Earth Kind is an important designation given to select roses by the Texas A&M University Agriculture program. Earth Kind Roses have been through rigorous statewide testing and evaluation by a team of horticultural experts and found to possess the high level of landscape performance and outstanding disease and insect tolerance/resistance required to for this special designation.

Earth Kind Roses are among the most thoroughly tested and environmentally responsible plants for the use in Texas landscapes. These roses do very well in almost any soil type, from the well-drained acid sands of East Texas to the poorly aerated, highly alkaline clays of central and Southwest Texas. Earth Kind roses are certainly not immune to pest problems. However, their tolerance to pests is so great that they rarely require the use of chemical pesticides.

Perle d’Or (pearl of gold) was bred and introduced in France in 1884 by Rambaux; Dubreuil. Perle d’Or produces highly fragrant, pompom shaped blossoms throughout spring, summer and fall. The buds open to be a beautiful peach color in the center surrounded by silky white margins. As the buds open the petals curl backwards to form the pompom blossom this rose displays. The blossoms stand out against the lush green foliage of the plant. The canes of this rose are almost thornless, making it well suited for landscape use. This rose is a healthy and strong grower that is well suited for highly alkaline clay soils.

Landscape Uses:
Perle d’Or’s wonderful fragrance, delicate coloration of blossoms and ability to thrive under demanding conditions make it ideal for landscape use. This beautiful small shrub rose is recommended to be planted on 6 foot centers to allow for adequate air movement all around. The optimum location to plant Perle d’Or is near a patio, deck, kitchen window, or any location where you can enjoy its delightful fragrance and non-stop blossoms. This rose is also a wonderful selection for a large container on a deck or patio as well.

Prepared by: Tara McKnight, Wichita County Extension Horticulturist

Join the Earth Kind Rose Brigade:
We invite you to become a member of the “Earth Kind Rose Brigade,” a group of dedicated amateurs helping to conduct advanced field testing of experimental rose selections. Your participation will be educational as well as valuable in providing information to the Earth Kind Team of Extension specialists and research scientists at Texas A&M University.

To participate, simply purchase and plant one or more of the Brigade roses then, at one, two, three, and four years after transplanting, provide the benefit of your growing experience.

These cultivars should be planted where they will receive at least 8 hours of direct sun each day with good air movement over the foliage. The use of compost and organic mulches is encouraged.