Rosa ‘Big Purple’: Vibrant Blooms and a Tidy Habit for Effortless Charm
Rosa ‘Big Purple’ stands as one of the most captivating Hybrid Tea roses for gardeners who love strong fragrance and bold coloring. Bred in 1985 by Pat Stephens in New Zealand, this rose quickly gained attention for its immense 5–7 inch (12–18 cm) blooms in striking violet to mauve shades. Gardeners also know it for its powerful perfume, often described as sweet, fruity, and reminiscent of old roses. A single flower can scent an entire room, making it not only a garden treasure but also an exceptional cut flower. Rosa ‘Big Purple’ belongs to the Rosaceae family, the same family that unites beloved roses across the world, and it continues to enchant with both beauty and resilience.
A Hybrid Tea With a Bold Personality
Rosa ‘Big Purple’ is classified as a Hybrid Tea, a type renowned for elegant form and long stems perfect for arrangements. The blooms carry 35 to 70 petals, forming a high-centered, classical shape. Their unique coloring often shifts with the light, moving between vibrant violet, deep mauve, and even shades of beetroot purple. This variation gives the plant a dramatic presence, whether in a mixed border or as a single statement shrub. The fragrance adds another layer of charm. Gardeners often remark that the scent is not subtle but strong and indulgent, filling the air during warm afternoons or evenings.
Growth Habit and Foliage of Rosa ‘Big Purple’
This Hybrid Tea rose grows into a shrub reaching 4 to 5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) in both height and spread. Its growth remains upright and well-structured, making it easy to integrate into gardens of many sizes. The foliage is equally attractive, with dark green leaves that may appear leathery or matte depending on conditions. This strong foliage helps frame the vibrant flowers and adds visual weight when the plant is not in full bloom.
Flowering Season and Blooming Pattern
Rosa ‘Big Purple’ produces flowers in flushes from late spring to late autumn, offering months of enjoyment. Because it is a repeat bloomer, gardeners can expect cycles of flowers rather than a single short season. Each cycle rewards with massive, long-lasting flowers held on sturdy stems, perfect for cutting. In warmer zones, the bloom period often stretches further into autumn, extending the pleasure of its rich color and fragrance.
Rosa ‘Big Purple’ and Its Breeding History
Pat Stephens, a breeder from New Zealand, introduced Rosa ‘Big Purple’ in 1985. It resulted from crossing an unnamed seedling with ‘Purple Splendour’. The registered name is STEbigpu, though gardeners everywhere know it best as ‘Big Purple’. The breeding aimed at combining bold color with fragrance, and the results exceeded expectations. The rose remains popular decades later because it balances striking appearance with strength in the garden.
How to Grow Rosa ‘Big Purple’
Growing Rosa ‘Big Purple’ requires attention to several key factors. With proper care, it thrives and delivers abundant, fragrant blooms.
Light
Plant Rosa ‘Big Purple’ in full sun, with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Sunlight encourages vigorous growth and maximizes flowering. In hot regions, morning sun combined with light afternoon shade helps protect blooms from fading while still providing enough energy for healthy growth.
Soil
This rose prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Heavy clay soils should be improved with compost or organic matter, while sandy soils benefit from added organic amendments that retain moisture. Always avoid planting roses in soil where other roses grew recently, since this may increase disease pressure.
Watering
Water Rosa ‘Big Purple’ deeply at the base to strengthen roots. Avoid overhead watering because wet foliage encourages fungal diseases. During the first growing season, water every 2–3 days until the plant establishes. Mature plants require one or two deep soakings each week, depending on weather. Allow the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil to dry slightly between waterings. In hot weather, check moisture often and adjust.
Fertilizing
Feed Rosa ‘Big Purple’ generously, as roses are heavy feeders. Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or a rose-specific formula. Organic options like aged manure, compost, bone meal, or alfalfa meal also work well. Begin fertilizing in early spring when new growth emerges. Feed again after each flush of blooms to support repeat flowering. Stop fertilizing six to eight weeks before the first expected frost to prevent tender growth.
Pruning
Prune in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or thin stems. Aim for a balanced shape with open airflow, cutting back to outward-facing buds at a 45-degree angle. This encourages sturdy new stems and reduces disease risks. Deadhead blooms throughout the season to extend flowering and prevent hips from forming.
Winter Care
In colder climates, protect the plant by mulching heavily around the base, mounding soil or compost 25–30 cm (10–12 in) high. In very cold regions, cover the plant with straw or evergreen boughs. Continue watering during dry winter spells if soil is not frozen.
Propagation of Rosa ‘Big Purple’
Gardeners usually propagate Hybrid Tea roses through budding or grafting, though cuttings can also succeed with proper care. To try cuttings, take 15–20 cm (6–8 in) sections of healthy stems after the first flush of flowers. Remove lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and place it in a mixture of sand and peat. Keep moist and warm until roots form. Grafting onto hardy rootstocks is more common in nurseries because it produces stronger plants adapted to different soils and climates.
Pests and Diseases
Rosa ‘Big Purple’ shows good resistance to common rose problems, but no rose is entirely free from pests or disease. Watch for aphids, spider mites, and thrips, which may gather on new growth and buds. Treat infestations early with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings by planting companion plants such as lavender or marigolds. Black spot, powdery mildew, and rust can still appear in damp or shaded gardens. Prevent these issues by planting in full sun, pruning for airflow, and watering at soil level. If problems arise, remove affected leaves and apply organic fungicidal sprays.
Why Gardeners Love Rosa ‘Big Purple’
Gardeners admire Rosa ‘Big Purple’ for several reasons. Its massive blooms command attention, while the intense fragrance creates a sensory experience unmatched by many modern roses. The controlled growth habit allows it to fit well in medium-sized gardens, borders, or even large containers. Florists prize it for long stems and vase life, while home gardeners enjoy the ability to cut a few stems and fill a room with fragrance. Its heat tolerance and resistance to disease make it a practical choice as well as a beautiful one.
Environmental Tolerances
Rosa ‘Big Purple’ performs best in USDA zones 6–10, tolerating both warm summers and mild winters. In hot climates, the rose continues to bloom with good care, showing resilience against heat stress. Its leathery foliage withstands sun exposure better than some more delicate Hybrid Teas. Still, gardeners in very humid areas should pay extra attention to pruning and airflow.
Design Uses in the Garden
The rich coloring of Rosa ‘Big Purple’ blends well with silvers, whites, and pinks in mixed borders. Its tall stems also make it an excellent centerpiece in dedicated rose beds. Pair it with lavender, catmint, or ornamental grasses for contrasting textures and to attract pollinators. In cutting gardens, plant several bushes together to ensure a steady supply of flowers for arrangements.
Final Thoughts on Rosa ‘Big Purple’
Rosa ‘Big Purple’ embodies the best qualities of Hybrid Tea roses: bold color, powerful fragrance, repeat blooms, and a strong garden presence. With proper care, it delivers season after season of beauty and fills gardens and homes with its unforgettable perfume. For gardeners seeking a rose that combines dramatic appearance with practical resilience, ‘Big Purple’ remains a rewarding choice.
