Rosa ‘Bonica 82’

Rosa ‘Bonica 82’ – the reliable floribunda for easy, long-season color

Rosa ‘Bonica 82’ or Rosa Bonica® is a hardy, floriferous shrub rose bred by Marie-Louise Meilland in France in 1982. It belongs to the Rose family (Rosaceae). Plant it for continuous color, tidy growth, and excellent disease resistance. This cultivar makes a superb choice for borders, hedging, containers, and low-maintenance beds. It blooms in clusters, produces attractive hips, and repeats well from spring through late autumn.

Rosa ‘Bonica 82’ — quick overview

Rosa ‘Bonica 82’ forms a medium, bushy shrub. Expect about 90–150 cm (3–5 ft) in height and 120–180 cm (4–6 ft) in spread. Buds open from rich dark pink to soft pale pink and often fade to near white in hot weather. Blooms measure roughly 5–7.5 cm (2–3 in) across. Petal count ranges from about 26 to 40. The cultivar performs strongly in USDA Zones 4b–9b. Use it where you want dependable color with lower fuss.

Description of Rosa ‘Bonica 82’

Flowers appear in clusters of five to fifteen. Each bloom is slightly cupped with ruffled petals. Fragrance is mild and sweet. The plant sets bright red hips that persist into winter. Leaves are semi-glossy and dark green. The foliage helps the flowers stand out. The plant’s habit stays tidy. It produces frequent flushes throughout the growing season. It also tolerates some light shade without collapsing.

Flowering season and performance of Rosa ‘Bonica 82’

Expect the first flush in late spring. Then you will see repeat cycles through summer and often into late October. Deadheading speeds reblooming, but ‘Bonica 82’ is fairly self-cleaning. In cooler climates the color holds longer. In very warm sites petals bleach sooner. The hips add winter interest after petals fall. Overall, the variety gives months of interest with modest care.

Growth habit and environmental tolerances of Rosa ‘Bonica 82’

This rose grows upright and bushy. It branches from near the base and fills space without sprawling. Bonica 82 tolerates city conditions and suburban gardens. It handles heat and cold within the USDA 4b–9b range, but winter protection helps in the coldest zones. The plant tolerates partial shade; however, full sun (at least six hours) yields the best flower set and disease resistance. It prefers well-drained soil and will suffer in waterlogged sites.

How to grow Rosa ‘Bonica 82’

Light

Plant it in full sun. Give the shrub at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. More sun gives firmer stems, better color, and fewer diseases. In very hot climates provide light afternoon shade to protect petals from bleaching.

Soil

Place Rosa ‘Bonica 82’ in fertile, well-drained soil. Aim for loam enriched with organic matter. Work 5–10 cm (2–4 in) of compost into the top 30 cm (12 in) before planting. Target a pH of about 6.0–7.0. If you have heavy clay, add grit and compost or plant on a small raised mound so crowns stay dry in winter.

Water

Water deeply and regularly while the plant establishes. For established shrubs, water deeply once a week in dry weather — roughly 10–15 L (2.5–4 US gal) per plant as a baseline. Increase frequency during heat waves. Always water at the soil level to keep foliage dry and minimize fungal risk. Mulch helps retain moisture so you can water less often.

Fertilizer

Feed in early spring when growth begins. Use a balanced rose or granular fertilizer according to label rates. Repeat lightly after the first heavy flush of blooms. Optionally apply a third light feed mid-summer. Stop fertilizing 6–8 weeks before your average first frost to avoid tender late growth. Amend annually with compost to support soil life.

Mulch

Mulch with 5–7 cm (2–3 in) of organic material such as bark chips or well-rotted compost. Keep mulch 5 cm (2 in) away from the stem to prevent collar rot. Mulch conserves moisture and moderates soil temperature, both of which help the roots in summer heat and winter cold.

Spacing

Space Rosa ‘Bonica 82’ 120–180 cm (4–6 ft) apart for hedges. For single specimens or mixed borders allow 90–150 cm (3–5 ft) depending on desired density. Proper spacing improves airflow and reduces disease pressure.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or very early spring before strong new growth begins. Remove dead, weak, or inward-facing canes. Reduce overall height by about one-third to keep a healthy, vase-shaped shrub. During the season, remove crossing stems and thin congested areas to improve light and air. Deadhead lightly after flushes to encourage more flowers if you prefer maximum bloom.

Propagation of Rosa ‘Bonica 82’

Propagate by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings for home gardeners, or by budding/grafting for true-to-type nursery stock. For cuttings, take 10–15 cm (4–6 in) shoots from current season growth in late spring or early summer. Remove lower leaves, dip the base in rooting hormone, and plant into a free-draining mix. Keep humidity high and roots will form in 4–8 weeks. Commercially, nurseries propagate by budding onto hardy rootstock to maintain vigor and disease resilience.

Pests & diseases affecting Rosa ‘Bonica 82’

Rosa ‘Bonica 82’ has strong disease resistance, but it can still face pests and fungal issues in certain conditions.

Common pests include:

• Aphids — cluster on new growth. Spray with water or use insecticidal soap.
• Spider mites — thrive in hot, dry conditions. Increase humidity and rinse foliage.
• Thrips and rose slugs — chew petals and leaves. Handpick or treat if large numbers appear.

Typical diseases:

• Black spot — causes round black lesions on leaves. Remove infected leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
• Powdery mildew — white film on leaves in humid weather. Prune to increase airflow and avoid late-day watering.
• Rust — orange pustules underside of leaves. Remove affected foliage and maintain cleanliness.

Prevent problems with site selection, good sanitation, and cultural care. Remove fallen leaves and spent blooms. Use integrated pest management (IPM) and organic sprays before resorting to harsher chemicals. If you choose systemic fungicides or insecticides, follow label directions and rotate active ingredients to minimize resistance.

Landscaping uses for Rosa ‘Bonica 82’

Plant Rosa ‘Bonica 82’ in mixed borders, as a low hedge, or in groups for mass color. Use it at the front of a shrub bed to provide long-lasting color without huge stature. It suits cottage, contemporary, and suburban gardens equally well. The hips add winter interest — they work well with grasses and winter perennials. In containers, choose a large pot 40–50 cm (16–20 in) wide and keep the soil fertile and free-draining. For cutting gardens, its clustered flowers make cheerful posies.

Winter care and longevity

In colder zones, protect crowns with a 15–20 cm (6–8 in) mound of soil or mulch in late fall. Remove the layer in early spring once danger of severe frost passes. For container roses, move to a sheltered spot, wrap the pot, or sink the pot into the ground and mulch around it. Prune any winter-damaged wood in spring. With good care, ‘Bonica 82’ will live many years and form a reliable, productive shrub.

Design pairings and plant companions for Rosa ‘Bonica 82’

Pair this rose with mid-height perennials and grasses. Good companions include Nepeta (catmint), Salvia, Lavender, and ornamental grasses like Pennisetum or Calamagrostis. These provide contrast in texture and help mask spent stems later in the season. Plant bulbs such as Allium or tulips in spring among roses for staggered seasonal interest. For a formal hedge, combine evenly spaced ‘Bonica 82’ plants with low boxwood or clipped yew as accents.

Troubleshooting common problems

Poor flowering often means insufficient sun or too much nitrogen. Move the plant to brighter light if possible. Leggy growth suggests too much fertilizer or crowding — prune and reduce feed. Excess black spot indicates wet foliage and poor air flow — thin the center and convert to drip watering. If winter dieback occurs, check drainage and avoid leaving crowns in standing water.

Final tips

Plant it well and give it sun. Water to establish, then deep water in droughts. Feed lightly and mulch each spring. Prune to shape and remove weak wood. Watch for pests early and act fast with gentle methods. Propagate new stock from cuttings or purchase budded plants for best performance. With straightforward care you will enjoy long seasons of pale pink clusters, attractive hips, and a dependable shrub that suits almost any garden.