Shrub Rose Old Blush China

Sometimes known as Parson’s Pink or the Monthly Pink (its Chinese name), Rosa Old Blush China was one of the first repeating China roses to be brought to the West in the mid 18th century, and is one of the parents of the Bourbon and Noisette roses. It’s a small to medium-sized, deciduous old shrub rose of average vigour, with an upright, rounded, twiggy habit, and arching stems with few thorns. The foliage is divided into slightly serrated, ovate leaflets, and emerges red, soon turning mid-green. In our cooler climate, it blooms from early June to the first frosts in clusters of five small, delicate, cupped to flat, double, soft pink blooms, which emerge from red buds and have a medium-strong, delicious, fruity Old Rose fragrance. Occasionally, small red hips form. Can be trained as a short climber, which encourages larger flowers – lovely on a pergola or pillar. Shrub rose Old Blush China is a healthy rose, but it thrives best in warmer areas.

Site: Sheltered, warm site
Soil: Any moisture-retentive, humus-rich, well-drained soil; tolerates poorer soils
Position: Full sun; tolerates partial shade
Season of interest: Early summer to the frosts
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 4’ (1.2m) Spread: 3’ (90cm) in 2-5 years