Rosa 'Alchymist'

The 'Alchymist' Rose is a modern hybrid variety whose roses resemble in shape and fragrance those of old roses. It only blooms once, in June-July, but is covered with an abundance of large, very double roses, pale apricot yellow with hints of orange-pink in the centre. Its flexible and spreading branches and moderate growth allow it to be trained as a climber but also as a large flowering hedge bush. A very hardy, sturdy and vigorous variety that tolerates poor soils.

This large rose with semi-evergreen foliage is a creation by Kordes in Germany, dating back to 1956. This fantastic modern hybrid, belonging to the Rosa x Wichuraiana family, has a broad and flexible habit. It will reach a height of 2.50m (8ft) to 3.50m (2ft) with a spread of 1 to 2m (3 to 7ft), depending on the growing conditions. Its long dark stems are flexible and covered with young bronze foliage when they emerge, becoming dark green and somewhat leathery. Its disease resistance is quite good but appears slightly sensitive to black spot if trained against a too-sunny wall. The flowers of this climber, which bloom only once, form in July. They emerge on short shoots from the second year as soft orange buds. They open into large, very double cups, 9cm (4in) in diameter, made up of quarters of small old-fashioned yellow apricot pleated petals, turning to a nuanced orange-pink in the centre. In the sun, they fade to a creamy shade. They are different, creating a beautiful effect of soft shades along the flexible stems. Resistant to rain, they are surrounded by a sweet fruity fragrance. The small fruits that birds enjoy in the winter are fleshy false fruits called hips.

'Alchymist' is a majestic rose in full bloom endowed with the strength of tenderness despite its thorny branches attacking old stones. Like other large roses, such as Ghislaine de Féligonde, with which it goes so well, it is unrivalled for giving a little air of abandon planted above beds that are too strict. It's an ideal companion for an old fruit tree, a small pillar or a garden shed, giving them a touch of charm. It will provide a poetic and fragrant passageway placed on an arch near the terrace. As it only flowers for a month, it can be combined with a large-flowered clematis, which will continue to flower in summer until autumn. As it is easy to keep it bushy, it can also be planted in a mixed hedge with viburnums, seringats or lilacs.