Rosa moschata Felicia - Musk Rose

Rosa x moschata 'Felicia' is an old shrub rose that combines qualities: its vigour allows it to be trained as a small climber, it offers a deliciously scented perpetual flowering, with double flowers in shades of silver-pink and apricot in clusters, and excellent disease resistance. Hybrid obtained in 1928, this rose is a sure value: it combines the charm of old roses with the generosity of modern roses. For all these reasons, it deserves a place in every garden.

The old rose 'Felicia' belongs to the Rosaceae family, it was created by Pemberton (Great Britain) in 1928. It is a hybrid of the Rosa x moschata, probably originating from Asia Minor or the Middle East. When grown as a shrub, it will reach about 1.5m (4ft 11in) in height and at least as much in width. It can also be trained as a climber on a small tree, for example. In this case, it can grow up to 3m (9ft 10in) in height. Its growth is rapid, after 3 years of cultivation, it will already form a beautiful shrub. When pruned, 'Felicia' develops thorny, flexible branches that gracefully droop. This variety offers abundant flowering, often continuous until frost if the soil does not dry out too much in summer. It is not uncommon for the plant to bear flowers and hips at the same time, these fruits which are particularly decorative until the heart of winter. Flowering begins in May and stops with the first frosts. The cup-shaped flowers carried by thin stems measure from 4 to 8cm (1.6 to 3.1in) in diameter, they are double, pale silver-pink with apricot undertones, depending on the soil and exposure, and are arranged in clusters. They emit a scent of warm honey, cloves, and iris. The abundant foliage, semi-evergreen in winter, is composed of leaves that are fairly light green and very healthy.

The 'Felicia' rose adapts to any type of soil, even heavy or sandy, as long as the planting is well cared for! The passion for old roses is both widespread and fully justified: these roses are not only the parents of our modern roses, but also the glory of our gardens. Rosa x moschata 'Felicia' is a delightful rose, to which a prominent place should be given near the house or a pathway that will allow you to enjoy its fragrance. In shrub or large perennial beds, it will be enhanced by light flowers that are good companions for roses: perennial geraniums, valerian, catmints, bellflowers, small herbaceous clematis, etc.