Mutabilis

Mutabilis is never a neat manicured rose, and its flowers seem to have been scattered over the bush, all in different states of growth or decay. They remind me of a swarm of butterflies resting between flights. The colours are in different shades of pink through to salmon.

Mutabilis by the House

Mutabilis is a very old rose - and its origins are somthig of a mystery. My big rose book says 'parentage unknown', which is hardly surprising as it was probably introduced into Europe from China in the nineteenth century.

There are no fussy pruning plans for this rose in my garden - it gets the rough treatment (hedge clippers, and then a light trim after the first early summer flowers). I notice that at times it can look scruffy, and some years it gets a bit of late summer blackspot.

Close-Up of Mutabilis Blooms

I have been noticing in my diary that I often talk about Mutabilis, but until know it has proved to be rather camera shy. I've also claimed that Mutabilis is my most favourite old-fashioned rose. So it is certainly time that this beauty gets a proper mention, and hopefully a good photograph which will show off its subtle charms.