La Marne
Classification: Polyantha
Year Introduced/Discovered: 1915
Height: 6 ft
Width: 5 ft
Growth Habit: Upright, bushy
Spacing: 4 ft apart on centers
Color: Vivid Pink and white eye
Foliage: Shiny with few thorns
Exposure: Full sun
Cold Hardiness: Hardy in zones 4-9
Water Use: Keep moist until completely established; then water every 10-12 days. Average water needs
Fragrant: Yes/Mild
Bloom: Single, large loose clusters of cupped and ruffled, mid-size blooms with 10 petals, blooms from spring till frost.
History: Parents are ‘Mme. Norbert Levavasseur’ X ‘Comtesse du Cayla’. Barbier Freres and Compagnie introduced La Marne in 1915.
Because of its neat, healthy, full growth and repeat bloom, La Marne is a good choice for a rose hedge, especially in sunny, open areas. Of course, it is also useful as a specimen and in perennial beds, also.
Mutabilis
Year Introduced/Discovered: prior to 1894
Height: 6 ft
Width: 6 ft
Growth Habit: Large shrub, well branched
Spacing: 8 ft apart on centers
Color: Yellow, changing to pink, and to crimson
Foliage: New growth is bronze turning to dark green
Exposure: Full sun
Cold Hardiness: Hardy in zones 6-9
Water Use: Water until established/average needs during growing season on 10-14 day intervals
Fragrant: No
Bloom: Single blossoms that have an almost silken quality, spring to frost
History: Was once sold as ‘Tipo Ideale’. Named 2005 “EarthKind” Rose of the Year” by Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service.
Mutabilis was introduced prior to 1894 and is one of the most famous and beloved of the old garden roses. Amazing medium sized single blossoms that pass through three distinct color phases (hence the name Mutabilis, since the blooms “mutate’” in color) beginning with yellow, changing to pink, and finally to crimson. Mutabilis is also known as “The Butterfly Rose” because its blossoms look like brightly colored butterflies that have landed on the bush. This is a large, attractive shrub that is supremely easy to grow and has great heat tolerance making it well suited for growing in the south. Be sure to give it plenty of room to grow. Can also be pruned to form a spectacular rose tree 8’ to 10’ in height.