Rosa roxburghii Lampion

The Rose x roxburghii 'Lampion' is a beautiful hybrid of the chestnut rose, a unique Chinese botanical species. This bush, selected in Belgium by Lens Roses in 2013, differs from the original species with its exceptionally long-lasting and decorative fruiting and a more sturdy and compact habit. It is characterised by perpetual flowering, beautiful pink silky roses, finely compound foliage, peculiar thorny fruits, and bark that tends to peel off. Undemanding and robust, this rose has its place in a country or defensive hedge. It will delight enthusiasts of botanical curiosities.

Rosa roxburghii is a botanical rose native to southern and western China and Japan. In nature, it grows in mountain forests, along riverbanks, and on slopes between 500 and 1500 metres (1640 and 4921 feet) above sea level. Its vernacular name, "chestnut rose", comes from the appearance of its fruits, which resemble chestnut burrs. Its hybrid 'Lampion' is a beautiful, well-branched bush with an upright habit. It reaches a height of 1.50 to 1.80 metres (5 to 6 feet) and a spread of about 1.20 metres (4 feet). Its stems are well equipped with prickles. Its foliage consists of long leaves and numerous small light green leaflets that turn fir tree green, semi-matte. Its grey-brown bark tends to peel off in ribbons with age. This rose blooms abundantly from late May to early July and sporadically until autumn. The flowers are single, light pink, composed of 6 to 7 crumpled petals, similar to Rosa roxburghii f. normalis. They measure about 6 cm (2in) in diameter and are slightly fragrant. The centre of the corolla is occupied by a large cluster of yellow stamens that attract bees. After pollination, large, round and spiny hips form. Unlike the species, they persist on the branches and turn yellow-orange in autumn. It is their lantern-like appearance that inspired the variety's name. The deciduous foliage is absent in winter.

The rose roxburghii 'Lampion' is a botanical curiosity appreciated for its unusual fruiting and beautiful growth. It can be planted in a flower bush bed or an untamed hedge. It has its place in a slightly wild garden or that of a curious gardener or even an enlightened rose enthusiast. Finally, once established, it is a sturdy shrub. There are plenty of ideas to accompany it in the garden: with other botanical roses (Rosa hugonis, R. omeiensis Pteracantha), lilacs, mock oranges, Japanese quinces, amelanchiers, deciduous spindles...

While the passion for botanical roses and their direct hybrids is not widespread, it is well justified, especially in poor soils or difficult climates. These roses are not only the ancestors of our modern roses but are generally more robust and reliable.