Rosa x Hulthemia persica Orienta Magnolia

The 'Orienta Magnolia' Rose is part of a lineage of modern hybrids that possess the genes of the mythical Persian rose, named Hulthemia persica. This Magnolia variety, with its beautiful natural habit, bears semi-double flowers that cannot fail to impress: adorned with beautiful intense pink macules in the throat and a lovely cluster of stamens, they attract bees as much as the gardener's attention. Planted in a large border or mixed with other bushes, it creates a magnificent display, flowering from June to October.

The Rosa (x) persica Orienta Magnolia, introduced by German rose breeder Tantau in 2020, descends from a wild rose discovered in 1784 by botanist André Michaux in the Zagros Mountains, straddling Iran and Iraq. The unique feature of its bicoloured flowers has since inspired breeders to attempt hybridisation with other species and cosmopolitan varieties better suited to our climate. After years of research and selection, highly promising new hybrid cultivars were developed, first in England and then in Germany.

'Orienta Magnolia', classified in the floribunda rose category, is a thorny bush with a graceful habit, supported by slightly arching branches. It will reach approximately 1.10 m (4ft) in height with a spread of 60 cm (24in). It produces flowers from June to October in successive waves. However, a soil that is too dry in summer will reduce the flowering, without harming the plant. Its branches bear beautiful foliage of bright, glossy green, remarkably healthy. The semi-double flowers, composed of 10 petals arranged in cups, measure approximately 7 cm (3in) in diameter. They have a throat speckled with fuchsia to magenta on a background of pink, which varies in shade depending on the stage of flowering. Their fragrance is delicate and quite pronounced. The deciduous foliage is absent in winter.

The 'Orienta Magnolia' rose has something magical about it. It integrates well in a border, planted in groups of 3 to 5 specimens, in a large border, or alongside other roses with a natural appearance ('Astronomia', 'Bee's Paradise Pink', 'Rosanatura Rosea'). A true jewel for the garden or terrace, it deserves a prime location. It is also hardy enough to withstand our normal winters, making it suitable for adoption anywhere. With its moderate growth, it will adapt to the more limited spaces of urban gardens. For example, in a border, it can be associated with pink or white foxgloves, lavender, or pretty grasses like Muhlenbergia capillaris. This rose is also beautiful when combined with the mass of tall asters (Aster laevis, Aster turbinellus), or surrounded by pink yarrow and basket-of-gold.