Roses of the Polyantha Group were originally created in 1875 from a parentage of Rosa chinensis and Rosa multiflora, with these new, compact plants producing profuse clusters of small, single, open faced flowers.
They are relatively compact shrubs not much more than a metre in height with very sturdy stems to hold the wonderfully soft clusters of delicately coloured flowers to best advantage.
Their key features are 1. compact size and 2. prolific blooming all through summer and into autumn.
They go well in borders but also suit medium to large containers like tubs or stone planters that can be positioned to bring soft colour to patios and courtyards.
Hybrids of note include:-
Cecile Brunner - also available as a climber,
The Fairy - double pink
Pink Fairy,
Merville de Rouges - open faced and deep cerise