Rosa ‘Red Abundance’: compact crimson floribunda for months of color
Rosa ‘Red Abundance’ starts strong in late spring and keeps the color coming until frost. This short, bushy Floribunda—also sold as Rosa ‘Harkimono’ PBR and sometimes listed as ‘Songs Of Praise’, ‘Velvet Abundance’, or ‘Cherie’—packs clusters of deep red rosette blooms on glossy, disease-tolerant foliage. Gardeners often call it the Red Abundance Rose or the Songs Of Praise Rose, and it sits within the Abundance Series bred by Harkness in the United Kingdom. Belonging to the Rosaceae family, Rosa ‘Red Abundance’ balances romance and reliability in a compact footprint that suits small borders, low hedges, and containers.
The story and names behind Rosa ‘Red Abundance’
Harkness Roses introduced this Floribunda around 2004–2005 with a clear goal: generous clusters, saturated crimson color, and a plant that stays neat. The trade code ‘Harkimono’ helps nurseries track the exact cultivar, while retail names vary by region. If you see ‘Songs Of Praise’, ‘Velvet Abundance’, or ‘Cherie’ attached to a compact red floribunda with high-gloss leaves, you are likely meeting the same garden workhorse. Whatever the tag, expect reliable repeat flowering, sturdy stems, and strong foliage health.
What Rosa ‘Red Abundance’ looks like in the garden
The shrub forms a rounded mound about 70–90 cm tall (28–36 in) and 60–80 cm wide (24–32 in). Leaves are dark green, leathery, and highly glossy, which sets off the flowers’ rich color. Buds begin almost blackish red, then open to fully double, rosette-form blooms with 26–40 petals. The color holds well in sun and rarely “blues” or browns as the flowers age. In warm spells the petals release a light, spicy fragrance with hints of herbs and lemon. Individual blooms measure about 7–9 cm across (2¾–3½ in) and appear in generous clusters, so even a small plant reads as a mass of red from across the path.
When Rosa ‘Red Abundance’ flowers
Flowering starts in late spring, often around June, and returns in flushes through summer and into autumn. With steady deadheading and even moisture, most plants produce three or more strong cycles, finishing only when frost shuts down growth. That consistent rebloom is the hallmark of the Floribunda class, and it’s what makes this cultivar so useful near patios, entries, and seating areas.
Growth habit and environmental tolerances
Compact height and close branching keep the shrub tidy without staking. Leaves shrug off ordinary summer weather and show notable resistance to black spot and powdery mildew when you provide sun and airflow. Once established, the plant tolerates short dry spells, though best flower production follows regular deep watering. Heat holds the color well, and the flowers ride out summer storms on firm stems. In cold climates the shrub is hardy when mulched; in heat it appreciates a touch of afternoon shade if temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F).
How to Grow Rosa ‘Red Abundance’
Planting essentials at a glance
Choose a sunny, open site with fertile, well-drained soil. Space plants 45–60 cm (18–24 in) apart in borders or 35–45 cm (14–18 in) for a low hedge. Water deeply after planting and keep the root zone evenly moist while the plant establishes. Feed modestly to push bloom without creating soft, sappy growth.
Light
Give the Red Abundance Rose at least 6–8 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is vital because it dries dew quickly and reduces disease pressure. In very hot inland gardens, a hint of dappled shade after 3 p.m. keeps petals fresh without reducing bloom count.
Soil
Set plants in fertile, well-drained loam with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Roses hate soggy roots, so improve heavy clay by mixing in coarse compost and 5–8 L per plant (1¼–2 gal) of fine bark or grit to open the texture. On very sandy ground, add 5–8 cm (2–3 in) of compost across the bed to help hold moisture. Aim for a planting hole 45–50 cm wide (18–20 in) and 35–40 cm deep (14–16 in) so roots spread easily.
Planting
Set the plant so the bud union sits 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) above soil level in mild regions. In colder winters, drop it 5–7.5 cm (2–3 in) below grade for extra protection. Backfill with amended soil, firm gently to remove air pockets, and water until the hole drains. Finish with mulch to conserve moisture.
Watering
During establishment, water 2–3 times per week depending on weather to keep the top 15–20 cm (6–8 in) of soil evenly moist. Once established, switch to deep, less frequent watering: about 5–8 L (1.3–2 gal) per plant once or twice weekly in summer heat, more often in very sandy soils or containers. Always water at the base early in the day to keep foliage dry and disease down.
Fertilizing
Feed for flowers, not excess leaves. In early spring as buds swell, apply a slow-release rose fertilizer at label rates, or scratch in 250–300 g (½–⅔ lb) of a balanced organic blend around each plant’s drip line. After the first big flush, repeat with a lighter dose to power the next cycle. Liquid seaweed or a high-potash tonic midseason can brighten color and strengthen stems. Stop feeding 6–8 weeks before your expected first frost so new growth can harden.
Mulching
Lay a 5–7 cm (2–3 in) ring of organic mulch—composted bark, leaf mold, or well-rotted compost—over the root zone. Keep mulch pulled 5 cm (2 in) back from canes to prevent rot. Mulch stabilizes soil temperature, curbs weeds, and cuts evaporation, all of which help sustain bloom runs in summer.
Pruning and deadheading
Prune in late winter or very early spring before strong new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing canes first, then reduce remaining stems by one-third to one-half to a strong outward-facing bud about 30–45 cm (12–18 in) from ground level. Through the season, deadhead spent clusters by cutting back to a five-leaflet leaf on a strong, outward-facing shoot. Good cuts trigger fast re-bloom. In late summer, you may leave the last blooms to form hips if you like winter interest, though continuous deadheading gives the longest display.
Staking and support
Most plants need no staking. If young shrubs grow in a windy gap, a discreet bamboo cane tied loosely to the main stem keeps clusters upright until the shrub thickens.
Container growing
Rosa ‘Red Abundance’ performs well in a pot 40–45 cm (16–18 in) wide and deep, with large drainage holes. Use a high-quality peat-free potting mix blended with 15–20% fine bark for structure. Water when the top 3–5 cm (1–2 in) feel dry and feed lightly but more often than in-ground plants, as nutrients wash through containers faster. In cold regions, move the pot to a sheltered, unheated spot for winter or wrap the container with insulating material when temperatures drop below −15°C (5°F).
Winter protection
In USDA Zones 5–6 (−29 to −18°C / −20 to 0°F), mound 20–25 cm (8–10 in) of compost or bark chips around the base after the first hard frost to shield the crown. But in very cold snaps, add burlap or a rose collar filled with dry leaves. In Zones 7–9, a fresh layer of mulch and wind protection usually suffice.
Propagating Rosa ‘Red Abundance’
Home gardeners typically propagate Floribundas by hardwood cuttings in autumn or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer. Select non-flowering shoots 15–20 cm (6–8 in) long, remove lower leaves, and stick into a 1:1 mix of perlite and composted bark. Keep evenly moist and bright but out of direct, scorching sun. Many named roses carry plant breeder’s rights (PBR). ‘Harkimono’ is protected in some markets, so check local regulations and respect any restrictions on asexual propagation.
Pests and diseases on Rosa ‘Red Abundance’ (and how to prevent them)
Start with prevention: sun, airflow, dry leaves, and clean mulch. This cultivar shows excellent foliage health, but scouting weekly keeps small issues from growing.
Aphids cluster on soft tips in spring. Blast them off with a firm water jet, then follow with insecticidal soap if needed. Rose sawfly larvae (the “green slugs” that skeletonize leaves) feed on undersides; hand-pick or use a labeled biological control when you first see damage. Spider mites flourish in heat on dusty foliage; rinse leaves in the morning and keep the root zone watered to reduce stress. Japanese beetles, where present, chew petals and foliage; hand-pick in the cool morning when they move slowly.
Black spot and powdery mildew appear when leaves stay wet or crowding traps humidity. Space plants well, water the soil not the foliage, and clean up leaf litter. If a long spell of warm, wet weather hits, a preventative spray program using a labeled fungicide or organic alternative can protect new leaves. Remove heavily infected leaves and dispose of them—do not compost.
Root and crown rots signal poor drainage or chronically wet conditions. Improve soil structure, reduce irrigation, and keep mulch away from canes. Rose rosette disease (RRD) spreads by a tiny mite in some regions; distorted, witch’s-broom growth with excessive thorns is the hallmark. If you suspect RRD, remove the plant promptly and consult local extension guidance.
Landscape uses with Rosa ‘Red Abundance’
Because the shrub tops out around 80–90 cm (31–36 in), it shines at the border’s front or midline. Plant three in a gentle triangle 50 cm (20 in) apart for a dense, hedge-like mass of red. Thread single plants down a path to pull the eye along. The glossy leaves pair beautifully with gray and blue companions: Catmint (Nepeta), Lavender (Lavandula), and Russian Sage (Perovskia) cool the palette and invite pollinators. For strong contrast, mingle with Golden Oat Grass (Stipa gigantea) or Yellow Yarrow (Achillea). In small gardens, a single containerized Red Abundance Rose on a sunny patio delivers weeks of color at nose level.
Cut-flower tips
Cut in the cool of morning when outer petals on the most open bloom in a cluster just loosen. Use sharp, clean snips and place stems immediately into a bucket of lukewarm water. Strip leaves that would sit below the vase line. Recut stems at a 45° angle and condition for at least an hour before arranging. Expect 4–6 days of good vase life indoors out of direct sun.
Seasonal care calendar
Late winter to early spring: Prune, feed, and refresh mulch. Check irrigation lines or soaker hoses for clogs. Inspect for overwintering pests.
Spring: Water deeply during dry spells. Deadhead entire clusters just after peak show to push the next wave. Scout for aphids and sawflies.
Summer: Maintain a steady rhythm of water, deadheading, and light feeding after flushes. In heat spikes above 35°C (95°F), add an extra soak and a temporary shade cloth for container plants.
Autumn: Enjoy the final flush. Reduce feeding so growth hardens. In cold regions, mound mulch after first hard frost and secure canes from wind rock.
Troubleshooting quick guide
Few or no flowers? Increase sun exposure and ease off nitrogen. Water deeply rather than often to reduce stress.
Yellowing leaves midseason? Check drainage and watering rhythm; soggy soil starves roots of oxygen.
Leaves spot and drop? Space plants, prune for airflow, water at soil level, and clean up debris.
Weak, lanky growth? Prune harder in late winter to a sturdy framework and feed modestly in spring.
Why choose Rosa ‘Red Abundance’ for your garden
You want abundant, crimson color on a plant that stays neat. You want flowers that hold their tone in sun, leaves that stay clean with basic care, and a shrub you can use in a small city plot or along a cottage-style path. Rosa ‘Red Abundance’ answers all of that. Plant it in sun, give it drainage and a steady supply of moisture, and keep your pruners handy for quick deadheading. In return, this compact Floribunda—also known as Red Abundance Rose, Songs Of Praise, or by the code ‘Harkimono’—will reward you with flush after flush of rosette blooms from late spring to frost.
Key specs at a glance
Mature size: 70–90 cm tall × 60–80 cm wide (28–36 in × 24–32 in)
Habit: Rounded, bushy Floribunda
Family: Rosaceae
Bloom: Deep crimson-red, rosette form; light spicy fragrance
Season: Repeats from late spring to autumn
Hardiness: Generally reliable in USDA Zones 5–9 with winter mulch
Best use: Low hedge, front border, mixed bed, containers
Spacing: 45–60 cm (18–24 in) in the ground; 40–45 cm (16–18 in) pot for containers
Plant it once with care, then keep the water deep, the cuts clean, and the sun generous. Rosa ‘Red Abundance’ will do the rest.
