Rosa x moschata 'Magie d'orient'

The 'Magie d'Orient' rose bush is a graceful shrub, a pretty dark pink version of the famous 'Ballerina'. Its small dark pink flowers with white centres bloom in large clusters that weigh down the trailing branches. A flowering that feeds bees and produces small orange-red hips in autumn, sought after by birds. It is naturally disease-resistant, almost maintenance-free, and ideal in a pot or border, even in partial shade.

The 'Magie d'Orient' rose bush is a creation of L. Lens dating back to 1991. It is derived, among others, from the musk rose (Rosa (x) moschata), a spontaneous hybrid probably originating from Asia Minor or the Middle East. Like polyanthas and floribundas, roses in this family produce flowers in clusters. However, their colours are more refined and have a more flexible and graceful habit. 'Magie d'Orient' shows rapid growth and a slightly weeping, loose habit. Ultimately, this shrub reaches an average height of 1.10 m (4ft) with a spread of 90 cm (35in). Its long thorny stems slightly curl. They bear leaves divided into large leaflets of a beautiful light green, resistant to diseases. Flowering begins in June, with sporadic reblooming in summer if the soil does not dry out too much and if faded flowers are regularly pruned. The autumn repeat flowering is generous. It forms massive clusters of numerous small single flowers, 4 cm (2in) in diameter. Their colour is dark pink on the edges. The centre of the corollas, white in colour, is occupied by golden stamens. It is attractive to bees and other pollinators. If faded flowers are not pruned from August onwards, this rose produces decorative small fruits at the end of the season. Its hardiness is estimated at around -15 °C (5°F).

This 'Magie D'orient' shrub rose is undemanding, reliable and charming. The shrub thrives in any well-prepared soil and requires no pruning except for removing older branches or dead wood at the end of winter. Its habit is particularly highlighted in a large pot or planter. Its natural appearance goes well with many plants in the garden. Plant it in a small flowering hedge or a border with other landscape roses, with perennials such as peonies, irises and tall phlox, or alongside other small flowering shrubs with staggered blooms: modest-sized lilacs (Syringa microphylla superba), mock oranges, or Japanese quinces. Also, consider pairing it with a herbaceous clematis.

Awards:

- Baden-Baden, 1991, bronze medal.