Rose ‘Mutabilis’
From pointed crimson buds, single flowers are borne in clusters that smother the foliage from spring until autumn. The petals open a golden apricot yellow and age gracefully through salmon pink and finally a crimson. A rare and lovely garden rose, coated in a palette of colour. The scent also changes: from sweet through spicy. Ideal for rambling. New growth is tinted an attractive coppery red. Believed to have originated from China, with early records tracing its early use in Italian gardens. CHINA ROSE, 1894.
Plant in an open, sunny position (at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day), in free-draining, neutral soil that is rich in organic matter. Water deeply to encourage strong roots when establishing and provide supplementary watering during dry periods. Roses are heavy feeders and will benefit from organic fertiliser, twice-yearly in heavy soils (spring and late summer) or four times in sandy soil. Deadhead regularly for repeat flowering. Prune in late-winter for size and shape, 'Mutablis' only needs a light yearly pruning. Leave new long canes to produce next season's flowers if training as a climber. Tie or fan canes into position each season.