Rosa x polyantha Bordure Vive - Polyantha Rose

The 'Bordure Vive' Dwarf Rose is the shortest variety in the lovely 'Bordures' series developed by Delbard.  This polyantha rose is remarkable for its early flowering, with a vibrant and intense cyclamen pink colour, almost continuous from May to October. Its semi-double rosettes, illuminated by a lighter pink centre, bloom in clusters on healthy, dark, and matte foliage. Perfect as a border plant, in a flowerbed, or in a garden pot, alone or combined with other varieties, this charming little rose bush will fit anywhere: as a border plant, in a flowerbed, as a low hedge, or even in a pot on the terrace or balcony.

The flowers of the 'Bordure Vive' Rose are gathered in small terminal clusters of 4 to 6 flowers. They come from the polyantha rose, an old hybrid resulting from the Rosa multiflora and Rosa chinensis. It has a particularly compact and bushy habit, forming a dome shape that is as wide as it is tall. It will not exceed 40 cm (16in) in all dimensions. The small double cup-shaped flowers, well-formed in rosettes, emerge from carmine red buds. They open to reveal a lovely cyclamen pink colour with a touch of light pink at the centre, with some petals' reverse side almost white. They reveal their bright yellow stamens later on. They bloom in large numbers in pyramidal clusters, almost continuously from May to September if the soil remains moist. This variety seems slightly susceptible to diseases and slightly less vigorous than its 'Bordures' series cousins when the ideal conditions are not met. It develops dark green, deciduous foliage with a matte finish, carried by thorny stems. This rose has received 3 awards.

The 'Bordure Vive' rose prefers fertile, deep, and moist soils, and a sunny exposure. Its low and compact habit, with a neat appearance, works wonders in rockeries or on slopes, where it will cover the ground. It can also be planted in groups of 3 plants, arranged in a triangle, or as a standalone plant in a short grass meadow. Plant it en masse as a border along pathways or to highlight shrub beds. It will integrate perfectly into beds of light or opulent perennials and pairs well with other dwarf roses such as 'Bordure Blanche', 'Bordure Nacrée', or 'Bordure Rose', depending on the preferences of each gardener. For example, it can be combined with perennial geraniums (Geranium 'Blue Cloud', 'Anne Folkard', 'Nimbus', 'Orion, 'Rozanne'), bellflowers (lactiflora, rapunculoides), catmints, snapdragons, foxgloves, or carnations. It is naturally perfect for decorating the terrace or balcony, planted in a beautiful pot, a large planter, or a garden pot.

Created by Delbard (France) in 1985.