Makoto Rose Review: A Fragrant, Heat-Tolerant Beauty from Japan

Discover the Pros and Cons of the Popular Makoto Shrub Rose

The Makoto rose is one of the most beloved Japanese rose varieties among gardening enthusiasts. With its large, bun-shaped pink blooms, sweet fruity fragrance, and excellent resistance to heat, it has earned a top spot in rose gardens across the globe. In this post, we’ll explore both the strengths and weaknesses of this stunning shrub rose to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your garden.

🌟 Advantages of the Makoto Rose

• Magical Pink Color: The Makoto rose displays a dreamy pink hue with a subtle touch of orange, making it visually enchanting in any setting.
• Outstanding Heat Tolerance: Known as one of the “Three Heat-Resistant Treasures” in southern China (alongside Red Dragon and Monet), Makoto retains its elegant bun shape even in high summer temperatures.
• Intense Fruity Fragrance: This rose releases a strong, sweet, fruity aroma that captivates the senses and fills the air around it.
• Excellent Disease Resistance: The glossy leaves are coated with a waxy layer, providing impressive protection against common rose diseases — a rare trait among Japanese roses.
• Easy to Grow: Makoto is a vigorous grower with strong disease resistance, making it an ideal rose for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

⚠️ Disadvantages of the Makoto Rose

• Weak Branches: Despite being classified as a shrub rose, Makoto’s stems are quite soft. When the plant grows above 80 cm, it may require support structures to stay upright.
• Flower Droop: The soft branches sometimes cause the large blooms to droop. To fully enjoy its beauty, consider cutting the flowers when they are half-open and using them as stunning cut flowers indoors.

🌼 Conclusion

With its breathtaking color, delightful scent, and reliable blooming performance, the Makoto rose is a strong contender for any rose garden. While it may need a bit of support due to its soft branches, its ease of cultivation and aesthetic appeal more than make up for it. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a rose enthusiast, Makoto is a wonderful variety to consider.

Tags: Makoto rose, pink Japanese rose, shrub rose, fragrant rose, heat-tolerant rose, easy-to-grow roses