Sophie’s Perpetual is a charming rose with small, full flowers in various shades of pink. The cup-shaped blooms appear in clusters and stand out beautifully against the dark green foliage. Its powerful perfume combines a classic rose scent with fruity notes.

This rose belongs to the China roses, a group that made an important contribution to the development of repeat-flowering garden roses. Its own origins are not precisely known. Rose expert Martyn Rix describes it as a rose of unknown breeding that was given its name in 1928. Sophie refers to Countess Benckendorff, the wife of the last Tsarist ambassador in London.

Its historical value lies primarily in preserving the Chinese rose tradition. Its changing colors are a distinctive feature: the flowers can turn a deeper pink as they age, especially in sun and warmth. The different stages of flowering give the shrub a lively appearance.

Sophie’s Perpetual blooms over a long period, producing new flowers right through to autumn. It can grow as a large shrub, but with support it can also be trained as a small climbing rose. Its branches have few thorns, making them easier to tie in.

Give it a place in a romantic border, along a low fence, or in a spacious pot by the patio. Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil in a warm, sheltered spot. Ensure it gets enough water and nutrients while growing, and protect potted plants in particular during severe frost.