Backyard Nature Wednesday: 'Old Blush'

I love antique roses. I've grown many of them over the years. They are tough customers, able to stand up to the vagaries of weather and changing climates, flourishing in many types of soil, and not demanding the ministrations of a gardener. They are, in fact, virtually care free once they are established. Now, that's the kind of plant I like in my garden!

One of my personal favorites among the antique roses is 'Old Blush.' It is one of the most common of the old roses and this is verified by its many common names. Names like Common Monthly, Common Blush China, Old Pink Daily, Old Pink Monthly, and Parsons Pink China. 

'Old Blush' is a semi-double hybrid of an old China rose and it has been cultivated for more than 200 years. It has medium, semi-double lilac pink flowers that are borne in loose clusters. They flush to a darker pink in the sun, so the blossoms often appear two-toned. The blooms are followed by large orange hips (if the gardener is not a dead-header) that are also decorative. 

My 'Old Blush' in full bloom today.

This rose blooms steadily from earliest spring until first frost - and if there is no frost, it just keeps on blooming. It's not a good candidate for a cut flower because each of the softly perfumed blossoms don't last long. They drop quickly to make room for their successors. The bush that they grow on is full and upright and can become quite rangy if the gardener is not diligent with the pruning shears. It has neat, healthy foliage, and, in fact, the plant itself is inordinately free of disease and pests of any kind. I've had my specimen for more than ten years and I can attest that it is extremely hardy and indifferent to my neglect.

'Old Blush' grows easily in zones 6 through 9. If you have a spot for it in your garden and are interested in a care free rose, I can highly recommend it.