Rose Crépuscule

'Crépuscule' is a celebrated Tea-Noisette rose found in many major rose gardens around the world. This exceptionally romantic cultivar is admired for its beautiful double flowers in soft apricot tones, their loose yet elegant structure, and its remarkably generous, almost continuous flowering. Combined with a refined Tea rose fragrance and vigorous climbing habit, 'Crépuscule' remains one of the most atmospheric and rewarding old roses for warm gardens.

The flowers are semi-double to very double, silky in texture, with a gently corrugated, slightly fluffy appearance. They are medium-sized, averaging to about 7 cm (2.8 inches) in diameter, and are borne in small clusters of 3 - 5 blooms together. Yellow stamens are visible in the center. The color is complex and variable: initially rich apricot, ochre-yellow, or suede-like apricot with a salmon-pink reverse, the blooms gradually fade to a soft cream, while the center deepens to warm orange tones. In warm, sunny weather, the coloration intensifies and becomes especially luminous, shifting through brownish-apricot, salmon-yellow, and warm golden hues, sometimes with subtle orange-red streaks, before aging to a rich yellow. The fragrance is sweet, refined, and distinctly Tea-like.

Flowering is extremely abundant, long-lasting, and recurrent, beginning in early spring and continuing until late autumn, often right up to the first frosts. 'Crépuscule' is among the most well-repeated flowering Tea Noisette roses and is particularly notable for its excellent autumn bloom. It flowers best and for the longest duration in sunny, warm locations.

The plant forms a tall, bushy, and well-branched climbing rose, reaching about 180 - 350 cm (5.9 - 11.5 ft) in height and of about 150 - 300 cm (4.9 - 9.8 ft) in width. Growth is vigorous. The long canes are thin, smooth, and almost without prickles, yet strong enough to maintain a graceful fountain-like flowering habit. The rose can be grown either as a large, spreading shrub or trained as a moderately strong climber.

Foliage is bright light green, glossy, dense, and notably healthy. Young leaves emerge with a bronze-purple tint, creating a striking contrast with the apricot flowers before maturing to light green. The stems are dark and nearly thornless, enhancing the plant’s refined appearance.

'Crépuscule' tolerates partial shade and can even be planted at the base of a large tree, but full sun is recommended for the richest flower color and best performance. It grows best in warm climates and requires a sheltered position or winter protection in colder regions. Winter hardiness is moderate, suitable for growing in climates similar to USDA Zones 6b - 10a. With good care, fertile soil, and a well-ventilated site, disease resistance is good.

Pruning should be fairly strong before the start of spring to encourage vigorous new growth and abundant flowering.

'Crépuscule' is highly versatile in the garden. It can be used to create romantic landscape effects, trained on pillars, pergolas, and supports, or grown as a stand-alone shrub. It is particularly striking when trained as a standard (weeping) rose, where its cascading, apricot-toned flowers create a dramatic visual effect.

As noted by André Yves, "I like the generosity of this long-lived one." Indeed, its rare and nuanced coloration - yellow-brown and ochre, becoming brighter in warm regions - combined with its near-thornless canes and sweet fragrance, make 'Crépuscule' an indispensable choice for gardeners seeking an old climbing rose of exceptional charm.

With its profuse flowering from early spring until frost, elegant habit, and unique coloring, 'Crépuscule' has every quality to become a favorite climbing rose in gardens where warmth, light, and romance prevail.

Unfortunately we do not have information about the origin of the name of this rose.

Information about the parantage of this rose is not available or commecrically protected.

USDA 7