Rosa x persica 'See You In Purple' - Shrub Rose

The 'See You In Purple' Rose is an excellent descendant of a botanical species called Rosa persica, native to the steppe regions of Central Asia. Like its parent, this recent hybrid has light butterfly-like flowers with contrasting heart colours. Its bicoloured roses, white-cream with a violet centre, bloom abundantly and for a very long period, enlivening its beautiful dark green foliage until the first cold weather. In addition to these undeniable ornamental qualities, it has good natural resistance to rose diseases and excellent hardiness. A unique little bush that stands out in a flower bed, a small flowering hedge, or a pretty pot on the terrace!

The Rosa x persica 'See You In Purple' (KORreform500) was introduced in 2018 by the German rose breeder Kordes Rosen, renowned for his creations combining floribundity, hardiness, and disease resistance. It descends from a wild rose discovered in 1784 by the botanist André Michaux in the Zagros Mountains, straddling Iran and Iraq. The unique feature of its bicoloured flowers has since prompted rose breeders to attempt hybridisation with other cosmopolitan species and varieties. After years of research and selection, new and very interesting cultivars have emerged, including the series of 'See You' garden roses developed by Kordes in partnership with Globe Planter.

'See You In Purple' is a small bush or shrub with an upright and bushy habit, measuring about 70 cm (28in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in spread at maturity. Its branches are moderately thorny and adorned with abundant foliage divided into five large dark green leaflets with slightly shiny surfaces and toothed edges. The flowering begins early, in May-June, depending on the climate, and continues until September-October if the soil remains slightly moist in summer. The plant will tolerate drought well, but its flowering will stop until the return of rain. The flowers, arranged in clusters, are single to semi-double, with semi-open cups measuring 5 to 6 cm (2in) in diameter. Their fragrance is very light. The unusual and highly contrasting colour of its roses makes this bush a magnificent floral bouquet that does not resemble a typical rose.

'See You In Purple' is a unique rose that deserves a prime location, whether in a flower bed or on a balcony. It is water-efficient but also sufficiently hardy to withstand winter, making it suitable for almost any location. It can be planted in groups of 3 to 5 plants, forming a large bush that blooms for months. Surround your roses with small catnips (Nepeta mussinii) or compact lavenders. With minimal maintenance, you can easily create a beautiful scene that will enliven your garden from June to October. Consider pairing it with lovely grasses like Muhlenbergia capillaris, Stipa capillata, or the blue flowers of perennial flax. It also looks beautiful in front of beds of tall asters (Aster laevis, Aster turbinellus, Aster Little Carlow), with late white or purple tulips or even white ground cover roses (Rigo Rosen Innocencia).