Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’: a compact, repeat-flowering Floribunda for effortless color
Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ is a modern Floribunda that covers itself in ruffled, soft pink blooms from late spring until frost. Bred by Gareth Fryer in the United Kingdom and introduced in 2006, this rose won Rose of the Year in 2007 and later earned the RHS Award of Garden Merit for reliable garden performance. Belonging to the Rosaceae family, Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’—also sold as Tickled Pink Rose, Floribunda Rose ‘Tickled Pink’, and under the cultivar code Rosa ‘Fryhunky’ PBR—mixes generous clusters, a light fragrance, and excellent disease resistance in a small, tidy shrub. Plant it in full sun, give it decent soil and regular water, and it rewards you with near-continuous color for borders, low hedges, and containers.
Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ overview
This Floribunda grows with an upright, bushy habit and a rounded outline. Mature height reaches about 75–100 cm (30–39 in), with a similar spread of 60–90 cm (24–35 in). Foliage is healthy, glossy, and mid to dark green, which frames the flowers beautifully. Each truss holds many buds, so even as one flush opens, the next wave waits in line. Because the plant stays compact, you can use it at the front or middle of a mixed border, as a repeat accent along a path, or as a striking container feature on a sunny terrace.
Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ flowers and fragrance
Blooms open a rich, medium pink and keep their color well. In cool weather you may notice a faint peachy or silvery glow on the petal reverse, which adds depth on overcast days. Individual flowers are fully double and ruffled, typically 7–9 cm (2¾–3½ in) across, with 26–40 petals per bloom. The scent is light and pleasant—often described as sweet with a hint of fruit—so it suits patios and seating areas where strong perfume might overwhelm. Because the flowers arrive in clusters, the overall effect is generous and showy even on a compact shrub.
Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ size, habit, and seasonal rhythm
Expect a dense, rounded mound that stays tidy without constant pruning. New growth pushes readily after each cut, so deadheading keeps the display going. In most climates, flowering begins in late spring and continues in flushes until autumn. In regions with a long growing season, plants can bloom from May through October, with peak shows in early summer and again in late summer to early fall. Heat does not faze the plant once established; however, regular water helps maintain cluster size in midseason.
Why choose Tickled Pink Rose?
Gardeners pick Tickled Pink Rose for three reasons. First, you get color on repeat with minimal fuss. Second, the plant stays compact, which solves spacing issues in small gardens. Third, it shows excellent disease resistance, so leaves remain glossy and green even in humid summers when many roses struggle. As a bonus, the shrub produces sturdy stems that hold clusters upright and cut cleanly for vases. Because the blooms last well, you can enjoy indoor arrangements while the plant sets up the next flush outdoors.
Botanical background and naming
Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ sits within the Floribunda group, which blends cluster-flowering habits with the fuller blooms of Hybrid Teas. The cultivar code is ‘Fryhunky’ and it carries Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) in some regions. You may see it listed in catalogues as Rosa ‘Fryhunky’ PBR or simply as Tickled Pink Floribunda. All refer to the same rose.
Landscape uses with Tickled Pink Rose
Use this rose anywhere you need reliable pink color and a neat habit. Line a low hedge along a drive at 60–75 cm (24–30 in) spacing for a ribbon of bloom. Drop three plants into a mixed border to weave through salvias, catmints, and ornamental grasses. Combine with cool blues and purples (Lavender, Nepeta, Salvia) for contrast, or echo its warmth with peach daylilies and apricot Achillea. In containers, one plant in a 40–45 cm (16–18 in) wide pot makes a bold statement; group three pots for a terrace display that keeps pace with summer gatherings.
Environmental tolerances
Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ thrives in full sun and tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates. Once established, it handles short dry spells, though steady moisture produces larger clusters. It shrugs off heat with regular water and good mulch. In cold regions, canes may tip-die in winter; however, because Floribundas bloom on new growth, spring pruning restores the display. As a garden workhorse, this cultivar also deals well with urban pollution, reflected heat, and windy exposures when staked in its first season.
How to Grow Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’
Light
Give the rose at least 6–8 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is ideal because it dries leaves early, which reduces fungal pressure. In scorching inland summers, a touch of dappled shade after 3 p.m. keeps petals fresh.
Soil
Plant it in fertile, well-drained ground. Aim for a pH of 6.0–7.0. In clay, improve drainage by mixing 30–40% compost and coarse grit into the backfill. In sand, add organic matter to hold moisture and nutrients. Avoid waterlogged sites; soggy roots invite root rot and weak growth.
Watering
Water deeply and infrequently to train roots down. In the first growing season, provide about 10–15 L (2½–4 US gal) per plant weekly in dry weather. After establishment, water when the top 5–7 cm (2–3 in) of soil dries. Always apply water at the base in the morning. Keep foliage dry to lower disease risk.
Fertilizing
Feed for steady, repeat bloom. In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a 2–3 cm (¾–1¼ in) top-dressing of compost around the dripline. After the first big flush, give a light feed with a rose fertilizer higher in potassium to support the next wave. Stop feeding 6–8 weeks before your average first frost.
Mulching
Mulch 5–7 cm (2–3 in) deep with shredded bark, leaf mold, or compost. Mulch holds soil moisture, buffers heat, and suppresses weeds. Pull it back a few centimeters from the canes to keep the crown dry.
Planting and spacing
Plant bare-root roses in early spring or late autumn while the soil is workable. Soak bare-root plants in clean water for 2–4 hours before planting. Dig a hole 45 cm (18 in) wide and 30–35 cm (12–14 in) deep. In cold regions, set the bud union 2–5 cm (¾–2 in) below soil level; in warm regions, keep it at or slightly above the surface. Backfill, firm gently, and water well. Space plants 60–75 cm (24–30 in) apart in a hedge, or 75–90 cm (30–35 in) as border specimens to promote airflow.
Pruning and deadheading
Prune in late winter or very early spring as buds swell. First remove dead, diseased, or rubbing wood. Then shorten remaining canes by about one-third to one-half, cutting to outward-facing buds 0.5 cm (¼ in) above the node at a slight angle. Throughout the season, deadhead spent clusters. Cut the stem back to the first strong five-leaflet leaf. This prompts fast rebloom and keeps the shrub compact.
Staking and training
Young plants benefit from a discreet bamboo stake to help them through their first windy season. Tie loosely with soft ties. As the framework fills in, you can remove supports.
Containers
Choose a pot at least 40–45 cm (16–18 in) in diameter with drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix blended with 20–30% compost and a handful of controlled-release fertilizer. Water when the top 2–3 cm (¾–1¼ in) of mix dries. Container plants need more frequent water and monthly feeding during peak bloom. In cold climates, wheel the pot to a sheltered spot for winter, or insulate with wrap.
Winter care
In USDA Zones roughly 5–9, Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ overwinters well with basic protection. After hard frost, mound 15–20 cm (6–8 in) of leaf mold or compost over the crown in exposed sites. In very cold, windy areas, a breathable winter cover around the framework reduces cane desiccation. Remove protection gradually in spring.
Propagation of Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’
Home gardeners often propagate Floribundas by hardwood cuttings. Take pencil-thick cuttings 15–20 cm (6–8 in) long from mature, non-flowering wood in late autumn. Remove the soft tip and the bottom leaves, then make a clean cut just below a bud. Dip in rooting hormone and insert two-thirds of the cutting into a free-draining medium (equal parts coarse sand and compost works well). Keep moist and sheltered through winter. New growth in spring signals success. Budding and grafting are also used in nurseries. Note that Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) may restrict commercial propagation; check your local regulations if you plan to sell plants.
Pests and diseases on Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’
This cultivar shows strong resistance to black spot and powdery mildew, yet good habits keep it at its best. Space plants for airflow, water early at the base, and clear fallen leaves. If disease appears, remove affected foliage promptly. In persistent black spot weather, you can use a preventative fungicide labeled for roses, applied per instructions.
Aphids cluster on tender stems in spring. Dislodge with a sharp water spray or treat with insecticidal soap. Rose sawfly larvae (often called rose slugs) skeletonize leaves; inspect undersides and hand-pick, or apply a labeled biological control. Thrips can mark petals during heat waves; harvest buds early for indoor use and prune back spent clusters. In hot, dry spells, spider mites may stipple leaves; rinse foliage thoroughly in the morning to raise humidity around the canopy and break populations.
Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ for cut flowers
Cut when the outer petals just loosen and the cluster shows several half-open blooms. Harvest in the cool of morning with sharp, clean pruners. Strip leaves from the lower 10–15 cm (4–6 in) of stem. Recut under water and condition for at least one hour before arranging. In a typical home vase, clusters hold for 4–6 days, especially if you refresh water and recut stems midweek.
Companion planting
Pair Tickled Pink Rose with cool companions that spotlight its color. Blue-violet partners like Salvia nemorosa, Nepeta, and hardy Geraniums balance the warm pink and attract pollinators to the same area. Add the airy texture of Pennisetum or the vertical lines of Digitalis for structure. In small spaces, underplant with silver herbs—Thyme, Lavender, or Santolina—for a low, reflective base that keeps foliage dry and bright.
Seasonal care calendar
Late winter to early spring: Prune, feed, and refresh mulch. Inspect irrigation and supports.
Late spring: Enjoy the first flush. Deadhead promptly to trigger rebloom. Spot-treat aphids if needed.
Mid to late summer: Water deeply in heat. Give a light, potassium-forward feed after big flushes. Continue deadheading.
Early autumn: Allow a few hips to set if you want a softer finish, or keep deadheading for more color until frost.
Late autumn: Tidy the bed, remove leaf litter, and mound soil or compost for winter protection in cold sites.
Quick troubleshooting
Few flowers: Increase sun to at least 6–8 hours. Check fertilizer; avoid high nitrogen. Deadhead more often.
Small clusters in midsummer: Water more deeply during heat waves. Mulch to moderate soil temperatures.
Yellowing leaves with green veins: Suspect pH or nutrient imbalance. Top-dress with compost and test soil.
Black spot on lower leaves: Improve airflow and avoid wet foliage. Remove infected leaves at once.
Leggy growth: Prune harder in late winter, then pinch soft tips lightly in spring to encourage branching.
Buying and establishing healthy plants
Look for sturdy, well-branched shrubs with clean, glossy foliage and no spotted leaves. If you choose bare-root plants, confirm plump canes and firm, fibrous roots. When planting a container rose, tease circling roots gently so they grow outward. Water the new planting slowly and thoroughly. For the first six weeks, keep the root zone evenly moist to help the shrub knit into the surrounding soil.
Sustainability notes
Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ rewards consistent cultural care with fewer inputs. Mulch to reduce watering and weed pressure. Favor slow-release or organic feeds applied at the right time, which cuts runoff. Encourage beneficial insects by planting nectar plants nearby and minimizing broad-spectrum sprays. Because this rose resists common diseases, you can maintain a colorful display while using fewer chemical interventions.
Final thoughts: reliable pink you can plant anywhere
Choose Rosa ‘Tickled Pink’ if you want a compact, disease-resistant Floribunda that blooms hard with minimum fuss. It shines in small gardens, softens hard edges in urban yards, and fills containers with cheerful color. Plant it in full sun. Water it deeply. Feed it modestly. Prune with purpose in late winter and deadhead through summer. Do those few things, and Tickled Pink Rose will repay you with months of ruffled clusters, glossy foliage, and a steady, garden-fresh look that reads as “well kept” without constant work.
