Rosa ‘Absolutely Fabulous’

Rosa ‘Absolutely Fabulous’: nonstop golden clusters with a sweet licorice scent

Rosa ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ or Rosa ‘Julia Child’ brings buttery-yellow clusters to borders, beds, and big pots from early summer to late autumn. This floribunda rose sits in the Rosaceae family and carries the crowd-pleasing perfume that gardeners describe as licorice, anise, or light myrrh. You may also find it sold as Rosa ‘Julia Child’ in North America and as Rosa‘Wekvossutono’ (PBR) in the trade. In the UK it holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit and was named Rose of the Year 2010. In the United States it earned AARS winner status. Plant it where you want color with very little fuss, and you will cut vases of cheerful blooms for months.

Rosa ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ at a glance

This compact, bushy floribunda stays tidy yet floriferous. Mature height usually lands around 65–80 cm (26–31 in), with a spread of 50–65 cm (20–26 in). In long, warm seasons it can reach 90 cm (36 in). The shrub throws strong, upright stems that carry clusters of medium, cupped flowers. Each bloom holds roughly 26–40 petals and opens 7–9 cm (2.75–3.5 in) across. New buds glow deep golden yellow; then the color softens to primrose or custard as the flowers age. Glossy, healthy foliage frames the display and stays attractive even in heat.

The story behind Rosa ‘Absolutely Fabulous’

American breeder Tom Carruth selected this variety in 2004 from complex parentage chosen for color, fragrance, and health. In the United States, celebrity chef Julia Child chose this rose to bear her name, so you will often see it labeled ‘Rosa ‘Julia Child’. In the UK and many other regions it sells as ‘Absolutely Fabulous’, a name that fits the plant’s upbeat performance. Nurseries may cite the breeder code ‘Wekvossutono’ and, in some markets, the Australian name ‘Soul Mate’. No matter the label, the plant delivers the same reliable habit and perfume.

Flowers, fragrance, and foliage of Rosa ‘Absolutely Fabulous’

The show starts with rounded buds that swirl open into old-rose style cups. Individual petals are thick and velvety, so clusters hold well in sun and wind. The scent leans sweet and spicy rather than citrus. On still evenings the fragrance pools over paths and seating areas, yet it never overwhelms. Foliage emerges mid-green, then deepens to a handsome dark green with a glossy sheen. Leaves are notably clean in summer, which keeps the plant looking groomed between flushes.

Growth habit, size, and landscape uses

Because this floribunda remains compact, you can slot it at the front or middle of a mixed border. Plant it in trios 45–60 cm (18–24 in) apart to form a low hedge that reads as one mass of bloom. It also thrives in large containers 35–45 cm (14–18 in) wide, where you can enjoy the fragrance near a doorway or patio. In cooler climates, set a pair in urns to flank steps. In hot-summer zones, tuck it where morning sun bathes the plant and light shade touches it after 3 p.m. The shrub’s rounded outline suits formal planting lines and casual cottage designs alike.

Flowering season and performance of ‘Rosa ‘Julia Child’

Expect repeat flushes from late spring until frost. First blooms open as the season warms; a stronger flush follows midsummer; then a long autumn run carries color until nights turn cold. Deadhead consistently and you will see almost continuous clusters. In warm, bright conditions a healthy plant can produce dozens of stems per square meter over the course of a season.

Hardiness and climate range

Gardeners report strong winter survival across a wide range. With siting and mulch, Rosa ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ handles winters roughly equivalent to USDA Zones 4–10. In very cold areas, protect the crown and base canes as described in the winter care section. In maritime regions the plant tolerates wind and summer humidity when you maintain good airflow.

How to Grow Rosa ‘Absolutely Fabulous’

Follow these straightforward steps and you will get steady bloom, clean foliage, and a long-lived shrub.

Light

Place ‘Rosa ‘Julia Child’ where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is essential; it dries dew fast and limits disease. In hot inland summers, give light afternoon shade to keep petals from singeing and to hold color longer.

Soil

Grow it in rich, well-drained soil. Target a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. In clay, amend the bed with 5–8 cm (2–3 in) of compost and coarse grit to open the texture. In sand, add compost and a little aged bark to lift water-holding capacity. Good drainage matters more than perfect fertility.

Watering

Water deeply and then wait until the top 5–7 cm (2–3 in) of soil dries. In the first summer, supply about 10–15 L (2.5–4 US gal) per plant weekly during dry spells. In established beds, a slow soak every 7–10 days usually suffices, but increase frequency during heat waves. Always water at the base. Wet leaves invite disease.

Fertilizing

Feed to support repeat bloom, not just foliage. In early spring as buds swell, apply a slow-release rose fertilizer or 2–3 L (2–3 qt) of well-rotted compost per plant. After the first heavy flush, feed again with a balanced granular or a soluble bloom booster at half strength. Stop fertilizing 6–8 weeks before your average first frost to avoid tender late growth.

Planting & Spacing

Plant bare-root roses in early spring or autumn; set container plants whenever soil is workable and not frozen. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep. Roughen the sides. In cold winter regions, place the graft union 2–5 cm (1–2 in) below the final soil line; in mild regions, set it at the soil surface. Backfill with native soil improved with compost. Water to settle and mulch after planting. Space shrubs 50–65 cm (20–26 in) apart in a row, or 60–75 cm (24–30 in) for air circulation in mixed borders.

Mulching

Spread 5–7 cm (2–3 in) of shredded bark, leaf mold, or composted wood chips over the root zone. Keep mulch 5 cm (2 in) away from the canes. Mulch moderates soil temperature, reduces watering frequency, and blocks most weeds.

Pruning & Deadheading

Prune in late winter or very early spring as buds begin to swell. First remove dead, damaged, and rubbing canes. Then shorten remaining canes by about one-third to shape the shrub and encourage strong new shoots. During the season, deadhead entire clusters once the first petals shatter. Cut back to the first outward-facing five-leaflet leaf. This cut triggers quick repeat bloom and keeps plants compact.

Winter care

In cold zones, winterize after the ground begins to freeze. Mound 20–25 cm (8–10 in) of compost or pine fines over the crown and lower canes. In wind-swept sites, wrap a breathable barrier of burlap around stakes to block desiccating gusts. In early spring, pull mulch back gradually to expose the crown as growth restarts.

Propagation: make more ‘Absolutely Fabulous’

Home gardeners can propagate by hardwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Take pencil-thick cuttings 15–20 cm (6–8 in) long from healthy, non-flowering shoots. Remove the lower leaves, wound the base lightly, dip in rooting hormone, and insert into a coarse, sterile mix of perlite and peat or perlite and coco coir. Maintain high humidity and bright, indirect light. Roots form in 6–10 weeks under steady warmth (18–24 °C / 65–75 °F). Note that plant breeder’s rights (PBR) may apply in some regions; purchase rooted plants from licensed nurseries when in doubt.

Pests & Diseases: keep Rosa ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ healthy

This rose has a strong reputation for disease resistance, especially to black spot and powdery mildew. Even so, smart culture keeps foliage pristine.

Aphids cluster on soft tips in spring. Knock them off with a sharp spray of water or use insecticidal soap on repeat. Spider mites may appear in hot, dusty weather; rinse undersides of leaves and apply horticultural oil if needed. Japanese beetles can chew petals and leaves in midsummer; hand-pick into soapy water at dawn and consider traps placed away from plantings.

Black spot thrives when leaves stay wet. Space plants well, water at the base, prune to open the center, and clean up fallen leaves. If disease pressure spikes, rotate labeled fungicides as a last resort. Powdery mildew shows as white film on leaves in cool, dry spells; ensure airflow and avoid excess nitrogen. Rose rust can flare in mild, damp climates; remove infected leaves and improve circulation.

Cane borers move into fresh pruning cuts. Seal thick, older cuts with white glue if borers are common in your area. Rabbits or deer rarely target this variety, but fresh growth can tempt them—use barriers where browsing is heavy.

Seasonal care calendar for Rosa ‘Absolutely Fabulous’

Late winter: Prune, shape, and mulch ‘Rosa ‘Julia Child’. Scratch in slow-release food as buds swell.

Spring: Water deeply during dry weeks. Scout for aphids on new growth and act early. Stake if winds rock new shoots.

Early summer: Deadhead entire clusters. Feed after the first flush. Keep mulch topped up to 5–7 cm (2–3 in).

High summer: Water consistently in heat waves—10–15 L (2.5–4 gal) per plant weekly, more in sandy soils. Rinse foliage in the morning if spider mites appear.

Late summer to autumn: Continue deadheading until 6–8 weeks before frost, then allow a few hips to form to signal dormancy. Stop feeding.

Late autumn: In cold climates, mound mulch over the crown and install windbreaks if needed.

Companion plants and design ideas

Pair Rosa ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ or ‘Rosa ‘Julia Child’ with cool blue or purple partners that let the yellow glow. Catmint (Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and salvia (Salvia nemorosa) all set the blooms off and invite pollinators. For structure, add clipped boxwood or dwarf yew behind the roses. At the feet, plant silver thyme, lamb’s ears, or low germander to knit the bed. In containers, mix the shrub with trailing bacopa, white lobelia, or silver helichrysum. The restraint of gray foliage makes the golden cups look even richer.

Cut flowers: harvesting and vase life

Harvest stems when the outer petals loosen but the center still holds. Cut early in the morning with clean bypass shears. Strip leaves that would sit below the water line. Recut stems at an angle and place them in lukewarm water with a drop of preservative. Change water daily and trim 1 cm (⅜ in) from the base every other day. In a cool room, clusters last several days and fade to a soft butter tone that blends beautifully in arrangements.

Troubleshooting quick answers

• Plenty of foliage, few blooms: Increase sun exposure and reduce nitrogen. Feed with a balanced or bloom-leaning fertilizer after the first flush.
• Petals crisping in heat: Add light afternoon shade and water more deeply but less often. Mulch to keep roots cool.
• Leaves yellowing with black spots: Improve airflow, remove infected leaves, and water at the base. Consider a preventive fungicide program if your climate is high-pressure.
• Stems die back after pruning: Make cuts to outward-facing buds and disinfect blades between plants. Seal large cuts in borer-prone regions.
• Plant stalls in heavy clay: Raise the bed 15–20 cm (6–8 in) and amend with grit and compost for drainage.

Rosa ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ in containers

Use a pot at least 35–45 cm (14–18 in) wide with several drainage holes. Fill with a high-quality, peat-reduced mix amended with compost and 10–20% perlite. Set the graft union at the finished soil line and stake lightly until roots anchor. Water ‘Rosa ‘Julia Child’ until a little runs from the base, then wait for the top 5 cm (2 in) to dry before watering again. Feed lightly but regularly, as containers leach nutrients faster than beds. In winter, roll the pot into a sheltered spot, or insulate the container with straw and burlap in cold zones.

Sustainability notes that help

Mulch and drip irrigation cut water use while improving plant health. Compost top-dressing each spring reduces dependence on synthetic inputs. When pests arrive, start with physical removal and mild soaps or oils; save harsher controls for severe outbreaks only. Healthy soil and good siting do most of the work for you.

Key specifications

• Botanical: Rosa ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ = ‘Wekvossutono’ (floribunda)
• Also sold as: ‘Rosa ‘Julia Child’ (US), ‘Soul Mate’ (AU)
• Family: Rosaceae
• Size: 65–80 cm tall × 50–65 cm wide (26–31 × 20–26 in); larger in long seasons
• Bloom: Medium, 7–9 cm (2.75–3.5 in), double, cupped, rich yellow fading to butter; repeat flowering in clusters
• Fragrance: Sweet licorice/anise with myrrh notes; moderate to strong
• Foliage: Glossy dark green; excellent health
• Sun: Full sun; light afternoon shade in extreme heat
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained loam; pH 6.0–7.0
• Water: Deep, infrequent; ~10–15 L (2.5–4 gal) weekly in dry spells for new plants
• Hardiness: Approx. USDA Zones 4–10 with winter protection at the cold end
• Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit; AARS winner; Rose of the Year (UK, 2010)

Final notes for success

Place Rosa ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ or ‘Rosa ‘Julia Child’ in sun, feed it on schedule, and prune with purpose. Mulch to steady moisture and temperature. Deadhead by the cluster and water at the base. With these simple habits, this cheerful floribunda will repay you with months of buttery blooms, a sweet licorice perfume, and clean, glossy foliage—everything you want from a garden workhorse that really is, in every sense, absolutely fabulous.