rose 'Astra Desmond'

Grows best in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sunny, open position. Good for an arch or pergola, will also tolerate some shade. Mulch in late winter and, to improve flowering, apply a balanced fertiliser in late winter or early spring. See rose cultivation

Pruning group 18 (roses)

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn, or by T-budding in summer

Aphids, including rose aphid, are the most common rose pest. Can also be affected by rose leafhopper, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, caterpillars, large rose sawfly, rose leaf-rolling sawfly and leaf-cutter bees. Deer and rabbits can also cause damage

Rose black spot, rose rust and rose powdery mildew are the most common rose diseases. Can also be affected by rose dieback, replant disease, a canker, honey fungus and a virus