Polyantha (Pol)

Polyantha roses are a cultivar group that are well known for their compact, bushy growth habit and abundance of small, clustered flowers. These roses are perfect for creating low hedges, mass planting or using as a border.

The polyantha group was first created in France in the late 19th century by crossing small-flowered Chinese roses with European roses. Since then, many popular varieties have been introduced by breeders around the world.

Polyantha roses that grow in shrub format can range in height from 1 to 3 feet tall and have a rounded, bushy shape. They are often used in landscaping for their abundant blooms, and can be grown in containers or as a low hedge.

Some popular cultivars of polyantha roses in shrub form include ‘Cécile Brunner’, ‘The Fairy’, and ‘Perle d’Or’, all of which have been around for over a century and are still popular among gardeners today.

Several of these cultivars have also been awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, including ‘Cécile Brunner’ and ‘The Fairy’.