Just Joey Rose | Fragrant Apricot Hybrid Tea | Rosa ‘Just Joey’

Rosa ‘Just Joey’ is a celebrated hybrid tea rose prized for its exceptionally large, ruffled flowers in warm shades of coppery orange, buff, apricot and soft peach. Its decorative blooms have distinctive waved and frilled petal edges and release a rich, sweet and fruity fragrance.

The flowers are carried on long stems above glossy dark green foliage, making Just Joey an excellent rose for cutting, fragrant garden beds, feature planting, mixed borders and large containers.

This repeat-flowering bush rose produces successive flushes from spring through autumn in suitable Australian climates. Its upright, bushy growth and unusually broad, open blooms make it a distinctive feature in both traditional rose gardens and mixed ornamental landscapes.

Just Joey was introduced in 1972 and inducted into the World Federation of Rose Societies Rose Hall of Fame in 1994, recognising its enduring popularity among rose growers worldwide.

Supplied as a two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted bush rose.

Plant Size Note

Supplied as a two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted rose.

The rose is supplied without a pot and will normally be dormant or semi-dormant when dispatched. It may arrive with pruned, leafless canes and exposed roots enclosed in protective packaging.

Depending on the climate and timing of dispatch, the plant may have no foliage, swelling buds or a small amount of new seasonal growth.

This dormant appearance is normal and does not mean the rose is dead.

Roots and canes may be trimmed before packing to support safe transport and healthy establishment.

Although the plant is approximately two years old, it is not supplied at its mature garden size. It will require planting, establishment and new growth before developing the mature bush and flower display shown in example images.

Features

• Exceptionally large apricot, copper-orange and buff flowers
• Decorative double blooms with waved and frilled petals
• Rich, sweet and fruity fragrance
• Long flowering stems suitable for cutting
• Upright and bushy hybrid tea growth
• Repeat flowering from spring through autumn
• Glossy dark green compound foliage
• Suitable for garden beds, borders and large containers
• Performs in temperate and subtropical Australian climates
• Supplied as a two-year-old bagged bare-rooted rose
• Introduced in 1972
• Inducted into the Rose Hall of Fame in 1994

Flower Colour

Just Joey produces large flowers in warm shades of:

• Coppery orange
• Rich apricot
• Buff orange
• Soft peach
• Pale cream-orange as the flowers age

The flower colour may deepen during cool weather and appear softer or paler during periods of high temperature.

Individual blooms can change noticeably as they mature. Newly opened flowers may be a stronger copper or apricot shade before gradually fading towards buff, peach or creamy orange.

Flower colour will vary naturally according to temperature, sunlight, flower age, climate and seasonal conditions.

Flower Form and Fragrance

The flowers are very large, double and decorative, with strongly waved and frilled petal edges.

Pointed buds gradually open into broad, loosely formed blooms that may become almost flat when fully mature. This open, ruffled form is one of the defining characteristics of Just Joey.

Blooms are generally carried singly or in small groups on long stems, making them suitable for cutting and displaying indoors.

Just Joey has a rich, sweet and fruity fragrance. Scent strength may vary according to temperature, humidity, time of day and the maturity of the flower.

Growth Habit and Mature Size

Just Joey develops into an upright, bushy hybrid tea rose with strong flowering stems.

Under suitable Australian garden conditions, it can reach approximately:

Mature Height: 1.0–1.2 metres
Mature Width: 0.9–1.2 metres

The final size will depend on climate, soil fertility, water availability, pruning and the length of the growing season.

In warm climates with a long growing season, established plants may become larger or require more frequent pruning.

Allow enough space around the bush for airflow, maintenance and access for pruning. Avoid tightly crowding the plant between dense shrubs, as restricted airflow can increase fungal disease pressure.

Plant Characteristics

Just Joey is a grafted hybrid tea bush rose with woody, thorn-bearing canes and glossy dark green compound leaves.

The plant produces its largest flowers on strong new stems. Blooms are often carried individually, giving them the classic long-stemmed presentation associated with hybrid tea roses.

Its main ornamental characteristics include:

• Large ruffled flowers
• Unusual apricot and copper colouring
• Strong fruity fragrance
• Long stems for cutting
• Repeated seasonal flowering
• Upright, manageable bush growth

Like most hybrid tea roses, Just Joey performs best with regular watering, feeding, pruning, deadheading and pest and disease monitoring.

Plant Class and Life Cycle

Just Joey is a hybrid tea bush rose from the Rosaceae family.

It is a woody, long-lived perennial.

The rose is normally deciduous in cool-temperate climates, losing its leaves and entering dormancy during winter.

In subtropical and mild coastal climates, it may retain some foliage or experience a shorter period of reduced growth rather than becoming completely dormant.

The bagged bare-rooted plant is supplied during its natural dormant or reduced-growth stage.

Planting a Bagged Bare-Root Rose

Open the packaging promptly after delivery and do not allow the exposed roots to dry out.

Remove the rose from the bag and gently clear loose packing material from around the roots.

Soak the roots in a bucket of clean water for approximately two to four hours before planting. Do not leave the entire plant submerged or soak the roots for an excessive period.

Choose a sunny position with freely draining soil and good airflow.

Dig a planting hole wide enough for the roots to spread naturally without being bent, twisted or tightly compressed.

Create a small mound of soil in the centre of the hole and arrange the roots evenly over it.

In most mild Australian climates, position the graft or bud union approximately level with or slightly above the finished soil surface.

Backfill carefully with the improved soil, gently firming it around the roots to remove large air pockets.

Water thoroughly after planting.

Do not place concentrated fertiliser or fresh manure directly against the bare roots.

Apply mulch around the root zone after planting, keeping it clear of the graft and main canes.

Preferred Soil Type

Just Joey grows best in fertile, humus-rich soil that retains some moisture while draining freely.

Suitable soils include:

• Improved loam
• Sandy loam enriched with compost
• Well-structured clay
• Raised garden beds
• Premium rose potting mix

A slightly acidic to neutral soil is generally preferred, although roses can adapt to a broader pH range where drainage and nutrition are suitable.

Improve sandy soil with compost or well-decomposed organic matter to increase moisture and nutrient retention.

Heavy clay should be improved before planting. Raised planting may be necessary where drainage is poor.

Avoid permanently wet, compacted or waterlogged soil.

Where another rose has recently failed, replace or substantially improve the surrounding soil before planting the new rose.

Sunlight

Plant Just Joey in full sun.

A position receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day will generally support the strongest growth, best flowering and healthiest foliage.

Morning sun is particularly valuable because it helps dry moisture from the foliage.

In very hot inland climates, some protection from severe late-afternoon heat may help prolong the life of the flowers and reduce petal scorch. The plant should still receive adequate direct sunlight.

Deep shade is unsuitable and may result in weaker stems, fewer flowers and increased fungal disease pressure.

Watering Needs

Water deeply and regularly while the bare-root rose establishes.

A newly planted rose has a limited active root system and should not be allowed to dry out during its first growing season.

Once established, water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry rather than applying frequent shallow watering.

The required frequency will depend on:

• Temperature
• Rainfall
• Soil type
• Wind exposure
• Plant size
• Container or garden cultivation

Roses may require additional watering during hot Australian summers, prolonged dry weather and active flowering periods.

Apply water around the root zone rather than routinely wetting the flowers and foliage.

Morning watering is preferred so accidental leaf moisture can dry during the day.

Avoid permanently saturated soil, which can damage the roots and encourage disease.

Flowering Season

Just Joey is a repeat-flowering rose.

It generally produces successive flowering flushes from spring through autumn.

In mild coastal and subtropical climates, flowering may begin earlier or continue later than in cool-temperate districts.

Flowering may temporarily slow during:

• Extreme summer heat
• Prolonged drought
• Cold winter weather
• Severe pest or disease pressure
• Periods immediately after substantial pruning

Regular deadheading encourages further flowering growth.

A newly planted bare-root rose may flower during its first growing season, but the flower number and overall display will generally improve as the root system establishes.

Flowering within a particular timeframe cannot be guaranteed.

Australian Climate and Hardiness

Just Joey can be grown in many Australian rose-growing regions, including:

• Subtropical climates
• Warm-temperate climates
• Cool-temperate climates
• Mediterranean-style climates
• Mild coastal districts
• Sheltered inland gardens
• Frost-prone areas with winter dormancy

It performs best with full sun, freely draining soil, good airflow and regular moisture during active growth.

Subtropical Gardens

Just Joey can be grown in subtropical gardens, including the Northern Rivers of NSW and south-east Queensland.

Warmth and humidity can increase pressure from black spot, powdery mildew and other fungal diseases.

Plant in an open, sunny position, avoid crowding and water at soil level.

Remove fallen diseased leaves and monitor new foliage regularly.

Subtropical roses may remain partly foliated during winter, so pruning should be timed for the cooler and generally drier part of the year.

Tropical Gardens

Hybrid tea roses can be more challenging in persistently hot and humid tropical climates.

Just Joey may require careful site selection, excellent airflow, consistent disease management and protection from severe heat.

It is generally more suitable for elevated or seasonally cooler tropical districts than hot, wet lowland climates.

Cool-Temperate Gardens

Just Joey is well suited to cool-temperate rose-growing climates.

Winter dormancy allows the plant to be pruned before producing strong new spring growth.

Protect newly emerging shoots from unusually severe late frost where required.

Frost Tolerance

Established dormant roses tolerate normal winter frost.

Fresh shoots, flower buds and open blooms may be damaged by severe or late frost.

Recently planted bare-root roses should be protected from unusually harsh conditions until their roots have established.

Heat Tolerance

Just Joey tolerates warm Australian summers when supplied with adequate soil moisture.

Extreme heat may:

• Fade the apricot colour
• Shorten flower life
• Scorch petal edges
• Reduce bloom size
• Cause flowers to open rapidly
• Temporarily slow flowering

Deep watering and mulch can help reduce heat stress.

Humidity Tolerance

Just Joey can grow in humid climates, but humid weather may increase fungal disease pressure.

Provide strong airflow, morning sunlight and sufficient spacing between plants. Avoid frequent overhead watering.

Coastal Tolerance

Suitable for protected coastal gardens where the plant is sheltered from severe ocean winds and direct salt spray.

Persistent salt exposure may damage flowers and foliage.

Drought Tolerance

Established roses can tolerate short dry periods, but Just Joey grows and flowers best with consistent moisture.

Prolonged drought may result in reduced flowering, leaf loss and greater susceptibility to pest problems.

It should not be treated as a no-water plant.

Suitable Spaces and Landscape Uses

Just Joey is suitable for:

• Dedicated rose gardens
• Fragrant garden beds
• Cut-flower gardens
• Cottage gardens
• Formal gardens
• Mixed ornamental borders
• Feature planting
• Front gardens
• Paths and entrances
• Patio surrounds
• Memorial gardens
• Large containers
• Temperate gardens
• Subtropical rose gardens

Plant near paths, patios or frequently used outdoor spaces where its fragrance can be appreciated.

Its warm apricot colouring pairs well with cream, blue, mauve, burgundy and soft pink flowering plants.

Avoid planting directly against dense hedges or walls where airflow is limited.

Growing in Pots

Just Joey can be grown successfully in a large container.

Choose a sturdy pot with generous drainage holes and sufficient depth for a strong rose root system.

Use a premium potting mix formulated for roses or flowering shrubs. Ordinary garden soil should not be used in containers because it can compact and drain poorly.

Container-grown roses require:

• More frequent watering
• Regular controlled feeding
• Consistent deadheading
• Annual renewal of the upper potting mix
• Monitoring for root congestion
• Protection from overheated pots
• Periodic repotting or root management

Do not allow the pot to stand continuously in water.

A container may restrict the rose below its potential garden size, but the plant will still require enough room to develop a healthy framework.

Pruning

Just Joey benefits from annual pruning to encourage strong new flowering stems and maintain an open, balanced bush.

Winter Pruning

In temperate and cool climates, complete the main prune during winter while the rose is dormant.

Remove:

• Dead or damaged canes
• Diseased wood
• Weak, thin growth
• Crossing branches
• Inward-growing stems
• Old, unproductive canes
• Suckers growing from below the graft

Shorten the remaining healthy canes to create an open framework with outward-facing buds.

In frost-prone areas, avoid pruning so early that new growth begins before the final severe frost.

Subtropical Pruning

In mild subtropical climates, prune during the cooler and generally drier period of the year.

Avoid severe pruning immediately before prolonged wet weather or extreme heat.

Deadheading

Remove spent flowers throughout the growing season to encourage repeat flowering.

Cut back to a healthy outward-facing leaf or bud rather than removing only the flower head.

Use clean, sharp secateurs and wear gloves when handling thorny canes.

Fertilising

Do not place concentrated fertiliser directly against the roots of a newly planted bare-root rose.

Allow the plant to establish and begin producing healthy new foliage before commencing a regular feeding program.

Once established, apply a fertiliser formulated for roses during active growth according to the product directions.

Useful feeding periods include:

• As spring growth begins
• After major flowering flushes
• During the active growing season
• After pruning once healthy new growth has formed

Compost and well-decomposed organic matter can improve soil structure and nutrient availability.

Water before and after applying granular fertiliser.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can produce soft foliage growth at the expense of flowering and increase pest and disease susceptibility.

Reduce or stop feeding as the plant approaches winter dormancy in cooler climates.

Pests and Disease Management

Just Joey should be monitored for common rose pests and diseases.

Potential problems include:

• Black spot
• Powdery mildew
• Rust
• Aphids
• Thrips
• Spider mites
• Scale
• Cane dieback

Warm, wet and humid weather can increase fungal disease pressure.

To support plant health:

• Grow in full sun
• Maintain good airflow
• Water around the root zone
• Remove fallen diseased leaves
• Avoid crowding
• Maintain balanced nutrition
• Inspect buds and new shoots regularly
• Use clean pruning tools

Thrips may mark or distort the pale apricot petals, particularly during warm, dry weather.

Just Joey should not be considered immune to pests or fungal disease. The level of management required will vary according to climate and local conditions.

Pollinator and Wildlife Value

The flowers may be visited by bees and other insects.

Because Just Joey has large, double blooms with numerous petals, the flower centre may be less accessible than that of a single-flowered rose.

It should not be relied upon as a major pollinator plant.

Combine it with single-flowered native and exotic plants to provide more readily accessible pollen and nectar.

Just Joey is not generally regarded as a significant bird-attracting plant.

Pet Safety

Rosa species are generally classified as non-toxic to dogs and cats.

However, Just Joey should not be considered entirely hazard-free.

The thorns can cause puncture wounds, mouth injuries or eye damage. Eating a large amount of plant material may also cause mild digestive upset.

Rose fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides and other garden treatments may be harmful to pets.

Keep animals away from recently treated plants and store all garden chemicals securely.

Seek veterinary advice if a pet is injured by thorns or develops symptoms after chewing treated plant material.

Product Details

Plant Name: Just Joey Hybrid Tea Rose
Botanical Name: Rosa ‘Just Joey’
Cultivar Code: ‘CANjujo’
Common Names: Just Joey Rose, Just Joey Hybrid Tea Rose, Apricot Hybrid Tea Rose
Rose Class: Hybrid Tea Rose
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Breeder: Roger Pawsey, Cants of Colchester
Year Introduced: 1972
Plant Life Cycle: Woody perennial
Seasonal Habit: Deciduous in cooler climates; may be semi-deciduous in mild climates
Plant Material: Two-year-old bagged bare-rooted grafted bush rose
Flower Colour: Coppery orange, buff, apricot and soft peach
Flower Form: Very large, double and decorative with waved and frilled petals
Fragrance: Rich, sweet and fruity
Foliage: Glossy dark green compound foliage
Growth Habit: Upright and bushy
Mature Height: Approximately 1.0–1.2 metres
Mature Width: Approximately 0.9–1.2 metres
Flowering Season: Repeat flowering from spring through autumn
Sunlight: Full sun, preferably at least six hours daily
Preferred Soil: Fertile, organic-rich and freely draining soil
Watering Needs: Regular while establishing; deep watering during active growth and dry weather
Australian Climate: Subtropical, warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean-style climates
Frost Tolerance: Established dormant plants tolerate normal winter frost; fresh growth and flowers may be damaged
Heat Tolerance: Good with adequate moisture; flowers may fade or scorch in extreme heat
Humidity Tolerance: Suitable with good airflow and regular disease monitoring
Coastal Tolerance: Suitable for protected coastal gardens away from direct salt spray
Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established
Pet Safety: Rosa species are non-toxic to dogs and cats, but thorns and applied chemicals present hazards
Pollinator Friendly: Flowers may attract insects, although double petals limit access
Bird Attracting: Not regarded as a significant bird-attracting plant
Suitable Spaces: Rose beds, fragrant gardens, cutting gardens, borders, feature planting and large pots
Pot Suitability: Suitable for a large, freely draining container
Pruning: Annual winter pruning and regular deadheading
Pollination Requirement: No second rose is required for flowering
Award: World Federation of Rose Societies Rose Hall of Fame, 1994
Shipping Restrictions: State, territory and regional biosecurity restrictions may apply

Important Note

Images show mature, established plants in flower and are provided as examples only.

You will receive a two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted rose, not a leafy or flowering potted plant.

Bare-root roses are generally supplied dormant or semi-dormant and may resemble a group of pruned, leafless canes with exposed roots.

The roots and canes may have been trimmed before packing. Variation in cane length, cane number, bud development and seasonal appearance is normal.

Although the rose is approximately two years old, it is not supplied at its mature garden size.

The plant will require planting, establishment and new seasonal growth before producing its full foliage and flower display.

Flower colour, fragrance, flower size, petal form, plant height and flowering performance will vary according to temperature, sunlight, climate, soil, watering, fertilising and plant maturity.

Blooms may vary from rich copper-orange to softer apricot, buff or peach. Flowers often become paler as they age or during hot weather.

Growth and flowering within a particular timeframe cannot be guaranteed.

Biosecurity and Shipping

State, territory and regional biosecurity restrictions may apply to bare-rooted roses and other live plant material.

Please check whether this rose can be sent to your delivery address before ordering.

Some destinations may require additional inspection, treatment, certification or removal of packing materials.

Orders placed for restricted destinations may need to be cancelled and refunded.

Biosecurity requirements may change without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I receive?

You will receive one approximately two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted Just Joey hybrid tea bush rose.

Will the rose arrive in a pot?

No. It is supplied bagged and bare-rooted without a pot.

Why does the rose have no leaves?

Bare-rooted roses are normally supplied while dormant or during reduced winter growth. Bare canes and little or no foliage are expected.

Is the rose fully mature because it is two years old?

No. It is approximately two years old but has been lifted and prepared for bare-root supply. It will require time to establish and reach its mature garden size.

How soon should I plant it?

Plant the rose as soon as practical after delivery. Keep the roots cool and moist until planting.

Should I soak the roots before planting?

Soak the roots in clean water for approximately two to four hours before planting. Do not leave the entire plant submerged for an extended period.

Should I add fertiliser to the planting hole?

Do not place concentrated fertiliser directly against bare roots. Begin feeding after the plant has established and produced healthy new growth.

Will it arrive in flower?

No. Bagged bare-rooted roses are normally supplied dormant and are not expected to be flowering when dispatched.

When will it begin flowering?

A healthy plant may flower during its first growing season after planting. Timing will depend on climate, planting date and establishment.

What colour are Just Joey roses?

The flowers range from coppery orange and rich apricot to softer buff and peach tones.

Will every flower be exactly the same colour?

No. Colour changes naturally with temperature, sunlight, flower age and seasonal conditions.

Does the flower colour fade?

Yes. The blooms may soften from copper-orange to buff, peach or pale cream-orange as they mature. Very hot weather may accelerate fading.

What shape are the flowers?

The flowers are very large and double, with distinctive waved and frilled petals. They open into a broad, decorative form.

How fragrant is Just Joey?

Just Joey has a rich, sweet and fruity fragrance. Fragrance intensity may vary with weather and time of day.

Are the flowers suitable for cutting?

Yes. The large blooms and long stems make Just Joey suitable for vases and floral displays.

How large does Just Joey grow?

It generally reaches approximately 1.0–1.2 metres high and 0.9–1.2 metres wide.

Is Just Joey a climbing rose?

No. This listing is for the hybrid tea bush form, not the separate climbing form of Just Joey.

Is it evergreen?

No. It is generally deciduous in cooler climates. It may retain some foliage or experience a shorter dormancy in mild subtropical areas.

When does Just Joey flower?

It produces repeated flowering flushes from spring through autumn.

Does it need full sun?

Yes. At least six hours of direct sunlight each day is recommended for healthy growth and flowering.

Can it grow in part shade?

It may tolerate very light shade, but flowering and plant health will generally be better in full sun. Deep shade is unsuitable.

What soil does it prefer?

It prefers fertile, organic-rich soil that drains freely.

How often should it be watered?

Water regularly while establishing. Once established, water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry.

Is Just Joey drought tolerant?

It has moderate drought tolerance once established but flowers best with consistent moisture.

Is it frost tolerant?

Dormant established roses tolerate normal winter frost. Fresh shoots, flower buds and blooms may be damaged by severe or late frost.

Is Just Joey suitable for subtropical Australian gardens?

Yes. It can be grown in subtropical climates, but good airflow and fungal disease monitoring are important during humid weather.

Can it grow in cooler Australian climates?

Yes. Just Joey performs well in temperate and cool-temperate rose-growing districts.

Can it tolerate hot summers?

Yes, provided it receives adequate water. Extreme heat may fade the flowers, scorch petal edges and shorten bloom life.

Can it grow near the coast?

Yes, in a protected coastal position away from severe wind and direct salt spray.

Can Just Joey grow in a pot?

Yes. Use a large container with premium rose potting mix and generous drainage.

Does it require pruning?

Yes. Annual pruning supports vigorous new flowering stems and helps maintain an open, balanced bush.

Should spent flowers be removed?

Yes. Regular deadheading encourages repeat flowering and keeps the plant tidy.

Is Just Joey disease-resistant?

It can grow strongly under suitable conditions, but it should not be considered immune to rose diseases. Black spot, mildew, rust and other problems may occur, particularly in humid or poorly ventilated gardens.

Does it require another rose for pollination?

No. A second rose is not required for flowering.

Does Just Joey attract bees?

Bees and other insects may visit the flowers, although the dense double petals make the centre less accessible than single-flowered roses.

Is Just Joey pet-safe?

Rosa species are classified as non-toxic to dogs and cats. However, thorns can cause injuries and garden chemicals applied to the plant may be harmful.

Are there biosecurity restrictions?

State, territory and regional biosecurity restrictions may apply to bagged bare-rooted roses.