Rosa x polyantha The Fairy - Groundcover Rose

The rose The Fairy is a remarkable creation dating back to 1932.  An exceptional creation that has adorned gardens all over the world, preceded by its solid reputation. It must be admitted that this remarkable groundcovering bush displays many qualities. It is first appreciated for the generosity of its flowering, in bouquets of double flowers in a fresh and bright pink shade that fades a little during the season. Then it surprises with its health: adorned with very healthy foliage, it proves to be undemanding, vigorous, and comfortable everywhere. Almost foolproof, this rose is even recommended for beginner gardeners. It can be planted anywhere: in borders, in flowerbeds, in a small hedge, or even in a large pot on the patio or balcony.

The flowers of Rosa x polyantha The Fairy, gathered in terminal bouquets, come from the polyantha rose, an old hybrid derived from Rosa multiflora and Rosa chinensis. The Fairy has a spread-out bushy habit, wider than it is tall.  It will reach a height of about 80 cm (32in) and a width of 90 cm (35in) to 1 m (3ft) in a few years. The small pompom double flowers, 3 cm (1in) in diameter, in the shape of rosettes, are barely scented.  They are bright pink, becoming a soft pink towards the end of flowering, and bloom in very large numbers from July to October-November, as long as there is no frost. This very vigorous variety, resistant to diseases, develops fine, bronze-green, semi-evergreen foliage, more or less matte to slightly shiny. Its reddish stems bear thorns.

Bentall 1932 creation.

The Rose The Fairy rose adapts to all soils that are not too wet (even poor and dry) and all climates, which allows it to be welcomed everywhere. It has long trailing branches that work wonders in rockeries or on slopes where it will cover the ground. It can also be planted in groups of 3 plants, arranged in a triangle, or as a spcimen on a lawn. When planted en masse, it will border pathways and highlight shrub beds. It will integrate perfectly into beds of light or opulent perennials. For example, it can be associated with perennial geraniums (Geranium Blue Cloud, Anne Folkard, Nimbus, Orion), campanulate flowers (lactiflora, rapunculoides), catmints, snapdragons, foxgloves, or other Stachys. Left to grow freely, it will form a flowering dome which would be wildly romantic in front of a shrub bed composed of abelias, Kolwitzia, mock oranges, elderberries, or shrubby wormwoods, for example.