A Guide to the Historic Roses of Mottisfont Abbey
Mottisfont Abbey, a National Trust property in Hampshire, England, is celebrated for its world-famous rose garden, home to the National Collection of pre-1900 old shrub roses. Established in the 1970s by horticulturist Graham Stuart Thomas, the garden features over 500 varieties of historic roses within its walled gardens, creating a stunning display that peaks in early summer. This guide explores the history, key rose varieties, cultivation tips, and visitor information for this horticultural gem.
History of Mottisfont’s Rose Garden
The rose garden was created by Graham Stuart Thomas, a renowned rosarian dedicated to preserving historic rose varieties at risk of disappearing due to the rise of modern hybrids. In the 1970s, Thomas gathered pre-1900 shrub roses from across the globe, many no longer commercially available. He transformed the walled gardens of this former Augustinian priory, dissolved in 1536 by King Henry VIII, into a living archive of old-fashioned roses. The garden’s red-bricked walls and thoughtfully designed beds enhance the roses’ beauty and fragrance, making it a haven for rose enthusiasts.
Key Rose Varieties
Mottisfont’s collection showcases a diverse range of historic rose types, each with unique traits. Below are some of the prominent varieties featured:
Historic Rose Varieties at Mottisfont Abbey
1. Gallica Roses
Description: Among the oldest roses, dating back to ancient times, Gallicas are known for their rich colors (deep pinks, reds, and purples) and intense fragrance.
Example Varieties:
Rosa gallica ‘Officinalis’ (Apothecary’s Rose): A vibrant crimson rose used historically for medicinal purposes.
Rosa gallica ‘Versicolor’ (Rosa Mundi): Striped pink and white petals, a sport of the Apothecary’s Rose.
Characteristics: Compact shrubs, typically flowering once in early summer.
2. Damask Roses
Description: Originating from the Middle East, Damasks are prized for their lush blooms and strong, sweet scent, often used in perfumery.
Example Varieties:
Rosa damascena ‘Versicolor’ (York and Lancaster): Features bicolored blooms, symbolizing the Wars of the Roses.
Rosa damascena ‘Kazanlik’: Grown for rose oil production, with soft pink, double flowers.
Characteristics: Vigorous growers, blooming once with a slightly sprawling habit.
3. Alba Roses
Description: Ancient hybrids with delicate white or pale pink flowers and a refined fragrance, Albas are hardyAgainst the wall and disease-resistant.
Example Varieties:
Rosa alba ‘Semi-plena’: A white rose with a pure, clean scent, linked to the White Rose of York.
Rosa alba ‘Maxima’: Known as the Jacobite Rose, with creamy-white, double blooms.
Characteristics: Tall, graceful shrubs ideal for mixed borders.
4. Centifolia Roses
Description: Known as “Cabbage Roses” for their full, globular blooms, Centifolias were popular in 17th-century Dutch paintings.
Example Varieties:
Rosa centifolia ‘Muscosa’ (Moss Rose): Features mossy, fragrant growth on stems and buds.
Rosa centifolia ‘Fantin-Latour’: A soft pink rose with a rich, complex scent.
Characteristics: Heavy blooms that may need support, flowering once.
5. Bourbon Roses
Description: A 19th-century hybrid between China and Damask roses, Bourbons offer repeat flowering and lush blooms.
Example Varieties:
Rosa ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’: Pale pink, quartered flowers with a creamy texture.
Rosa ‘Madame Isaac Pereire’: Deep magenta blooms with an intense fragrance.
Characteristics: Vigorous and versatile, some varieties bloom repeatedly.
6. China Roses
Description: Introduced to Europe in the 18th century, China roses brought repeat flowering to Western gardens.
Example Varieties:
Rosa chinensis ‘Mutabilis’: Flowers change color from yellow to pink to crimson.
Rosa ‘Old Blush’: A soft pink rose with continuous blooming.
Characteristics: Slender, twiggy growth with smaller, delicate flowers.
7. Hybrid Perpetual Roses
Description: A 19th-century precursor to modern roses, these are known for large blooms and repeat flowering.
Example Varieties:
Rosa ‘Baron Girod de l’Ain’: Crimson flowers with white edges, highly fragrant.
Rosa ‘Reine des Violettes’: Mauve-purple blooms with a rich scent.
Characteristics: Tall and sturdy, ideal for formal gardens.
8. Moss Roses
Description: A sport of Centifolia roses, Moss roses have a distinctive mossy growth on their buds, adding texture and scent.
Example Varieties:
Rosa ‘William Lobb’: Deep purple, heavily mossed buds with a strong fragrance.
Rosa ‘Nuits de Young’: Dark purple blooms with velvety moss.
Characteristics: Once-flowering, with a unique tactile quality.
Cultivation and Care Tips
Old garden roses, like those at Mottisfont, are relatively low-maintenance compared to modern hybrids but benefit from specific care:
Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood and shape the plant. Avoid heavy pruning, as many historic roses bloom on old wood.
Watering: Water deeply during dry spells, especially in the first year, to establish strong roots.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and a mulch of well-rotted manure or compost to retain moisture and enrich the soil.
Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for aphids and black spot. Use organic sprays or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs for natural control.
Support: Some varieties, like Centifolias, may need staking due to heavy blooms.
Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering in varieties like Bourbons and China roses, though many Mottisfont roses flower only once annually.
Visiting Mottisfont’s Rose Garden
The rose garden peaks in June, when the roses are in full bloom, filling the air with fragrance and vibrant color. Here are some tips for visitors:
Timing: Visit in early to mid-June for the best display, as most historic roses bloom once a year. The garden is open year-round, but summer is the highlight.
Access: Mottisfont Abbey is located in Hampshire, accessible by car or public transport. Check with the National Trust for current hours and admission fees.
Features: The garden is divided into three walled sections, each with distinct layouts and rose varieties, including older David Austin roses. Paths are well-maintained, ensuring accessibility for most visitors.
Events: The National Trust often hosts rose-themed events, such as guided tours and talks by rosarians, during peak season.
Conservation Efforts: Recent initiatives focus on protecting the collection from climate change, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Why Mottisfont Matters
Mottisfont’s rose garden is a living museum of horticultural history, preserving rare varieties that might otherwise have been lost. Graham Stuart Thomas’s legacy continues to inspire gardeners and visitors, making Mottisfont a pilgrimage site for rose lovers worldwide.
