The versicolor rose in the rose family (Rosaceae) is an old world rose in the Gallica group and a sport of the Apothecary Rose. It is the oldest of the striped roses. It was introduced in the 1500s and was given to Thomas Jefferson in 1791 at Monticello. It is surrounded by many romantic tales of how it got its name, the most popular being it was named for 'Fair Rosamund', mistress of Henry II. This shrub grows up to 4 feet tall and wide in a compact bushy form and is semi-evergreen in warmer climates. It prefers full sun to partial shade in amended, moist, well-drained soils but will tolerate poorer soils. Prune after blooming is complete, cutting back long canes by 1/3 and side shoots by 2/3. Dead or diseased canes can be removed at any time. If rose hips are desired, delay pruning time. The pink blend fragrant flowers are semi-double and appear from May to June on long stems with few prickles. The compound leaves are gray-green and orange rose hips will form if not pruned off. Use the versicolor rose in the border, as a hedge, in an English or cottage garden or as a specimen. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Has moderate disease resistance. Watch for black spot, rust and powdery mildew. See pests of roses to the left. Deer will browse roses. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Rosa .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheRosa 'Belle Poitevine'Rosa Iceberg Schneewittchen® 'KORbin'Rosa 'Old Blush'