Rosa x bracteata 'Mermaid' - Climbing Rose

The Mermaid rose is a vigorous climbing rose, among the most planted and ornamental. It is appreciated for its almost uninterrupted flowering from June until the first frost, which even the summer heat does not seem to discourage, and its remarkable foliage, almost evergreen, of a beautiful dark green and glossy. Its large, slightly fragrant single flowers of a tender sulphur yellow display a brighter yellow heart occupied by a bouquet of prominent, almost orange stamens. Resistant to diseases, tolerates partial shade and even shade in hot climates; this giant is armed with formidable thorns; and does not tolerate heavy frosts, excessive limestone and poorly drained soils.

The Mermaid Rose is the only descendant of an Asian wild rose named Rosa bracteata, still cultivated in our gardens. Created in 1878 from the cross-breeding between this botanical rose and a yellow double-flowered tea rose. From its Asian parent, it has inherited numerous characteristics, including good shade tolerance. This variety, both highly ornamental and easy to grow, has been awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society in England.

Sometimes slow to establish, with growth accelerating afterwards, the Mermaid rose produces stems 8 metres (26 feet) high, upright, reddish-brown in colour, armed with pairs of curved prickles designed to attach the plant to the surrounding vegetation. They bear evergreen foliage in mild climates, often used in floral compositions due to their beauty. The leaves are composed of 7 elliptical leaflets measuring 2 to 5 cm (2in) long, with a crenate margin. Their colour is a dark, glossy green, rarely affected by rose diseases. Flowering starts in June-July, depending on the region, and continues regularly throughout the summer, ending only with the frost. The flowers, grouped in bouquets, 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5in) wide, are composed of 5 petals of a very pale yellow with a bright yellow base. The centre of the flower is occupied by long stamens of a more orange-yellow colour. The flowers have a light, lemony fragrance, delightful. The fruits are rose hips, 3 cm (1in) in diameter, red when ripe.

An easy-to-maintain, solid, and resistant rose to be protected from the cold during winter in harsh regions: its hardiness is around -12/15°C (10.4/5°F). Only old wood should be pruned, taking precautions to avoid the formidable prickles. 'Mermaid' is perfect for adorning a north or east-facing facade, especially in hot climates. However, it also appreciates sunny exposures that promote more abundant flowering. It can cover a large pergola but also in a large free hedge where it will lean on other bushes. For example, it can be paired with a summer-flowering clematis (Clematis viticella Mme Julia Correvon, Blue Angel, Clematis flammula with its wild charm) or with an early-flowering armandii clematis to achieve a flowering wall almost all year round.