Rosa x floribunda Taste of Love 'Dolce' - Floribunda Rose

The Taste of Love 'Dolce' bush rose is desirable in more ways than one. Aesthetically, we are captivated by its numerous very double flowers, with an attractive bright pink colour against the glossy dark green foliage. From June to October, these beautiful flowers emit a pleasant fruity fragrance. Lastly, its petals, which are edible and flavorful, release a taste of redcurrant that works wonders in fruit salads and confectionery, as well as in jams and jellies. When we add its good disease resistance and exceptionally modest dimensions that even allow for container cultivation, it's impossible not to succumb to its charm...

The Dolce® variety 'BOZreka023' is part of the Taste of Love® collection, which brings together roses with edible petals that borrow their aroma from different fruits. The Rosa genus, which gave its name to the large Rosaceae family, is highly prolific in botanical species and horticultural developments. Classified into large groups, roses are thus enriched with a new range of sensations.
'Dolce' forms a small bush 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20in) in height and almost as wide. Its compound foliage, with a beautiful dark green colour and a glossy surface, is resistant to the typical diseases of roses, allowing it to provide a quality setting for its flowering. Very floriferous, this rose produces a multitude of medium-sized roses, approximately 6 cm (2in) in diameter, grouped in corymbs (bouquets) of 8 to 10 flowers, which bloom above the foliage. They catch the eye with their vivid colour, a pure and intense pink, which adorns about sixty petals. Very double, the corollas take on a seductive cup shape reminiscent of some old-fashioned roses.

This sun lover tolerates heat well, which helps spread its fruity fragrance, with citrus scents, in the air. Reblooming, the flowering covers the entire summer season, from June to mid-autumn, especially if faded flowers are removed to promote the emergence of new buds and if some watering is provided in dry weather. The excellent disease resistance of this variety makes organic cultivation easier by consuming its petals. Edible, they have a slight taste of redcurrant, although some may find hints of raspberries instead... it's up to each person to form their own opinion.

The edible rose Taste of Love 'Dolce' allows for creating a charming small bed, planted in small groups of 3 to 5 plants alongside other flowering plants, perennials, or bushes. To create strong contrasts, pair it with blue tones, such as those of Iris germanica Cascade Springs with its graphic flowers in two shades of blue. The Delphinium, available in different heights and with numerous varieties covering the entire range of blues, is one of the perennials that best complement roses. If you prefer softer colour combinations, opt for the variety Highlander Samba, with its tall white double flower spikes that will help you create a magnificent scene. The Pivoine lactiflora Solange, with its tousled rose-like flowers, will also be a perfect white companion.

In the kitchen:

Harvest the petals of flowers that are almost fully open but not wilted (they quickly lose their aroma), preferably in the morning. Only consume flowers from untreated plants. You can use them in confectionery to flavour jellies, jams, and fruit salads, prepare syrup, or even add flavour to drinks.