Old Blush
(China, introduced in 1752) – light pink deepening to rose pink. If you visit an old graveyards in the Southern United
States and wonder what that charming pink rose you keep seeing is look no further. You are probably gazing at Old
Bush. This tough species hybrid is considered one of the most influential roses ever discovered. Basically every repeat
blooming rose we have today can trace that trait back to Old Bush or one of its 3 siblings. What I like most about Old
Bush and what puts it on this list is the unusual fragrance. Old Bush has a fragrance that smells exactly like flowering
sweet peas. It is an unique sweet scent that remarkable for its freshness and ability to waft on the breeze. The loose,
formless blooms are nothing to rave about but they do appear again and again as the repeat is fantastic (Old Blush is
usually the first and last rose to bloom in any garden). Like most Chinas the foliage is sparse and widely spaced.
Disease resistance is top notch and Old Bush would make a charming addition to any no spray garden. Winter hardy
to zone 6.
Image courtesy of Kaye.
Image courtesy of Kaye.
On to Sophy's Perpetual
Back to Fragrant Rose List