Rosa x persica 'Coral Babylon Eyes' - Miniature Rose

Like its siblings from the amazing Babylon Eyes series, the' Coral Babylon Eyes' Rose is proof that the queen of flowers never ceases to surprise us. Derived, among others, from the mysterious Persian rose, this compact shrub hybrid possesses, just like its parent, flowers as light as a butterfly's flight, in shades of pink and yellow, surrounding a contrasting red heart and is remarkably tolerant to dry soils. Its flowering is perpetual, and, as if all these qualities were not enough, the plant develops beautiful disease-resistant foliage. Particularly well adapted to dry and hot regions, this hardy variety also thrives in a large pot on the terrace or balcony in all regions.

The Rosa x persica 'Coral Babylon Eyes' or 'Intereybabroc' 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 prompted rose breeders to attempt hybridization with other cosmopolitan species and varieties. After years of research and selection, very interesting new cultivars have emerged all over Europe. 'Coral Babylon Eyes', born in the 2010s, is one of these varieties with exotic charm, still little known here. It is a bush or shrub with an upright and bushy habit, rarely exceeding 1m (3ft) in height and 75cm (30in) in spread. Its branches are moderately thorny and adorned with small, slightly shiny, healthy foliage. Flowering occurs early in May-June, sometimes as early as April in warm climates, and continues until September-October. The semi-double, flat cup-shaped flowers measure approximately 5 to 8cm (2 to 3in) in diameter. The complex and changing colours of the flowers make this wonderful bush a multicoloured bouquet where pink, salmon, pale yellow, and carmine red always appear as central spots.

Exotic and mischievous, 'Coral Babylon Eyes' is an almost "indestructible" rose that will seduce gardeners without gardens or those who struggle with poor soil, dry in summer and frozen in winter. It thrives in warm gardens, on slopes, in rock gardens, or where other roses may not. It is also hardy enough to withstand our normal winters, allowing it to be planted almost anywhere. Babylon Eyes roses can be mixed with each other and with many other plants, such as garden irises, lavenders, cistuses, rosemary, and escallonias, in dry soil. In cooler soil, for example, it can be paired with pink or white foxgloves, catmints, or pretty grasses like Muhlenbergia capillaris or Stipa capillata. On patio or balcony, it can be surrounded by cineraria maritima, alstroemerias, agapanthus, or sweet williams.