Shrub Rose
Rhapsody in Blue
Rhapsody in Blue
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Bare-root roses are available to order now, with deliveries starting on 26 October. Close ↑
Bare-root roses are lifted only after they enter dormancy and the shoots have fully matured and hardened. Lifting them too early can stress the plants and leave young growth insufficiently mature.
We do not force the season simply to ship earlier. We wait for the right point in the plant’s natural cycle, so you receive a strong, well-matured rose ready for planting and the season ahead.
What about colder regions and winter frost?
Waiting until the shoots have fully matured helps the plants enter winter better prepared for low temperatures.
Famous Roses provides a 180-day establishment guarantee for bare-root roses.
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Rhapsody in Blue® is a Shrub rose with semi-double, very fragrant flowers that open purplish-magenta and fade towards slate-blue, revealing a pale centre and golden stamens. Repeat flowering through summer and autumn and an upright, bushy habit give it a distinctive presence in borders and mixed planting.
Choose it if you want one of the most unusual colours available in a garden rose, combined with strong fragrance and a naturally expressive, slightly informal flower form.
Full description →
Full description:
Rhapsody in Blue® is not truly blue, but few roses create such a convincing blue-violet impression in the garden. The flowers open in rich purplish-magenta and gradually fade towards a cooler slate-blue, with a paler reverse, a light centre and warm golden stamens.
The cupped, semi-double flowers have a lighter, more natural character than heavily petalled roses, allowing the colour and stamens to remain clearly visible. Their strong fragrance adds another dimension and makes the variety especially rewarding near paths and seating areas.
The current RHS classification places Rhapsody in Blue® in the Shrub group. It forms a bushy, upright plant around 1.4 m high, with a mature spread of roughly 0.5–1 m, and repeat flowers through summer and autumn.
Bred by Frank R. Cowlishaw under the varietal name Frantasia, it was introduced in the UK in 2003. It was named Rose of the Year 2003 and later received the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2012.
It is hardy to RHS H6 and performs best in an open, sunny position with moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil.
Show less →Characteristics →
Characteristics:
Type: Shrub
Breeder: Frank R. Cowlishaw
Varietal name: Frantasia
UK introduction: 2003
Colour: Purplish-magenta fading towards slate-blue
Flower: Cupped, semi-double
Fragrance: Strong
Flowering: Repeat flowering in summer and autumn
Height at maturity: Approximately 1–1.5 m
Width at maturity: Approximately 0.5–1 m
Growth habit: Bushy and upright
Exposure: Full sun
Hardiness: RHS H6
Use: Borders, beds, mixed planting and cut flowers
Awards: Rose of the Year 2003; RHS Award of Garden Merit 2012
Delivery format: Potted rose or bare-root rose, depending on season and availability
Frequently asked questions →
Is Rhapsody in Blue® really blue?
Not exactly. The flowers open purplish-magenta and fade towards slate-blue, creating a strong blue-violet impression from a distance.
Is it fragrant?
Yes. It is strongly fragrant.
Does it repeat flower?
Yes. It repeat flowers through summer and autumn.
How large does it grow?
RHS lists it at approximately 1–1.5 m high and 0.5–1 m wide.
Why is it classified as a Shrub?
The current RHS horticultural classification places Rhapsody in Blue® in the Shrub group.
What does the rose look like on delivery?
Its appearance depends on the delivery format, month and natural stage of growth. See What roses look like on delivery →.
What should I do after planting?
Plant in full sun, water thoroughly and keep the soil lightly moist while the roots establish. See the planting guide →.
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