Rosa x moschata Dinky

Rosa Dinky has been awarded multiple times in international competitions for its undeniable qualities. It is a modern hybrid with a slightly trailing habit, with late and repeat-flowering in September, and almost thornless stems. Its large clusters of deep pink roses withstand the rain well. These beautiful clusters, which can contain up to 180 pompom flowers, weigh down the branches, further accentuating the fountain-like habit of the bush. This versatile rose can be planted in borders, as a standalone specimen, trained on a small structure like an obelisk or a pyramid, or even grown as a standard rose. It also adapts well to container cultivation. Its cut flowers hold up well in a vase.

Rosa Dinky 'VELheav' is a Belgian creation by L. Lens dating back to 2002. It is derived, among others, from the musk rose (Rosa x moschata), a spontaneous hybrid probably originating from Asia Minor or the Middle East. Similar to polyanthas and floribundas, roses in this family produce flowers in clusters, but their colours are more refined and they have a more flexible and graceful habit. Rosa Dinky has a rapid growth rate. It develops long, flexible stems that are sometimes villous. The stems are almost without thorns. If left unpruned, this bush can reach about 1.15m (4ft) in height with a 1m (3ft) spread. Its leaves are divided into slightly glossy elliptical leaflets, with a very fresh green colour. The deciduous foliage is absent in winter. It is highly resistant to rose diseases. Flowering begins between late June and early July, with sporadic blooms throughout summer. The September rebloom is generous. It takes the form of long, large pyramidal clusters composed of numerous small double flowers with a diameter of 4cm (2in). Each flower opens in a deep pink shade that remains fairly stable over time. The scent of the flowers is very subtle. The hardiness of this rose is estimated at -15°C (5°F).

Rosa Dinky thrives in well-prepared soil. It tolerates poor soils. It does not require pruning other than the removal of dead wood. Plant it in a rose border, or in a small flowering hedge with other botanical or old roses (Cornelia, Felicia, Bouquet Parfait, R. complicata), modest-sized lilacs (Syringa microphylla 'Superba'), mock oranges, or even Japanese quinces. Also consider combining it with a climbing clematis from the viticella group, which is just as easy to grow.

Awards:
- Courtrai, 2002, Silver Medal
- Paris, 2003, Certificate of Merit
- Baden-Baden, 2003, Gold Medal
- Baden-Baden, 2003, Ereprijs Association of German Friends of Roses
- Le Roeulx, 2003, Gold Medal
- Le Roeulx, 2003, Special Prize for 40 Years of Le Roeulx
- Geneva, 2004, Gold Medal
- Lyon, 2005, Gold Medal
- Culture Group for Roses and Rose Rootstocks NL, 2018, Excellence Rose
- Rochfords International Rose Trials, 2021, Rose of the Day