Rose Gipsy Boy

The magnificent old rose ‘Gipsy Boy’, bred in 1909 in Austria-Hungary by Rudolf Geschwind, is a distinctive historic cultivar belonging both to the Bourbon roses and the Hybrid Multiflora group. This vigorous rose forms a large, tall shrub and is admired for its lush, once-yearly flowering in early summer, when the bush is adorned with richly colored, fragrant blooms of striking depth and character.

The flowers are very dark crimson-red, gradually developing violet and purplish tones as they mature. When fully open, the blooms reveal golden stamens, which create a vivid contrast against the dark petals. Flowers are usually medium-sized, measuring to about 6 - 7 cm (2.4 - 2.8 in) in diameter, though under favorable conditions they may reach 8 - 10 cm (3.1 - 3.9 in). They are lush and very double, with about 26 - 40 petals, arranged in a flat rosette form, and are borne in small clusters. The fragrance is light, pleasant, and soft, adding subtle charm to the dramatic coloration.

Flowering occurs once per season, in spring or early summer, and takes place on old (previous year’s) wood. Buds are rounded, a form typical of Bourbon roses.

This rose forms compact, rounded, and upright plants, reaching about 90 - 180 cm (3 - 5.9 ft) in height and about 90 - 120 cm (3 - 4 ft) in width. In good growing conditions, it may expand to 200 cm (6.6 ft) both in width and height. The foliage is large, composed of five matte leaflets, and is generally healthy. When grown as a free-standing shrub, the long shoots may droop under the weight of the flowers, and light support can be beneficial.

Thanks to its flexible growth, ‘Gipsy Boy’ is particularly effective when trained on vertical supports, such as columns or obelysks, where its arching shoots and dark blooms can be displayed to full advantage.

This variety is exceptionally winter hardy, suitable for growing in climate similar to USDA Zones 3b - 9a, and can overwinter on supports without winter protection. It is a very hardy, vigorous, and low maintenance rose, making it well suited to colder climates and low-maintenance gardens.

Pruning should be carried out after flowering in summer or during the dormant period, always bearing in mind that the rose blooms on last year’s wood. Excessive pruning before flowering will reduce bloom the following season.

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

Recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (AGM)

Seedling of 'Russelliana' (Hybrid Multiflora, origin unknown before 1826).

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