Rose Phyllis Bide

'Phyllis Bide' is a charming rambler - a moderately sized climbing rose distinguished by its remarkably long and continuous flowering. Its delicate, fluffy blooms in soft pink-apricot tones lend the plant a gentle, almost shy elegance. After rain, the petals are often beautifully marked with darker pink speckles, enhancing their decorative appeal. The flowers resemble crepe paper in texture and glow across the bush like small, multicolored stars.

The color palette is especially dynamic. Depending on weather conditions and flower age, the blooms display an interplay of apricot, pink-coral, golden-yellow, and creamy-white tones, giving the entire shrub a lively, ever-changing appearance. With China roses in its parentage, it is unsurprising that 'Phyllis Bide' flowers continuously throughout the summer.

Freshly opened flowers are particularly striking, resembling miniature Hybrid Tea roses. At this stage, they display a captivating blend of gold, orange, apricot, and red hues. The flowers are small, measuring about 4 - 5 cm (1.6 - 2 in) in diameter, and are double, with 9 - 16 petals. Initially cup-shaped and spherical, they gradually flatten, their narrow, star-curved petals revealing the center. They appear in large, drooping clusters of 5 - 30 flowers on flexible, almost thornless canes that are easily trained along supports. Fully open flowers become double and flatter in form, with gently wavy petals. As they age, the color fades to tender cream with a soft peach tint.

The fragrance is very light, soft, and sweet, and in some blooms may be almost imperceptible.

The first flowering is exceptionally profuse and long-lasting, followed by reliable repeat bloom that is almost continuous from late spring until autumn, and in favorable seasons until early winter. Occasionally, decorative hips may form in autumn.

The plant is vigorous and dense, reaching about 250 - 450 m (8.2 - 14.8 ft) in height and 150 - 200 cm (4.9 - 6.6 ft) in width. The canes of 'Phyllis Bide' are flexible, with relatively few prickles, making them easy to shape and train. Foliage is small, dense, neat, and dark to moderately green, sometimes with a shiny reddish tint. Disease resistance is high, and the variety is drought-resistant, shade-tolerant, and adaptable to poor soils.

Winter hardiness corresponds to climates similar to USDA Zones 6b - 9b. While it prefers a sunny position, it performs well in partial shade and is suitable even for north-facing walls.

'Phyllis Bide' is ideal for columns, obelisks, arches, pergolas, walls, fences, and hedges, and may also be grown as a free-standing shrub. Its moderate growth and flexible canes make it especially suitable for small gardens, where it can be easily shaped. It is also attractive when planted to soften the base of sparse trees. Its blooms attract bees and support wildlife-friendly plantings.

Reliable repeat flowering ensures a long-lasting display from late spring to autumn. For best performance, provide a sunny location, well-drained soil, and regular feeding and watering, particularly after the first flowering flush. Annual pruning helps maintain shape and vigor.

Companion plants such as lavender or catmint complement its warm pastel tones and enhance its cottage-garden charm.

With its refined coloring, abundant flowering, adaptable nature, and graceful habit, 'Phyllis Bide' brings a romantic, antique character to both informal and classical garden designs.

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

NRS GM 1924

Royal Horticultural Society - Award of Garden Merit (AGM)

Diploid

‘Perle d’Or’ (Polyantha, Rambaux, 1875) × ‘Gloire de Dijon’ (Tea-Noisette, Jacotot, 1849)

USDA 6