Smoky violet — one of the closest roses to 'blue'.
The 'almost blue' rose
Repeat-flowering in summer and autumn. Months are approximate, for the climate of Ukraine.
2003 (Britain) · RHS AGM
To ≈ −20 °C; best in a cool climate.
Compare reference temperatures
13–17 petals.
Strong, spicy — clove and spice.
Susceptible to black spot; grows better in a temperate, cool climate.
The colour holds better in partial shade.
Thorn data incomplete.
Glossy, medium green, deciduous.
Breeder's code FRAntasia.
Smoky plum-purple, fading to grey-lilac ('slate blue')
Violet and lavender roses keep a single 'twilight' palette around Rhapsody in Blue.
Blue perennials intensify the violet-blue shimmer:
For contrast beside the violet, white or yellow accents:
Where to plant. Mixed borders, groups, planted along a fence — an unusual violet accent that draws attention. Along a fence: plant no closer than ~1 m from a neighbouring bush, so the bushes have enough light and air.
Climate. Hardy (RHS H6, to ≈ −20 °C); best in a temperate, cool climate.
Care. Susceptible to black spot — preventive care and good ventilation are needed. The colour holds better in light partial shade.
Name. Named after George Gershwin's musical work 'Rhapsody in Blue' (1924).
Breeding. Bred by the amateur breeder Frank Cowlishaw (Britain), code FRAntasia; on sale from about 2003. Rose of the Year 2003, RHS AGM.
Significance. One of the closest garden roses to 'blue' without genetic modification — a smoky violet colour that almost no other variety has.
The cultivar’s reference temperature is −20 °C. Overwintering depends on the conditions.
Repeat-flowering in summer and autumn.
100–150 cm tall, 50–100 cm wide.
Overall resistance: 3 out of 5. Susceptible to black spot — preventive care needed.
Sun + partial shade; the colour holds better in partial shade.
Strong, spicy — clove and spice.
