Rose 'Mermaid'

'Mermaid' is a truly unique and vigorous climbing rose, a hybrid of Rosa chinensis and Rosa bracteata. It is famous for its large, single, primrose-yellow flowers that can reach up to 12cm across, featuring prominent, beautiful golden stamens. Unlike many roses, it is virtually evergreen in milder UK winters. It is a very large climber, often reaching 6 to 9 metres, and is armed with formidable, hooked red thorns, making it a great choice for security hedging or covering a very large, sunny wall. It is rated H4, so it prefers a sheltered spot, especially in northern regions of the UK. The fragrance is light but distinct. One of its greatest strengths is that it is very shade tolerant, although it flowers best in the sun. It is a repeat flowerer, but its main flush in summer is spectacular. It requires plenty of space to grow and is best left to scramble over large structures where its vigour can be accommodated.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, even poor soils.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.