Rose

An oldish Gallica rose, dating back to 1837, and probably related to the excellent 'Tuscany, this rose grows into a deep, rich red bush with the once-a-season flowers gradually fading to purple. Some fanatics complain that the petals tend to fold in and point to the centre, but that's nothing to get rattled about. Good for the middle of a hothouse border with the likes of dahlias taking over in late summer and autumn. Growth is vigorous.