Mottisfont’s Magnificent Bloomers

Generally, finding itself at the top of most gardeners Top Three all-time favourite blooms the rose is held dear in our affections. Roses are synonymous with romance, love and friendship and there’s little wonder why. The anticipation of each and every bud opening seductively before us; delicious, delicate scents and ruffled, silk-like petals. Who could ask for more?

A trip to Mottisfont Abbey this week has re-ignited my love for the rose and here are a few of my favourites from the Walled Garden there.

Rosa ‘Honorine Brabant’

This stunning bourbon rose, said to be one of the most popular in the world, looks like its been caught in an explosion at a paint factory. Beautiful bluish, pink stripes and spots are splashed randomly over its many petals. In a shady border (which this rose tolerates) the colour may be more mauve-crimson. The large, loose cupped, scented flowers have an abundance of petals in a quartered arrangement.
Coping well with a poorer soil, ‘Honorine de Brabant’ is best planted towards the back of the border, where she’ll reach approximately 5′ x 5′.
Underplant with Erysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’, Lavender ‘Hidcote’ and Salvia ‘Caradonna’.

Author: Mike the Gardener

Freelance gardening writer, consultant and designer. Mike Palmer is a passionate and professional plantsman, offering services in garden writing, consultancy and garden design. Mike is also available for garden and plant related talks and presentations. Mike has been a professional horticulturalist for over fifteen years. View all posts by Mike the Gardener