Princesse Astrid de Belgique

Full description:

Some roses impress through colour. Others through fragrance. Princesse Astrid de Belgique has a quieter kind of authority: cream-white flowers, poised on long stems, that bring elegance without needing to demand attention.

Created by Georges Delbard and introduced in 2018, this rose was named in honour of Princess Astrid of Belgium. The choice feels especially fitting for a variety whose character is built on grace, restraint and distinction.

The flowers open in refined cream to ivory tones, sometimes revealing softer warm nuances towards the centre. Their classic Hybrid Tea form gives each bloom a sculpted appearance, while the petals open gradually into a fuller, softer cup.

Fragrance is one of its strongest qualities. The perfume is rich and noticeable, with floral depth supported by fresh fruity and lightly spicy nuances. Planted near a terrace, path or entrance, it becomes a rose you appreciate as much for scent as for appearance.

Flowering begins in May and continues in repeated flushes until October. The upright shrub reaches around 1–1.2 m and develops dark-green foliage that provides a strong contrast to the pale flowers.

Princesse Astrid de Belgique is also particularly useful for cutting. Its elegant stems and large flowers lend themselves naturally to refined bouquets, allowing the same understated beauty to move from garden to home.

International recognition reinforces its appeal, with Delbard listing two medals among its distinctions. But its strongest argument remains simpler: this is a rose that looks composed, smells beautiful and brings a sense of calm elegance wherever it is planted.

Frequently asked questions:

Who is Princesse Astrid de Belgique named after?
The rose was named in honour of Princess Astrid of Belgium, giving the variety a strong connection with Belgian royal heritage.

What colour are the flowers?
The blooms are primarily cream to ivory white, sometimes showing warmer soft tones towards the centre as they open.

What shape are the flowers?
They begin with the elegant high-centred shape associated with Hybrid Tea roses and gradually soften into fuller, more open blooms.

How large are the flowers?
The blooms generally measure approximately 8–10 cm across, making them large enough to create individual impact without overwhelming the shrub.

Is Princesse Astrid de Belgique fragrant?
Yes. Strong fragrance is one of the variety's principal qualities and one of the main reasons to choose it.

What does the fragrance smell like?
The perfume has a rich floral character with fruity and lightly spicy nuances, creating a more complex fragrance than a simple classic rose scent.

Where should I plant it to enjoy the fragrance?
Position it near a path, terrace, seating area or entrance where the flowers can be appreciated at close range.

Does Princesse Astrid de Belgique repeat flower?
Yes. It flowers repeatedly from May until October, producing successive flushes rather than one single seasonal display.

How tall does Princesse Astrid de Belgique grow?
It generally reaches approximately 1–1.2 m, giving it enough height to create presence in a border while remaining manageable.

How wide does the plant become?
Expect approximately 40–60 cm of mature width, depending on climate, soil and pruning.

Is it suitable for a smaller garden?
Yes. Its relatively narrow, upright growth allows it to provide substantial flowers without requiring the space of a large spreading shrub.

Can Princesse Astrid de Belgique be grown in a container?
Yes. Use a large, deep container with good drainage and provide regular watering and feeding during the growing season.

Is it suitable for cut flowers?
Yes. Its upright stems, elegant flower form and pale colouring make it particularly suitable for refined bouquets and floral arrangements.

How hardy is Princesse Astrid de Belgique?
Delbard lists hardiness to approximately −20°C once established. In colder areas, protecting the grafting point with soil or mulch adds extra winter security.

Which plants combine well with Princesse Astrid de Belgique?
Lavender, nepeta, silver foliage and soft blue or mauve perennials complement its cream flowers beautifully. Deep burgundy foliage creates a more dramatic contrast.

What makes Princesse Astrid de Belgique special?
It combines elegant cream-white Hybrid Tea flowers, strong fragrance, repeat flowering, upright growth and royal provenance in one refined Delbard rose.

What does the rose look like on delivery?
Its appearance depends on the delivery season and natural stage of growth. For examples and explanations, see What roses look like on delivery →.

What should I do after planting?
Plant it in full sun, water thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist while the roots establish. For detailed instructions, visit our complete planting guide →.