‘Old Blush’ is a memorable rose as it was the source of the gene for continuous bloom in modern roses. Grown in China for at least 1,000 years, it was brought to the West as ‘Pareson’s Pink China’ in about 1750 where it was bred with Damasks and Gallicas to produce the Bourbons, Hybrid Perpetuals and ultimately all the modern roses. Its red buds open to pink flowers that darken as they mature. The flowers are borne in small clusters and are cupped to flat-shaped. The leaves are carried on slender stems with a moderate amount of prickles. They are crimson when new but turn light-green.
Type: China
Origin: China; Discovered by Parsons, Britain, c1750
Parentage: Unknown
Flower Size: 2.8”
Petal Count: Double
Scent: Medium; tealike
Flowering: Continuous
Plant Size: 3.3’ H x 3.3’ W
Hardiness: Zones 6-10
ARS Rating: 8.7
Karen Meyers