Rosa x polyantha - Sans Contraintes - 'Toscana' - Ground Cover Rose

The 'Toscana' rose bush is a beautiful ground cover that unfurls a carpet of vibrant raspberry-red flowers from late spring until the first frost. Its miniature but double roses bloom in frothy clusters on densely packed foliage with a shiny dark green colour that remains decorative until the end of the season. Robust and hardy, this rose from the 'Sans Contraintes' series requires little attention or care from beginner gardeners. It can fit anywhere and works wonders in front of taller shrubs, on large borders along pathways or in a planter on the balcony.

The flowers of Rosa Toscana ('Korstesgli), gathered in terminal clusters, come from the polyantha rose, an old hybrid resulting from Rosa multiflora and Rosa chinensis. This excellent German variety obtained the highly selective and demanding German A.D.R label in 2001 for its high resistance to diseases, among other criteria. It was introduced in 1999 by the rose breeder Kordes. Kordes' 'Sans Contraintes' roses grow independently, requiring no pruning or chemical treatments, and will reward the little care they receive a hundredfold.

This wide and low bush has a dense habit, compact and well-covering vegetation, and develops spreading branches on the ground covered with thorns. In a few years, it will reach about 30 cm (12in) in height with a spread of 60 cm (24in), or a bit more if allowed to grow freely without pruning. The double flowers, 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, gathered in large clusters, are abundantly produced continuously from May to October if the soil remains moist in summer. In this 'Toscana' variety, the flower buds open into globular flowers composed of many highly undulated petals. The plant develops elegant, well-packed foliage with thick and shiny small leaflets, transitioning from bright green to dark green. The leaves turn yellow in autumn before falling.

The 'Toscana' ground cover rose is exceptionally hardy and adapts to all soils that are not too dry and to all climates, making it suitable for many regions. Plant it as a border, in a bed, in a planter on the terrace, or on 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 combine it with other ground cover roses of different colours to highlight a pathway or the borders of light or opulent 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 all your shrub roses to add a lovely romantic touch to your garden.