Rosa mutabilis

China Rose
Rosa mutabilis, ( also Rosa chinensis mutabilis, Rosa odorata mutabilis)
Type: Deciduous Shrub
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

This could be called an “old garden shrub rose” and is, thanks to the “rosa chinensis” gene, a prolific repeat bloomer. It’s a medium grower, forming a rounded clump which over time may reach 10ft (3m) tall by 6ft (1.8m) wide. The foliage is medium green, the flowers are single, 5-petaled, and unscented, or lightly-scented. So big deal, right?

Well, the big deal is hinted at in the “mutabilis” part of the botanical name, which means “changeable.”
The blooms, which begin appearing in mid-spring, open yellow, then change to orange, then to pink, and then finally a deep reddish pink. The blooming doesn’t all happen at once which means that all colors can be present at once, making for quite the show. This can persist until first frost. If the spent blooms aren’t removed, orangey-red hips will form.

Cheers,

John