We have two Rosa mutabilis @loxley and to be honest I’m slightly disappointed with them. I was seduced by descriptions I read and Bunny Guiness saying she always included it in her schemes as it was so easy to grow and look after plus the fabulous scent. I grow mine as shrubs not climbers but I suspect you could probably train it to climb as the growth is quite soft and pliable.
Both weren’t the strongest specimens when they arrived so maybe I’ve just been unlucky. One of ours grows quite well but slowly, the other has struggled. They are easy care as the one doing reasonably well seems to flower well whether you deadhead it or not. But I’m not sure they like much competition. All my shrub roses are part of generous, cottage style borders so surrounded by perennials and annuals. My other old roses and David Austin roses have coped with it from day one but I think mutabilis would like more elbow room.
I like simple roses but find the flowers a bit messy, they don’t seem to have a peak moment but always look as if they are just going over even when first out. But I think that might be me realising that I don’t like the mix of colours as much in real life as when I’ve seen it in photos - they quite quickly change colour so you end up with a real mix of pinks and yellows. I usually do more research and like to see and smell my roses in the flesh before buying but bought these on a whim as I had some birthday vouchers for Crocus.
I’ve not noticed any scent from mine - certainly not “spice filling the air” as I’ve read in some descriptions.But that might also be a symptom of them not doing very well or struggling with the competition.
Having being so negative, the foliage is quite pretty. I think I need to rethink where mine are and give them some tlc before writing them off.
If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”—Marcus Tullius Cicero East facing, top of a hill clay-loam, cultivated for centuries (7 years by me). Birmingham
'Mutabilis' grew huge in my garden, about 8 x 10 feet.. little scent though, so I've no idea where that report came from.. I have a new one now and it's a rapid grower but may not be hardy in parts of Belgium where the member is....
.. as you are looking at Lens roses, which is very sensible, I think you should consider one called 'Guirlande d'Amour'.. I don't have it myself, but I imagine it would be very suitable for your requirements... 'Moonlight' is a parent, but it's strongly scented and repeats bloom well, so I gather.. worth a look, and it's local to you..
Thank you everyone, and @Pete.8 and @Fire for the lovely photos.
@Marlorena, I just checked out Guirlande d'Amour and it is a great recommendation. Repeat blooming, fragrant - and I do like the idea of choosing a rose from this area.
I didn't know you could get 'Darlow's Enigma' in Belgium, I don't think we can get it over here.. I think it's real identity is known now, but can't remember what that is without looking it up.. ... just to say Guirland Rose and Guirlande d'Amour are two different roses.. the one above may be the pink rambler..
... I always say, go with your heart, pick the one you really want and then live with that decision.. so if it's, say, 'Bobbie James' then you get 'Bobbie James'..
@Imprevu the foliage on your guirlande is looking very healthy.
@Marlorena thank you - I'm going to think about it some more. This thread has given me some good options that flower repeatedly or later, when I'm more likely to be in the garden (: Fortunately, I have some time until planting season.
The Lens website is where I came across Darlow's Enigma. Lens has a huge selection, and they even have quite a few roses recommended for "shade" as opposed to "part shade".
Oh (: and just to confuse myself further, I am adding to the list Lykkefund, which I also found via Lens, but since discovered more detailed reviews for on this German site. Probably on the scale of Bobbie James but without thorns.
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Mine has got a touch of mildew this year, so hope it gets over it.
Just a couple of flowers on mine so far.
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Both weren’t the strongest specimens when they arrived so maybe I’ve just been unlucky. One of ours grows quite well but slowly, the other has struggled. They are easy care as the one doing reasonably well seems to flower well whether you deadhead it or not. But I’m not sure they like much competition. All my shrub roses are part of generous, cottage style borders so surrounded by perennials and annuals. My other old roses and David Austin roses have coped with it from day one but I think mutabilis would like more elbow room.
East facing, top of a hill clay-loam, cultivated for centuries (7 years by me). Birmingham
.. as you are looking at Lens roses, which is very sensible, I think you should consider one called 'Guirlande d'Amour'.. I don't have it myself, but I imagine it would be very suitable for your requirements... 'Moonlight' is a parent, but it's strongly scented and repeats bloom well, so I gather.. worth a look, and it's local to you..
@Marlorena, I just checked out Guirlande d'Amour and it is a great recommendation. Repeat blooming, fragrant - and I do like the idea of choosing a rose from this area.
Thanks everyone!
Also, in case anyone is searching for a rose for shade: I stumbled across the intriguing Darlow's Enigma. https://www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=2.1455&tab=1
... just to say Guirland Rose and Guirlande d'Amour are two different roses.. the one above may be the pink rambler..
... I always say, go with your heart, pick the one you really want and then live with that decision.. so if it's, say, 'Bobbie James' then you get 'Bobbie James'..
@Marlorena thank you - I'm going to think about it some more. This thread has given me some good options that flower repeatedly or later, when I'm more likely to be in the garden (: Fortunately, I have some time until planting season.
The Lens website is where I came across Darlow's Enigma. Lens has a huge selection, and they even have quite a few roses recommended for "shade" as opposed to "part shade".
https://www.schmid-gartenpflanzen.de/rosen/lykkefund.html#Erfahrungen