Shrub Rose Rhapsody in Blue

A repeat-flowering floribunda or cluster-flowered rose, Rosa Rhapsody in Blue is the closest thing we have to a truly blue rose. It’s a fairly vigorous, deciduous shrub rose with a tall, upright, bushy habit, good near the back of a border. The divided foliage has serrated, light green leaflets. From early summer to mid-autumn, the rose bears clusters of cupped, semi-double, deep violet-blue flowers which fade to slate-blue with a paler reverse; there’s a boss of golden stamens, attractive to pollinators, and a medium-strength, sweet fragrance. Shrub rose Rhapsody in Blue holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure – open site
Soil: Any moisture-retentive, humus-rich, well-drained soil
Position: Best in full sun
Season of interest: Midsummer and autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 5’ (1.5m) Spread: 3’3”’ (1m) in 2-5 years