then, Rosa ‘Silver Jubilee’ has earned top honors including the Royal National Rose Society’s President’s International Trophy, the Belfast Gold Medal, the Portland Gold Medal, and the James Mason Memorial Prize.
A Distinguished Hybrid Tea Rose
The blooms of ‘Silver Jubilee’ are as elegant as its namesake event. Each large flower spans up to 12 cm (5 inches). The flower can contain up to 40 petals arranged in a classic, high-centered, double form. Their coloring is an exquisite blend—pink edged with creamy apricot, peach, and hints of salmon that deepen towards the center and darken slightly on the reverse of each petal. These fragrant, sweetly scented flowers appear in generous flushes from spring through autumn, making this rose a showstopper throughout the growing season.
In the landscape, this rose takes the form of a medium-sized, upright shrub that typically grows 90–125 cm tall (3 to 4 feet) with a spread of 60–90 cm (2 to 3 feet). Its vigorous habit includes plentiful dark green, glossy foliage that contrasts beautifully with the soft pastel blooms. Despite its elegance, it’s a tough garden performer, thriving in borders, rose beds, or as a specimen plant under full sun.
The Heritage of ‘Silver Jubilee’
The development of ‘Silver Jubilee’ began in the hands of Alec Cocker of James Cocker & Sons, a nursery in Aberdeen, Scotland, originally founded in 1841. The variety was produced through a complex cross involving ‘Highlight’, ‘Colour Wonder’, ‘Parkdirektor Riggers’, and ‘Piccadilly’. It is a deliberate blend of floribunda and hybrid tea genetics designed to create a robust, repeat-flowering rose with award-winning looks.
Although Alec Cocker did not live to see the rose’s triumph, his wife Anne ensured its introduction in the UK market the following year. Its 1977 debut at the Chelsea Flower Show was met with acclaim, securing its place among the greats of modern rose breeding.
How to Grow Rosa ‘Silver Jubilee’
Light Requirements
Plant Rosa ‘Silver Jubilee’ in a location that receives full sun—ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun exposure is essential for abundant flowering and maintaining healthy foliage.
Soil Preferences
This rose thrives in fertile, well-drained loam. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Enriching the planting area with well-rotted manure or compost will improve moisture retention and nutrient availability. Avoid heavy clay or constantly soggy soils.
Watering
Water deeply and thoroughly, especially during the growing season and dry spells. Target the base of the plant rather than overhead to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced rose fertilizer every 4–6 weeks from early spring to midsummer to support continuous blooming. A slow-release granular fertilizer or organic options such as compost tea can also be used. Stop fertilizing in late summer to allow the plant to harden off for winter.
Pruning
In late winter or early spring, prune ‘Silver Jubilee’ to maintain its shape and encourage vigorous new growth. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing canes. Cut back the remaining stems to an outward-facing bud, reducing side shoots by about one-third to one-half. Clean your tools before and after pruning to prevent disease spread.
Mulching
Apply a 5–8 cm (2–3 inch) layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or compost, around the base of the plant in late winter or early spring. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate root zone temperatures.
Deadheading
To encourage more blooms throughout the growing season, remove spent flowers promptly by cutting just above the first set of full, healthy leaves. Regular deadheading ensures continual flushes of new buds.
Spacing
When planting multiple roses, space ‘Silver Jubilee’ at least 60–90 cm (2–3 feet) apart to ensure good air circulation and reduce the risk of mildew or black spot.
Pests and Diseases
Like many hybrid tea roses, ‘Silver Jubilee’ can be prone to pests such as aphids, thrips, or spider mites, as well as diseases like black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. However, with proper cultural care—including spacing, good air circulation, and regular watering at the base—the likelihood of disease is greatly reduced.
Inspect plants regularly and treat any infestations early with organic or chemical controls suited to roses. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are effective for many common pests and are safe for beneficial insects when used properly.
Winter Protection for Rosa ‘Silver Jubilee’
In colder climates, protect the base of the plant with a thick mulch layer or rose collar filled with compost, bark, or straw to insulate against temperature fluctuations. In very harsh winters, consider mounding soil over the base of the plant and covering with burlap.
Landscape Use
Rosa ‘Silver Jubilee’ is an outstanding choice for:
- Rose borders and formal beds
- Mixed cottage gardens
- Front-of-house plantings
- Container gardens (with proper winter protection)
- Cut flower gardens (excellent for vase life)
Its upright, compact growth also makes it suitable for smaller gardens or as a focal point in patio designs.
A Lasting Legacy of Elegance
Few roses combine historical significance, beauty, and garden performance like Rosa ‘Silver Jubilee’. With its lush, multicolored blooms, elegant structure, and sweet fragrance, it remains one of the finest hybrid tea roses ever introduced. Whether you’re planting it to honor tradition, to enjoy its summer-long display, or simply to add a touch of regal charm to your garden, ‘Silver Jubilee’ is a timeless classic that continues to bloom with distinction.
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