Old Blush

Also known as "Common Monthly", "Common Blush China", "Old Pink Daily", "Old Pink Monthly", and "Parsons Pink China", the myriad of names of this semi-double hybrid of R. chinensis attest to the friendly familiarity with which it has been grown for over two hundred years. One of the most common of old roses, it is also one of the most valuable, for it has passed on its incredible blooming prowess to countless cultivars during the history of hybridization in the West. 'Old Blush' has medium, semi-double, lilac pink flowers in loose clusters. They flush darker pink in the sun and are followed by large orange hips. It blooms so steadily that it is not a very good cut flower: the blossoms drop quickly to make room for their successors. The bush is full and upright in habit, growing slowly to over 5 feet, with neat, healthy foliage. Perfume is soft, but fruity and pleasant. Whether used in a hedge (which can be spectacular), as a specimen, or in a border, 'Old Blush' should be treated simply as a flowering shrub and not fussed over.