Rosa californica Plena

Rosa californica Plena is simply sensational, it is a direct descendant of a robust Californian botanical rose. It is more than a rose, more than a bush, capable of forming a true little tree with a flexible habit and branches trailing down to the ground in cascades. In summer its unique, generous flowering, transforms its branches into garlands of small semi-double roses, half-pink and half-purple and pleasantly scented. It has inherited robust health and astonishing adaptability to soil and climate from its American ancestor. You can grow it from the north to south of our country, keeping in mind that it needs space; as a centerpiece in a modest-sized garden, as a backdrop for large flowerbeds, or in an informal hedge. 

Rosa x californica Plena is a natural hybrid, with somewhat obscure origins. This rose is similar to the variety 'Theano', introduced on the market in 1894 by Geschwind. Some specialists believe that it is the result of crossing R.californica and the 'Crimson Rambler' rose. However, when the two hybrids grow side by side, a difference in the flower pattern clearly appears. Whatever the case may be, the 'Plena' form has Rosa californica as its parent, native to the Gulf of California, Oregon, and the northern part of Mexico. It is found in its original regions growing in canyons, clinging to rocky slopes bordering watercourses, with its powerful roots reaching deep to draw water. The 'Plena' form, often planted in English gardens, has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

It is a large spiny bush with a wide and rounded habit, a little taller than wide, and with dark brown trailing branches. It easily reaches 2.5m (8ft) high (or even more than 3m (10ft)) and a width of 2m (7ft), with rapid growth. Its deciduous foliage is a somewhat greyish green, fairly light, and more or less hairy. It is completely disease-free. Flowering takes place in summer, from June to July depending on the climate. Along the branches, 4cm (2in), semi-double flowers bloom in the shape of well-opened cups, composed of 20 to 39 petals. The almost white centre of the corolla is occupied by a crown of golden yellow stamens. Their flowers are a deep, vibrant pink, and they have a pleasant, light fragrance. Flowering lasts for several weeks, with the small flower clusters constantly developing new buds. This variety is undemanding in terms of soil and grows very well on its own roots.

Rosa californica Plena is a romantic rose bush, exuberant yet pragmatic and very sturdy. It does not mind cold or heat and only needs sun and a soil deep enough to find the moisture it needs. It deserves to be planted most regions, in a medium-sized or large garden. It can be planted in a large bed of flowering shrubs or a countryside hedge, alongside Rosa complicata, which is easy to grow, Rosa Hansa, Rosa rubiginosa (Sweetbriar) or Rosa rubrifolia with purple leaves. Many other associations are possible, with easy shrubs like serviceberries, Elaeagnus Zempin, deciduous euonymus, white spireas, ornamental fruit trees (Prunus, Malus, Pyrus), and viburnums. Its graceful habit also allows it to be used as a standalone specimen on a lawn, where it will provide a spectacle from spring to autumn. Finally, it is a very healthy shrub, requiring no maintenance once well established.

Botanical roses and their direct hybrids are not widely loved, but they should be, especially in difficult soils or climates: these roses are not only the ancestors of modern roses, but also generally more robust and very reliable.