Rosa floribunda Absolutely Fabulous

The 'Absolutely Fabulous' rose, also called 'Julia Child', is a bush that charms with its highly fragrant yellow roses, borne in clusters. It flowers enthusiastically all summer, its growth is naturally compact and it has very good disease resistance. An excellent variety, multiple award-winning, radiating cheerfulness, for the garden or even the terrace. Absolutely must-see!

This rose belongs to the Rosaceae family and the Floribunda group. It was bred by the American hybridiser Tom Carruth (Weeks Roses) in the early 2000s, selected in 2004 and introduced in the United States in 2006 under the name ‘Julia Child’; in the UK and several other countries, it is marketed as 'Absolutely Fabulous'. Its varietal code is 'WEKvossutono'; you may also encounter the commercial names 'Anisade', 'Soul Mate' or 'Jiřina Bohdalová'.
It received the AARS 2006 in the USA, then the title "Rose of the Year" 2010 in the UK and the RHS AGM.

The bush has a bushy, rounded, well-branched habit. It quickly reaches 75 to 100 cm in height with a 60 to 90 cm spread. Its flowering period is from late May/June to October-November. The flowers, gathered in clusters, measure 7 to 10 cm in diameter. They are very double (26–40 petals), in the shape of globular cups, with slightly ruffled petals; their colour is initially a golden yellow with a darker centre, then they fade to a buttery yellow. Their fragrance is pronounced, sweet, characterised by liquorice and myrrh, with hints of anise and clove; it is often noticeable even in cool weather. The deciduous foliage, a shiny dark green, is plentiful. The stems bear prickles. The hardiness of this rose is rated at -20 °C and it has good heat tolerance.

Use this 'Absolutely Fabulous' rosebush to create a large flowering border from June until the frosts, or plant it in groups of 3 specimens in the centre of a small perennial bed. Its yellow tones harmonise with the blue flowering of Nepeta faassenii and Lavender 'Hidcote'. Also pair it with roses of matching or contrasting colours, for example 'Iceberg', 'Sally Holmes' or 'Boscobel' depending on the desired effect. In a small garden, plant it among clumps of Calamintha nepeta for its aromatic foliage and its autumn flowering which attracts pollinators.

In the United States, Julia Child agreed to lend her name to this rose as a nod to the "buttery" hue of the flowers and their spicy fragrance; in the United Kingdom, the chosen name celebrates the popular television series "Absolutely Fabulous".