Blue Moon

Full Description:

Perhaps Tantau borrowed a little colour from the moonlit sky, a trace of violet from twilight and a veil of silver from the first light of morning. Whatever the recipe, Blue Moon still appears to hold shades that are rarely found together in a rose.

Its elegant buds open into large, high-centred Hybrid Tea flowers in silvery lilac, lavender and soft mauve. Cooler weather often intensifies the violet tones, while warmer conditions may reveal softer pink-lilac reflections.

The fragrance is just as memorable as the colour. Fresh, intense and spicy, it carries easily through the garden, which is why Blue Moon deserves a place near a door, window, seating area or frequently used path.

Introduced by Rosen Tantau in 1964 under the name Mainzer Fastnacht®, this variety became one of the best-known lavender roses in the world. Its flowers measure approximately 8–10 cm and contain around 40 petals, appearing repeatedly from early summer into autumn.

Blue Moon forms a slender, upright shrub of approximately 100–130 cm with fresh green foliage. Its long stems and elegant flower form also make it well suited to cutting, with blooms lasting around five days in a vase under good conditions.

This is a rose for anyone who wants more than colour alone. Planted where its fragrance can be enjoyed every day, Blue Moon brings an unmistakable sense of rarity and atmosphere to the garden.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Blue Moon really blue?
No rose produces a true clear blue pigment. Blue Moon flowers in silvery lilac, lavender and mauve shades that create a distinctly blue-toned impression in the garden.

Does the flower colour change?
Yes. Cooler weather can deepen the violet and mauve tones, while strong sun and warmer temperatures may produce softer lilac or pinkish reflections.

How fragrant is Blue Moon?
Blue Moon has a strong, fresh and spicy fragrance. Planting it near a path, terrace, doorway or window makes the perfume easier to enjoy.

Does Blue Moon flower repeatedly?
Yes. It produces repeated flushes through summer and continues flowering into autumn. Regular deadheading helps encourage new buds.

How large are the flowers?
The elegant double flowers generally measure approximately 8–10 cm and contain around 40 petals.

How tall does Blue Moon grow?
It typically reaches approximately 100–130 cm and develops a slender, upright Hybrid Tea habit.

Where should I plant Blue Moon?
Choose a sunny, well-ventilated position with fertile, well-drained soil. A location close to the house or a seating area is ideal for enjoying its fragrance.

Can Blue Moon be grown in a container?
Yes. Use a large, deep container with good drainage and place it in full sun. Container-grown roses need regular watering and feeding during the growing season.

Is Blue Moon suitable for cutting?
Yes. Its long stems, high-centred flowers, unusual colouring and strong fragrance make it excellent for bouquets and floral arrangements.

How long do the cut flowers last?
Under good indoor conditions, the flowers generally last around five days. Use a clean vase, fresh water and recut the stems before arranging them.

How can I encourage more flowers?
Remove faded blooms, feed regularly during active growth and water deeply in dry weather. Annual pruning encourages strong new stems capable of producing large flowers.

Which plants combine well with Blue Moon?
White, pale pink, deep purple and silver-leaved plants complement its cool lilac colouring. Good companions include nepeta, salvia, lavender and white flowering perennials.

What does the rose look like on delivery?
Its appearance depends on the delivery season and natural stage of growth. For examples and explanations, see What roses look like on delivery →.

What should I do after planting?
Plant in a sunny position, water thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist while the roots establish. For detailed instructions, visit our complete planting guide →.