Rosa x moschata Alden Biesen

Rosa Alden Biesen is a large and beautiful bush with a spectacular repeat-flowering from late spring until October. Its small wild rose flowers group together in large pyramidal clusters ranging from pink to green, somewhat reminiscent of paniculate hydrangeas. Small fruits appear after the flowers, but this doesn't prevent the plant from continuing to bloom throughout the entire season. This dazzling rose has a beautiful stature. It is disease-resistant, low-maintenance, and has a natural habit. It works wonders in a large flowering hedge or at the back of a border. 

Rosa Alden Biesen is a creation of L. Lens, dating back to 1996. It comes from, among others, the musk rose (R. moschata), a spontaneous hybrid probably originating from Asia Minor or the Middle East. Similar to polyanthas and floribundas, roses in this family produce flowers gathered in clusters, but their colours are more refined and they have a more flexible and graceful habit. Alden Biesen has a rapid and vigorous growth rate, with a slightly spreading upright habit. Ultimately, this bush can reach about 2m (7ft) in height and 1.5m (5ft) in width, depending on growing conditions. Its development will be slightly greater in mild climates than in colder regions. Its flexible and thorny stems bear glossy dark green leaves divided into small elongated leaflets. The foliage is generally free from diseases. Flowering begins in June and continues almost uninterrupted until the first frost, as long as the soil does not dry out too much in summer. It takes the form of long, large clusters composed of numerous small single flowers measuring 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, which remain beautiful at all stages. Each flower displays the full colour range of roses, from candy pink to darker pink, before fading to a lovely chartreuse green hue. The centre of the corollas is yellow-green, inviting bees and other pollinators. After pollination, oval-shaped fruits called hips form, turning orange-red from the end of summer. The hardiness of this rose is evaluated at -15°C (5°F).

The hybrid musk rose Alden Biesen has been recognised in international competitions. It received the Certificate of Merit in Genoa in 1997, in Geneva in 1998, and in Courtrai in 1995.

Alden Biesen thrives in well-prepared soil and does not require pruning except for the removal of dead wood. Plant it in a flowering hedge with other botanical or old roses ('Cornelia', 'Felicia', Bouquet Parfait, Rosa complicata), modest-sized lilacs (Syringa microphylla 'Superba'), mock oranges, or Japanese quinces. Also consider pairing it with a viticella clematis, which is an equally easy-to-grow plant.