Hybrid Moyesii

To better understand the hybrid moyesii rose classification, lets first look at its parentage, the Rosa moyesii. A species rose, R.moyesii is native to Western China. Often referred to as “wild roses”, species roses usually consist of single petal varieties (4-8 petals). R.moyesii was discovered and introduced by E. H. Wilson and made its debut in the US around 1908.

Hybrid moyessi are simply descendants of R.moyessi crossed with a different rose variety or classification. For exhibition purposes, the H.moyessi are shown as “Classic Shrubs,” along with hybrid kordesi, hybrid musk and hybrid rugosas. The attractions of these roses are found in their beautiful bright colored blooms, as well as their unusual fern like foliage and large colorful hips in autumn.

• The Flower: Usually small and single (4-8 petals). They produce large clusters of flowers. Some varieties may bloom only once, while others repeat prolifically.

• Colors: Terracotta red, pink, creamy white.

• Growth Habit: Shrubs with a loose or semi-climber growth. Sprawling habit. Vigorous. Soft green fern-like foliage. Flagon-shaped orange-red hips that can be quite striking in the fall, adding interest and color to the winter garden. (see photo below). Canes are reddish to chocolate colored. Few prickles.

• Size: H.moyessi: can grow 5 to 15 feet or more in every direction given the correct climate and horticultural care. For Indiana climate, expect growth of 2 to 10 feet.

• Disease Resistance: Very disease resistant. May blackspot in wet climates. Preventive spray is recommended.

• Cold Tolerance: Noted for their winter hardiness. Some H.moyessi are cold tolerant to zone 3 and can be grown as far north as south central Montana with minimal winter protection.

• Scent: Variety dependent – none to strong.

R.moyessi Geranium. Characteristic flagon-shaped orange red hips. The Complete Flower Paintings and Drawings of Graham Stuart Thomas by Graham Stuart Thomas, 1987, Harry N. Abrams, Inc. / Sagapress, Inc., New York

Geranium. Characteristic flagon-shaped orange red hips. The Complete Flower Paintings and Drawings of Graham Stuart Thomas by Graham Stuart Thomas, 1987, Harry N. Abrams, Inc. / Sagapress, Inc., NewYork

Nevada. (La Giralda (HT) x Hybrid of R. moyesii) White. Single. ARS Merit rating 8.8. Hybridized in Spain by Pedro Dot in 1927. The blooms are sometimes tinged with pink. A superb plant. Vigorous growth 7 ft X 8 ft. First flush occurs in late May or early June, and repeats intermittently throughout the summer. Excellent disease and winter hardiness.

Nevada: Photo reprinted with permission by Roger Willeghims: www.helpmefind.com

R.highdownensis. H. moyessi. Bred in UK (1928) by Sir Frederick Stern. A magnificent plant of

medium red flowers. Mild fragrance. A once time bloomer. Excellent disease resistence and winter hardiness. 8-13 ft X 6-10 ft R.highdownensis. Photo reprinted with permission by May Kald: www.helpmefind.com

R.highdownensis. H. moyessi. Bred in UK (1928) by Sir Frederick Stern. A magnificent plant of medium red flowers. Mild fragrance. A once time bloomer. Excellent disease resistence and winter hardiness. 8-13 ft X 6-10 ft

Geranium. Photo reprinted with permission: Kent Krugh: http://woodlandrosegarden.com