Rosa moschata Penelope - Musk Rose

Rosa x moschata 'Penelope' is a large, vigorous and branched bushy musk rose that produces a profusion of semi-double deliciously scented roses. Initially salmon-coloured and crumpled, the corollas unfold, gradually fading to an ivory hue washed with fawn and cream, before fully opening to reveal a pale yellow centre. Gathered in generous clusters, they inundate a dark foliage, from summer until frost. They give way to charming little coral pink fruits. Passionate, unreasonable and romantic to the core, 'Penelope' is undoubtedly one of the best roses in its group, just like 'Felicia'. This excellent bushy hedge rose produces roses that hold up very well in a vase.

The old rose 'Penelope' belongs to the Rosaceae family, it is a hybrid obtained in 1924 by Reverend Pemberton (who is also credited with the roses 'Cornelia', 'Felicia', 'Robin Hood'...). These plants are all obtained by cross-breeding Rosa multiflora with Rosa moschata, a species probably originating from Asia Minor or the Middle East. ‘Penelope’, with its spreading and rounded habit, will reach a height of 1.2m (3 ft 4 in) and at least the same in width. Its growth is fast, after 3 years of cultivation, it will already form a beautiful bush. Naturally bushy, 'Penelope' has flexible branches that gracefully cascade and offers abundant flowering, often continuous until frost. It flowers for so long that it carries both flowers and small hips at the same time, these fruits being particularly decorative until the heart of winter. Flowering begins in June and only stops at frost. The cup-shaped flowers carried by slender stems measure 7cm (2.8in) in diameter, they are semi-double, in a beautiful ivory tinted with pink, cream and fawn, arranged in bouquets. They also diffuse a sweet scent of warm honey, clove and iris, characteristic of Pemberton hybrids. The abundant, semi-evergreen foliage is composed of very healthy dark green round leaves.

The passion for old roses is both widespread and well justified: these roses are not only the ancestors of our modern roses, but also the glory of our gardens. Rosa x moschata 'Penelope' is a generous and delicate rose, which will be given a prominent place near the house or a passage that allows one to enjoy its fragrance, but also in a free hedge where it will assert itself against its neighbors. In shrub or large perennial beds, it will be enhanced by light flowers that are good companions for roses: Gypsophila paniculata, valerian, Pholx paniculata, catmints, bellflowers, garden irises, fennel, bluebeards, Gauras and even lavenders. An association with tall grasses (Miscanthus, Panicum) will be more modern. The flower clusters hold up very well in bouquets, with the buds opening well in water.