Rosa x polyantha Sans Contraintes 'Rose du Soleil' - Ground Cover Rose

The 'Rose du Soleil' rose, as splendid as it is robust, is a true ground cover rose, low and wide, that disappears for months under a cloud of small white cups with golden hearts. Its small wild roses bloom abundantly and continuously, even hiding its very pretty foliage at the height of its flowering in June-July. Perfectly hardy and highly resistant to diseases, this rose from the 'Sans contraintes' series requires little attention and care from even the most novice gardener. It can fit anywhere, forming white carpets in front of taller shrubs, in large borders along pathways or a beautiful planter on the balcony.

The 'Rose du Soleil' (Korlitare) flowers, gathered in terminal clusters, come from the polyantha rose, an old hybrid resulting from Rosa multiflora and Rosa chinensis. This excellent German variety has won several awards in international competitions, including the prestigious and highly selective German ADR label in 2003 for its perfect disease resistance, among other criteria. It was only introduced to the market in 2005 by the German rose breeder Kordes. Kordes' 'Sans Contraintes' roses grow independently and will reward the little care they receive a hundredfold.

This low and wide bush has a dense habit, well-branched vegetation, and develops spreading branches covered in thorns. In a few years, it will reach approximately 30-40 cm (12-16in) in height with a spread of 60-70 cm (24-28in), or even a little more if left to grow freely without pruning. The single flowers with 5 petals measuring 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, gathered in clusters, are produced abundantly and continuously from June to October if the soil remains moist in summer. In this 'Rose du Soleil' variety, the petals form an open cup with a beautiful heart populated with golden stamens. The plant develops elegant, dense foliage from spring, with small, thick, shiny leaflets ranging from bright green to dark green. The leaves turn yellow in autumn before falling.

The 'Rose du Soleil' rose is extremely hardy and adapts to all soils that are not too dry and to all climates, making it suitable for many regions. Plant it in borders, flower beds, planters on the patio, or a large slope where it will cover the ground. It can also be planted in groups of 3 plants, arranged in a triangle, isolated on a lawn in a small garden. Plant it in groups or alongside other ground cover roses of different colours to highlight a pathway or in borders of shrubs and perennials. For example, it can be paired with hardy geraniums (Geranium Blue Cloud, Anne Folkard, Nimbus, Orion), bellflowers (lactiflora, rapunculoides), catmints, foxgloves, or other perennial salvias. It blends perfectly with shrub roses to add a romantic touch to your garden.