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Rosa spinosissima is a native rose, its correct name is still up for discussion. Plants of the World Online are happy to accept Rosa spinosissima
but Trees and Shrubs online go with Rosa pimpinellifolia. Their description reads: " A dwarf bush with creeping roots, rarely more than 3 or 4 ft high in the typical state, with erect, short-branched stems covered with slender spines and stout bristles intermixed. A species widely spread in the Old World from Europe (very rare in Scandinavia) to Asia Minor, the Caucasus, W. Siberia and Central Asia. In Britain it is commonest near the sea, on fixed dunes, shingles and cliffs, often forming large colonies, but also occurs inland on limestone heaths and other dry open places. In gardens the species gives way as a rule to its numerous and variable progeny, some of which are very beautiful in their single or double flowers, either deep rose, white striped with rose, or pale creamy yellow." I bought it from Bob Brown at Cotswold Garden Flowers, he says that it came from the garden of Cedric Morris. It almost certainly predates that, but its original name is long lost and 'restoring' ancient rose names is notoriously unreliable. Something very similar to this is handed around very freely in local gardens. It may be the plant Graham Thomas refers to as 'Double Blush', of which he says: "Rich blush centre, fading outwards, and with nearly white reverse. A charming pink variety, probably reaching to 4 feet." |
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| 1st June 2017 | ||
