China Rose, Butterfly Rose 'Mutabilis' (Rosa)

by lancer23 Apr 28, 2017 6:31 AM

The butterfly rose produces a profusion of blooms that change color as they age. This is one of my favorite plants. (San Antonio, Tx.)

next stage

One color of bloom on the butterfly rose plant. The blooms are very delicate as are their color tones. The bee's wings are picking up the color of the petal. (San Antonio Tx.)

Ending with this beautiful dark pink

The petals are very thin so the sunlight can pass through them very easily which accentuates their variegation. (San Antonio, Tx.)

Because the blooms are different colors on the same plant, I just had to add another photo to do give it credit for the enjoyment it brings to all who observe it. (San Antonio, Tx.)

A rose of many colors

from an apricot bud

A huge butterfly rose with only about 1/4 of the buds open. Shown in March. Note: Plant destroyed by the City of San Antonio Parks Department as it "refurbished" this area with "standard" boring plants. (San Antonio, Tx.)

One huge butterfly bush with 1/2 of 2 more bushes showing in the photo which have been allowed to take their natural shape. In this location there are 8 bushes planted in a circle. They put on a continuous multi-colored show. Note: Plants have been destroyed by the City of San Antonio Parks Department as it "refurbished" this area with "standard" boring plants. (San Antonio, Tx.)

Taken in Devon Garden Blenheim

'Mutabilis' rose in Morwell Rose Garden in Victoria, Australia, February 2007

Can be grown as tree or climber. Here the trunk can be seen growing across the ugly fence & up through the cherry laurels to enjoy the morning sun.

UBC Botanical Garden - Vancouver, B.C. Canada

Blooming Beauty

A small China Rose/Butterfly Rose 'Mutabilis' in bloom in early spring (4/27/09--zone 8a).

Mutabilis is one of the best roses for central and south Texas. This one is 3 years old and is already 7ft. high, and at least 10ft. wide. It use it as a barrier hedge. March 31, 2011 San Antonio, TX.