Rose - Mutabilis

Common Name:
Rose 'Mutabilis' (also known as the Butterfly Rose)

Description:
Rose 'Mutabilis' is a stunning and unusual heritage shrub rose that offers a constantly shifting display of colour, with single blooms that open in soft apricot and transform through pink to deep crimson as they age. This remarkable colour transition on a single bush gives it the nickname "Butterfly Rose," as the delicate blooms resemble a fluttering cloud of butterflies. Flowering generously from spring through to late autumn, it produces clusters of lightly scented, five-petalled flowers with a soft, airy appearance. It has a graceful, arching growth habit and is particularly well-suited to informal gardens, cottage-style borders, or large pots. 'Mutabilis' thrives in Melbourne’s climate, preferring full sun and well-drained soil, and it is known for its high disease resistance and ease of maintenance. Left unpruned, it can form an impressive large shrub, but it also responds well to shaping or light pruning. A timeless and romantic choice for gardeners seeking colour, movement, and old-world charm.

Form:
Shrub - Large

Mature Size:
Height: 1.8–2.5 m
Width: 1.5–2 m

Aspect:
Full Sun
Part Shade

Flowering:
Flowers in Spring
Flowers in Summer
Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:
Apricot (new bloom)
Pink
Crimson (mature bloom)

Key Attributes:
Suitable for Pots (large containers)
Scented flowers
Bee Attracting
Disease Resistant
Perennial
Heritage Variety
Fast growing
Suitable for Informal Hedging

Toxicity:
Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. Thorns may cause physical injury if handled without care.

Companion Plants:
Salvia
Lavender
Catmint (Nepeta)
Verbena bonariensis
Penstemon
Yarrow (Achillea)