Absolutely Fabulous

The floribunda rose ‘Absolutely Fabulous’, also marketed under the name ‘Julia Child’, is a bushy and compact shrub reaching a height of about 60 to 80 centimetres and spreading 50 to 65 centimetres wide. Its double flowers contain between thirty and forty-five petals, producing a full, rounded shape reminiscent of old garden roses. The blossoms open in a rich golden yellow that gradually softens to a buttery shade as they age, giving the shrub a dynamic appearance throughout the season. The foliage is glossy mid-green and provides a healthy backdrop for the abundant blooms. Flowering begins in June and continues well into autumn, with repeat flushes as long as faded blooms are removed.

This rose thrives best in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Care is straightforward: deadheading prolongs flowering, while pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain shape and vigour. Feeding during the growing season and mulching with compost or well-rotted manure improve both soil and bloom quality.

Thanks to its even growth habit, ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ is perfectly suited for borders and rose beds, but it also performs well in containers and on patios. It can be grown as a standard rose to provide vertical accents in the garden, and its strong, fragrant blooms make excellent cut flowers. The distinctive fragrance, with hints of liquorice and anise, and the repeat flowering period make this variety particularly valuable for pollinators such as bees, adding ecological interest alongside its ornamental qualities.