Polyantha roses are a type of modern rose that is known for its large clusters of small flowers on relatively small, sturdy bushes. The ones described below are all Earth-Kind roses, a designation that indicates that they are low maintenance; once established they tolerate heat, drought and a variety of soil types, and can be grown without pesticides, fungicides, or fertilizers.
‘Cecil Brunner’
Also known as the ‘Sweetheart Rose’, ‘Cecile Brunner’ bears waves of light pink fragrant flowers in airy clusters ten-twenty-five. Each flower develops from a slender bud and resembles a miniature hybrid tea with a high center, reflexed petals, and sometimes with a button eye. Unfortunately, the flowers fade quickly in the sun. The bush is vigorous, almost thornless and tolerates light dappled afternoon shade but thrives in full sun.
Color: Light pink
Flower Size: 2”
Petal Count: Double
Plant Size: 4’ H x 3’ W
Flowering: Continuous
Scent: Strong and sweet
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
ARS Rating: 8.5
‘La Marne’
Deep pink cup-shaped flowers with white centers and ruffled petals are carried in loose clusters of five to twenty. The vigorous bushes are upright , vase-shaped and have almost thornless stems clothed in dark green leaves. An excellent choice for a hedge.
Color: Pink blend
Flower Size: 2”
Petal Count: Single to semi-double
Plant Size: 4-6’ H x 4’ W
Flowering: Almost continuously
Scent: Light and musky
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
ARS Rating: 8.4
‘Marie Daly’
A sport of ‘Marie Pavie, “Marie Daly has long pointed buds that open to small medium pink flowers that fade to white. The compact rounded bushes have almost thornless stems that are densely covered with small, dark green, leaves. A good choice for a low hedge or in a container.
Color: Medium pink
Flower Size: Small
Petal Count: Double (17-25)
Plant Size: 3’ H x 3’ W
Flowering: Flushes
Scent: Strong and musky
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
ARS Rating: 7.9
‘Perle d’Or’
Apricot buds open to flowers that are carried in clusters of five to twently five and slowly fade to golden buff and then white. The bushes have almost thornless stems and are clothed in small, glossy, medium green leaves.
Color: Yellow blend
Flower Size: 1.6”
Petal Count: Very full
Plant Size: 4’ H x 4’ W
Flowering: Repeats well
Scent: Strong, sweet, fruity
Hardiness: Zones 6-9
ARS Rating: 8.5
‘Pinkie, Cl’
A sport of ‘Pinkie’, this floriferous rose has fragrant flowers carried in clusters of five to twenty five. The petals of the flowers are semi double, to double, medium pink and reflexed. The bright green leaves are thin and glossy and the stems are flexible and thornless. One half inch hips are produced in the fall.
Color: Medium pink
Flower Size: 2.4”
Petal Count: Semi double to double
Plant Size: 10’ H x 7’’ W
Flowering: Repeats
Scent: Medium to strong
Hardiness: Zones 6-9
ARS Rating: 8.2
‘The Fairy’
‘The Fairy’ has mid-pink frilly double flowers that fade to almost white. They are produced in clusters of ten to forty beginning late in the season but ending in late autumn. The pale green glossy leaves are carried on compact , thorny bushes. Although susceptible to black spot and mildew ,infection is not severe and does not seem to hurt the bush. It is somewhat shade tolerant and a good choice for a ground cover, shrub border, container, patio or hedge.
Color: Mid-Pink
Flower Size: 1.6”
Petal Count: 25
Plant Size: 3’ H x 4’ W
Flowering: Continuous
Scent: Little or none; light apple if any
Hardiness: Zones 4-9
ARS Rating:8.7
To read more about Earth-Kind and other low maintenance roses click here.