Rose Veilchenblau

A midsummer-flowering rambler rose with an unusual colour, Rosa Veilchenblau (‘Violet blue’) is a large, vigorous, deciduous rambling rose with rather stiff, almost thornless stems and glossy, light to mid-green foliage. In midsummer the rose is smothered in clusters of small, purplish-violet flowers with white centres and a few white streaks, and a boss of bright yellow stamens; the blooms fade beautifully to greyish-lilac, looking almost blue in some lights. The scent is light, and redolent of orange. This rose does not repeat-flower, but would be perfect for a cottage garden planting. Rambler rose Veilchenblau holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any moisture-retentive, humus-rich, well-drained soil; tolerates poorer soils
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Midsummer
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 15’ (4.5m), sometimes more Spread: 10’ (3m) after 5-10 years