About Alexander Mackenzie Bare-Root Rose Bush

Rosa ‘Alexander Mackenzie’ — Alexander Mackenzie
🧬 Breeder: Agriculture Canada (Dr. Felicitas Svejda)
🌹 A bold, cold-hardy shrub or small climber rose named for one of Canada’s great explorers.

Alexander Mackenzie is a striking shrub or small climbing rose renowned for its deep raspberry-red blooms, strong fragrance, and exceptional winter hardiness. Developed as part of Canada’s famed Explorer Series, this rose was bred to thrive in severe climates while delivering classic rose beauty. Its richly colored, double blooms appear in clusters, creating a powerful display against the plant’s rugged, resilient form.

💐 Plant & Flower Traits

• 🌹 Rose Type: Shrub/Small Climber

• 🎨 Color: Deep, rich raspberry-red

• 🌸 Bloom Form: Double blooms borne in clusters

• Bloom Size: 40-50 Petals

• 🔁 Flowering Habit: Blooms in flushes through the growing season

• 🌼 Fragrance: Medium, raspberry fragrance

• 🌿 Foliage: Glossy, light-green foliage

🏡 Growth & Garden Habits

• 🌱 Growth Habit: Upright, bushy shrub with strong canes

• ↕️ Height: Approximately 4–6 ft

• ↔️ Width: Approximately 4–5 ft

• ❄️ Winter Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8 — extremely cold hardy

• ☀️ Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade

• 🛡️ Disease Resistance: Excellent — ideal for low-maintenance gardens

💛 Why Grace Rose Farm Loves It

Alexander Mackenzie is a rose built for resilience. Its saturated raspberry-red blooms and bold fragrance bring drama and romance to landscapes where traditional roses struggle. Tough enough for northern winters yet refined enough for ornamental gardens, this rose embodies strength, endurance, and timeless beauty.

🌿 Growing & Care Recommendations

• Planting Site: Full sun with well-drained soil

• Spacing: Allow 4–5 ft for mature growth

• Watering: Moderate; once established, this rose is notably tolerant

• Pruning: Minimal — remove dead wood in spring

• Maintenance: Exceptionally low-maintenance compared to many modern roses