Rosa x floribunda Betty Boop - Floribunda Rose

The 'Betty Boop' Rose is a stout bush that is very easy to grow and is one of the most generous and photogenic floribundas, even in partial shade and relatively dry soil in summer. Its bicoloured and pollen-rich flowering, with semi-double white flowers edged in red, extends from June to late in the season, even when faded flowers are not removed. A fruity-scented flowering that is enhanced by rarely diseased dark green foliage. Ideal for creating sunny borders and beds, small spaces, or the terrace.

The 'Betty Boop' Rose is an American creation by Tom Carruth, dating back to 1999. It has received the highest award for roses in the USA: the AARS.

This variety, belonging to the floribunda rose family, quickly forms a solid, rounded, branched, and compact bush with thorny stems, reaching an average height of 80 cm (32in) with a spread of 70-80 cm (28-32in). It is covered with glossy foliage, initially red and turning dark green in summer. Its flowering is abundant from May to June, and then consistently re-flowering until October if the plant does not lack water. Its 5-6 cm (2in) wide corollas are semi-double, composed of 6 to 12 petals, and grouped in clusters of 5 to 7 flowers. The tightly closed rose-red fuchsia buds open into globular yellow and red flowers. Over time, the corolla unfolds into a wide-open cup, revealing undulating petals. The colour of the centre of the flower evolves from yellow to ivory white, while the vermilion red border turns magenta red. The scent of this rose is quite pronounced, fruity, and very pleasant.

Floribunda roses allow for the creation of beautiful small hedges, planted mixed along the terrace or in beds with small shrubs. Combine them with abelias, nandinas, or caryopteris, for example. They are good companions for paniculate phlox and tall baby's breath. The vigour and resistance of 'Betty Boop' make it an interesting variety for all gardens, even small ones, and for growing in large pots. Its uses are diverse, according to each gardener's desires: in a rose bed, alongside white varieties ('Marie Pavie', 'Swanny'), or red ones ('Red Cascade', 'Lili Marlene'), or mixed with easy-to-grow perennials like hardy geraniums, small-flowered carnations, bellflowers, or asters. And its roses are so warm in bouquets!