When you are shoping for roses, the Hybrid Musk rose will not be shouting out "Pick me, pick me" like its more flamboyant cousins. This does not mean that these quietly understated roses should be overlooked. For me they add a solid background of beauty to the rose garden or shrubbery.
The flowers tend to be simple and small; some are single but most are double. They have attractive prominent stamens and a soft musky perfume. The flowers apear in sprays or clusters on long branches and there are plenty of them. The excellent repeating characteristics of Hybrid Musk roses ensure that the blooms will continue from spring through to autumn even without regular dead heading. Small hips provide ongoing interest into winter.
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The dark green foliage is usually glossy and healthy and there are relatively few thorns compared to many other varieties. Hybrid Musks are very hardy and will tolerate poorer soils without making too many demands for extra fuss and attention. Hybrid Musks are versatile and can be used as small climbers, background fillers or informal hedges. Look for some of our reliable favourites:- "Buff Beauty", "Ballerina", "Cornelia" and "Moonlight".
Hybrid Musks probably owe their personality to the man who was responsible for the development of this group of roses - Clergyman Joseph Pemberton from Essex, England. His parishioners were obviously very well behaved as Mr. Pemberton had the time to pursue his passion for rose breeding. He released his first rose on the market in 1913 and continued his breeding work until his death. What a fitting memorial that the modern gardener continues to admire and apreciate his efforts.
Hybrid Musk. Long arching sprays of single, small, pink blooms with a white centre and a soft fragrance. Very dainty and delightful, continuously in bloom. Good ornamental hips in autumn. Superb rose as shrub, pillar or standard. RHS AGM. 1937.
Flower Colour: Pink / White Habit: Upright Leaves: Deciduous, Green Mature Size (HxW): 1.2m x 0.9m
Hybrid Musk. A well known and well loved little climber with fully double blooms varying from buff-yellow to soft apricot. Really pretty in full flower. Recurrent with a good strong scent. Could be used as a tall bush or small climber. 1939.
Flower Colour: Apricot / Cream Habit: Climbing Leaves: Deciduous, Green Mature Size (HxW): 2m x 2m
Hybrid Musk. A delightful rose with glossy green foliage and clusters of beautiful rich pink, dainty, yet fully double blooms. The blooms are fragrant and appear continuously throughout the summer. Will tolerate some shade. 1928.
Flower Colour: Pink Habit: Upright Leaves: Deciduous, Green Mature Size (HxW): 1.2m x 1.2m
Hybrid Musk, Shrub. Medium, semi-double, apricot blooms in large clusters with an open bloom form. Mild, tea fragrance. Blooms in flushes throughout the season. Bred by Rev. Joseph Hardwick Pemberton (UK, 1922). Very disease resistant.
Hybrid Musk. Rose lovers use all the superlatives when describing this rose as it is just so lovely. A prolific bloomer with clusters of large, semi-double blooms in tones of blush pink and cream. Handsome foliage and fragrant complete the picture. Hardy and reliable. 1924.
Penelope will have a display of beautiful hips in autumn if not completely dead-headed.
Flower Colour: Cream / Pink Habit: Upright Leaves: Deciduous, Green Mature Size (HxW): 1.6m x 1.2m