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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Rosaceae (Roses) |
| Origin: China (Asia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Orange & Pink |
| Bloomtime: Year-round |
| Synonyms: [R. chinensis 'Mutabilis', R. odorata 'Mutabilis'] |
| Height: 6-8 feet |
| Width: 6-8 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: <15° F |
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Rosa 'Mutabilis' (Butterfly Rose) - A vigorous rose with single petaled flowers that open sulfur yellow, changing through orange to a rich pink and finally crimson. Bright, silky flowers of all these colors will often be on display at the same time, looking as if a group of multi-colored butterflies has settled on the bush. This aspect earned 'Mutabilis' its common name "The Butterfly Rose". A healthy, well-branched shrub, 'Mutabilis' will easily grow to 6 feet, making a fine specimen plant whose showy flowers are accented by the bronze color of the new growth. Although the true origins of this plant have been lost it was originally sold under the fitting name of 'Tipo Ideale'. This rose made its horticultural debut in 1934 when the Swiss botanist Henri Correan introduced it, having obtained it from the Italian Prince Ghilberto Borromeo. It is unknown whether the plant originated in China or was a hybrid created in the prince's garden in Isola Bella. 'Mutabilis' beautifully exhibits the characteristic China rose trait of the flowers darkening with age, instead of fading. In 'Mutabilis', the tight orange buds open to reveal single petaled flowers that are soft yellow on the inside and orange on the reverse. As the flowers age they first darken to orange then to pink and finally to a coppery rose red. All of these colors will be on display on the plant which to some looks like a group of butterflies nestled on the plant and hence the common name Butterfly Rose. A well branching shrub with attractive bronzy new growth that can reach 6 feet or more and is in flower in Santa Barbara 12 months of the year. Plant in a sheltered location. Our large shrub along the side of our main office gets only half day sun and is a delight to those visiting the nursery at any time of year. Winner of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit in 1993, the same year we began growing this great rose. Hardy to zones 5-10.
This information about Rosa 'Mutabilis' displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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