Morden Sunrise Rose

Rosa ‘Morden Sunrise’

Morden Sunrise Rose is a cold-hardy, disease-resistant shrub rose with stunning yellow-orange blooms that fade to soft apricot and pink tones. As part of the Parkland series, it is specifically bred for cold climates (Zone 3-7), making it a fantastic choice for Southwest Saskatchewan. This low-maintenance, continuously blooming rose is perfect for borders, mass plantings, and foundation gardens.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-7 (extremely winter-hardy, thrives in prairie climates)
• Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate (12-18 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun (at least 6+ hours of direct sunlight for best blooms and disease resistance)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly alkaline soils.
  • Avoid waterlogged conditions, as roses dislike excessive moisture.
• Spacing: 2-3 feet apart for mass planting, 3+ feet apart for individual shrubs.

Watering

• Young Plants (First Year): Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots.
• Established Shrubs: Drought-tolerant but benefits from weekly deep watering in dry conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture, but allow the top inch to dry before watering.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Shrubs:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring to encourage growth and flowering.
  • Feed again after the first flush of blooms to promote repeat flowering.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
  • Trim back by one-third in early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
  • Every 3-4 years, rejuvenate by cutting back older stems to ground level.

Flowers, Fragrance & Blooming

• Bloom Time: Late spring to frost (continuous bloomer)
• Flower Color: Golden yellow to apricot-orange, fading to soft pink
• Fragrance: Mild but pleasant
• Flower Type: Semi-double, 3-inch blooms
• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and pollinators

Pest & Disease Management

Highly resistant to: Black spot, rust, and powdery mildew (excellent for humid or dry climates)

Common Pests:

• Aphids – Can cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
• Japanese Beetles – May eat flowers and leaves.
  • Solution: Hand-pick or use neem oil.

Common Diseases:

• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Causes brown spots on foliage.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and remove infected leaves.
• Canker (Fungal Disease) – Can cause branch dieback.
  • Solution: Prune affected branches 6 inches below infection and sanitize pruning tools.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy—minimal protection needed in Zone 3-7.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to insulate roots.
• For extreme cold: Consider mounding soil or mulch around the base of young plants in late fall.

Landscape Uses

Perfect for borders, hedges, and mass plantings
Compact and low-maintenance—great for urban gardens
Golden-orange blooms provide warm color contrast
Cold-hardy and disease-resistant—ideal for prairie climates
Attracts pollinators and adds seasonal beauty

Additional Notes:

• Morden Sunrise is one of the best hardy shrub roses, providing continuous blooms and excellent disease resistance.
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.
• Works well in cottage gardens, modern landscapes, mixed borders, and as a standalone specimen shrub.

Photo courtesy of Foothills Nurseries