Mutabilis has been a cultivated rose in China for thousands of years. It is a China rose. When following its history in Europe there are some conflicting claims. One source says it was first recorded in Europe in 1894 and that its origins were unknown. Another source states it first came to the attention of botanists when it was given to Henri Correvon of Geneva by Prince Ghilberto Borromeo in 1934. This source claims that it originated in the Prince’s garden at Isola Bella.
It is also known as “The Butterfly Rose” due to its flowers. They start off a yellow/peachy colour, turn pink, then red and end up crimson. So from a distance the bush looks as though it is covered in butterflies.
In our climate it easily grows to a metre high and wide, and is ideal as a hedge. You don’t have to prune it, nor deadhead it. Get out the hedge shears and trim it to the shape you need. About every three years, put on a suit of armour and remove all the dead wood, which has accumulated in the bush.
In Italy Mutabilis is known as “Tipo Ideala”, pronounced Teepo E-Deh-alle, meaning the ideal type. It has little perfume, but then butterflies do not need perfume. It is very hardy and has been compared to a woman – “fit, strong, assertive, shapely, well-rounded and aggressive”. You do not need to fuss with her, just stay out of her road. She can handle herself very nicely and will put on quite a performance for you. All you need to do is give her the most basic care, then watch her grow.
If you have a spot in your garden for a plant that will give you flowers all year round, is very disease resistant and doesn’t need a lot of attention, you cannot go past Mutabilis.
