Rosa x floribunda Astronomia - Floribunda Rose

The 'Astronomia' Rose is a charming landscape rose, dedicated to the Paris Observatory, whose flowering evokes a sowing of bright stars, which cannot leave one indifferent. It forms a pretty, slightly blurry mass, carried by long arching branches, offering an abundance of light 5-petaled wild roses, in a very pale pink, which appear sprinkled with a dust of purple-orange stamens. This variety blooms abundantly, from early summer until late in the season, on abundant dark green, shiny foliage, which underlines its unique personality. This rose, with its rustic appearance, disease-free and easy to cultivate, will find its place in all flower gardens.

The landscape roses in the series are highly floriferous, deliver continuous flowering until the first frost, and are naturally resistant to diseases and pests. The characteristics and uniqueness of this variety with single flowers Astronomia have earned it numerous awards, including first prizes in 2005 at Bagatelle, Le Roeulx and Baden Baden. Its flowers, gathered in dense terminal clusters, come from the polyantha rose, an old hybrid derived from Rosa multiflora and Rosa chinensis. 'Astronomia' is a plant with an almost permanent decorative effect and a dense vegetation. The plant has a bushy, airy, slightly arched habit. It will reach a height of about 60-70cm (24-28in) in a few years (sometimes more in optimal conditions), with a spread of 60cm (24in). The single flowers, 5 to 7cm (2 to 3in) in diameter, have 5 petals that are more or less toothed or lobed, arranged in very open cups. Their colour is a very pale pink, enhanced by a slightly deeper pink centre adorned with a beautiful crown of purple stamens. They are devoid of fragrance.

Adopting this 'Astronomia' rose, adorable in its simplicity, enables an ecological approach, in which phytosanitary treatments are unecessary, while benefiting from a plant with undeniable aesthetics. This rose adapts to all soils that are not too dry and all climates, which allows it to be welcomed without reservation from north to south of our region, even in mountainous areas. For example, it can be planted in masses along a path, or on a large slope, or in groups of 3 as a focal point on a lawn, and even as a backdrop for a low border. Its simplicity pairs well with unpretentious perennials such as garden irises, bellflowers, catmints, columbines, and lychnis, for example. In a rose bed, it can be paired without worry with other roses like 'Blue Boy' (mauve-lilac), 'The Fairy' (pink), 'Pink Knockout' (bright pink), or 'Crème chantilly', pure white and double.

Obtained by Meilland in 2006.