Rosa Mutabilis Plants

History

• Rosa Mutabilis is believed to have originated in China, making its western debut in 1894 in Italy. Swiss botanist Henri Correan introduced rosa mutabilia to the American horticulturists in 1934 and the unique garden rose has been a favorite ever since. Originally sold under the name of "Tipo Ideale," the rose soon was referred to as the "Butterfly Rose" because the colorful flowers resemble a mass of butterflies congregating on the bush.

Description

• Rosa mutabilia is a medium size shrub, growing from 3 to 6 feet in height, with new leaves appearing in bronze and reddish-purple tones then turning to green. The intriguing five-petal flowers bloom from early spring into late fall with new buds and flowers in buttery yellow, that change to orange, then pink and finally to deep pink and crimson as the flower ages. Lightly fragrant, the flowers are medium sized, no larger than 2 inches, and abundant on the bush.

Care

• In USDA zones 7 to 10, rosa mutabilia is an easy care, low maintenance shrub that can thrive in sun or partial shade. Tolerating poor soil and drought conditions, rosa mutabilia prefers a fertile, loamy, slightly sandy soil that drains well and remains moist. Unlike many rose species, rosa mutabilia is frost tender and will need to be grown in a protected location in USDA zone 6. A pleasingly spreading shrub when left to grow naturally, rosa mutabilia can be pruned to shape or as a low hedge, and can be a striking container grown rose.

Problems

• Rosa mutabilia shrubs are more disease resistant than many rose species but can be plagued by foliar diseases when air circulation is insufficient and fungus diseases, such as powdery mildew, during periods of high humidity. Insects and pests will attack this rose the same as any rose bush, particularly if the bush is not in prime health. Aphids, leafhoppers, scale, spider mites, sawfly larvae, caterpillars, cane borers and Japanese beetles are common pests.