Rosa 'Irene of Denmark' - Polyantha Rose

The 'Irene of Denmark' Rose is a charming modern rose with an old-fashioned style and low but vigorous growth. It is very floriferous and covered with foamy, scented, and white roses from late spring to autumn. Its double flowers, of medium size, are gathered in well-filled bouquets, and their hearts are tinged with a delightful lemon yellow hue, from which a pleasant fragrance emanates. Its flexible habit and elegant small foliage adorn the foreground of flowerbeds and beautifully enhance planters and patios.

The Rosa x polyantha 'Irene of Denmark' flowers, gathered in terminal bouquets, come from the polyantha rose, an old hybrid resulting from Rosa multiflora and Rosa chinensis. The bushy, flexible, and spreading habit of this variety is well-balanced. It will reach approximately 40 cm (16in) in all directions within a few years. The double flowers, 7 cm (3in) in diameter, are full, flat, and slightly scented, with a creamy white colour, revealing a small yellow centre when fully open. They bloom in large numbers in broad pyramidal bouquets from July to October-November, as long as there is no frost. This vigorous variety is fairly disease-resistant if the growing conditions are correct. It develops fine, bright green, deciduous, shiny foliage. Its stems bear thorns.

The 'Irene of Denmark' rose adapts to all soils that are not too dry and all climates, allowing it to be planted almost anywhere. It is perfect mass planted along pathways or to highlight shrub beds. It will integrate perfectly into light or opulent perennial beds. It can be paired with perennial geraniums, campanulas, catmints, or other Stachys. Left to grow freely, it forms a small, romantically shaped flower dome in front of a flowerbed composed of abelias, Kolwitzia, mock oranges, elderberries, or viburnums. It happily overflows from a large pot on the terrace, balcony, or a flower-filled basin composed of nemesias and Diascia.

Poulsen breeding from 1948.