Rosa x floribunda Romantic Date Bio

Rosa Romantic Date from Organic Agriculture produces small red flowers grouped in bouquets. The fully double flowers are pleasantly scented. Its edible and tasty petals work wonders in fruit salads, confectionery, jams, and jellies. The bush is of moderate size, resistant to diseases, and blooms tirelessly from spring until the first frost. Perfect as a border or in a pot, it also offers pretty flowers for bouquets

This small floribunda rose belongs to a new series of roses called Gourmet Roses, selected for their natural disease resistance, compact growth, and fragrant and tasty flowers. These floriferous roses are adapted to organic cultivation. They provide an abundance of delicious and delicate flowers to use and enjoy in the garden, on a patio, and in the kitchen.

Romantic Date forms a small upright bush measuring 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) in height and 40cm (16in) in width. Its growth rate is fast. Its thorny stems are covered with lush, dark green foliage that is resistant to diseases under proper growing conditions. The deciduous foliage falls in autumn. The flowers bloom tirelessly between April and November, without interruption in summer if the soil remains moist. They are small (5 to 6 cm (2in) in diameter) and turbinate like modern roses. Their colour is a vibrant red. The flowering takes the form of clusters with several flowers. Their fragrance is more noticeable in calm and warm weather.

Romantic Date will create a charming small flower bed when planted in small groups of 3 to 5 plants, along with purple, white, blue, or orange flowers. Combine it with annual delphiniums, perennial flax, lavender, or pink to white foxgloves, for example. It will add a romantic touch to perennial flower beds and large borders. Roses go perfectly with catmints, lavender, bellflowers, paniculate baby's breath, and herbaceous or climbing clematis. You can also plant it in front of taller shrubs or roses, or use it to fill the base of a small tree. Its compact size is perfectly suited for pot cultivation.

In the kitchen

Ideally, harvest in the morning. Use the petals when the flowers are almost fully open, but not faded (they quickly lose their aroma). Only consume flowers from untreated plants. You can use them in confectionery, to flavour jellies, jams, fruit salads, prepare syrup, or to flavour drinks.