CARMINIA – purple-pink bedding floribunda rose - Vissers
Carminia brings a sophisticated lilac-pink glow to smaller Irish gardens, combining showy clusters of flowers with a compact, bushy habit that fits neatly into beds, borders and front gardens. Its strong, far-scented, citrus-floral perfume adds an unexpectedly romantic note whenever You pass by the path or patio door. As a pharmaROSA® ORIGINAL own-root rose, it settles in steadily and offers a reassuringly long lifespan, rebuilding itself from its own roots if weather or pruning are less than perfect. The plant is well suited to our damp, changeable climate, coping reliably even where soil stays heavy after rainfall. In the first year it concentrates on roots, in the second on shoots, and by the third season You enjoy its full ornamental display with dense foliage and generous repeat flowering. Thanks to its moderate height it remains manageable for beginners, while its elegant colour shifts – from deep lavender bud to silvery lilac-pink – reward more experienced gardeners looking for a compact, high-impact bedding rose.
Use cases
| Target area |
Reason |
| Small front garden bed by the entrance |
Compact, bushy growth and medium height make it easy to place along paths or beside a driveway without overwhelming the space, giving a welcoming lilac-pink focal point for busy homeowners who prefer low-effort beauty |
| Mixed border with perennials |
Clustered, medium-sized blooms and dense foliage slot neatly between herbaceous perennials, adding season-long, repeat flowering structure that ties the planting together for gardeners who like a tidy yet relaxed cottage look and reliable colour |
| Patio container or balcony tub |
Performs well in a generous pot when given a minimum 40–50 litre container and steady watering, offering rich fragrance and colour close to seating areas, ideal for urban or balcony gardeners seeking space-saving impact |
| Low edging or short informal hedge |
Regular spacing at 25–30 cm forms a low, gently undulating line of colour that defines paths and lawn edges, giving structure without formal clipping, suiting those who want a clear garden outline with minimal fuss |
| Feature group of 3–5 roses in a lawn pocket |
Planting a small group creates a concentrated cloud of lilac-pink, with remontant flowering giving several flushes, providing a simple, effective solution for filling a bare spot for gardeners seeking easy drama |
| Cottage-style bed in heavier Irish soils |
Own-root plants adapt gradually to heavier garden soils and, with basic drainage, cope well where rain lingers after storms, making it practical for typical Irish plots where You still want dependable roses and garden confidence |
| Lightly shaded side garden or north-east aspect |
Suitable for partial shade, maintaining flower and foliage quality where sun hours are limited, so side passages and less-than-ideal aspects can still carry attractive colour for householders working with imperfect light |
| Cutting bed near the house |
Medium-length stems with fully double, fragrant blooms are easy to cut for small indoor arrangements, extending enjoyment of the rose indoors and suiting those who love simple, home-grown bouquets and everyday pleasure |
Decorating ideas
- Cottage Drift – Plant Carminia in a loose curve with daylilies and dwarf honeysuckle at the front to echo rural cottage borders – for gardeners who like soft, romantic structure.
- Lavender Walk – Line a path with Carminia alternating with lavender, letting scent and colour mix along your daily route – ideal for busy families who still enjoy an evening stroll.
- Pastel Patio – In a large 40–50 litre container, combine Carminia with trailing thyme and soft grasses – perfect for small patios where seating and colour share the same space.
- Coastal Calm – Pair Carminia with California lilac and compact rosemary in well-drained beds to create a resilient, Atlantic-breeze-friendly planting – suited to coastal homeowners wanting low faff.
- Evening Scent Nook – Group 3 plants near a bench with hydrangeas behind to enjoy layered fragrance and colour on summer evenings – for those who like to unwind outdoors after work.
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Floribunda bedding shrub rose, registered as Carminia, trade name Carminia Bedding rose Carminia, in the Bedding rose collection; ARS approved exhibition name Carminia for show purposes. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Martin Vissers in Belgium (2008) from Sweet Blondie × Outta The Blue; introduced and registered in 2020 by Viva International, initially distributed by Jan Spek Rozen BV in the Netherlands. |
| Growth and structure |
Compact, bushy shrub 80–105 cm tall with a 30–50 cm spread; moderately thorny shoots and dense, slightly glossy medium-green foliage create a neat, upright bedding and border plant. |
| Flower morphology |
Fully double, cup-shaped, medium-sized blooms (about 1.5–2.75 in) carried in clusters; 26–39 petals per flower, producing generous, remontant flushes with a second flowering that is also abundant. |
| Colour and phenology |
Closed buds deep lavender; opening to lilac-pink with silvery tones; flowers fade gradually to pale silvery lilac, retaining medium colour strength and providing an evolving, purple-pink display over each flush. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Strong, far-scented perfume with a fresh citrus-floral character; flowers are primarily ornamental and densely petalled, with limited value for pollinators due to reduced stamen accessibility. |
| Rose hip characteristics |
Sparse, occasional hips; small spherical fruits 5–8 mm, orange-red (RHS 40A). Ornamental effect is modest and hips are not a major decorative feature compared to the repeated flowering display. |
| Resistance and hardiness |
Hardy to about -21 to -18 °C (H6, USDA 6b, Swedish zone 3). Moderate resistance to powdery mildew, black spot and rust; tolerates heat and moderate drought when established with regular basic care. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best for beds, edging, low hedges, containers and small park plantings; spacing 25–45 cm depending on use; partial shade tolerant; own-root plants establish reliably with medium maintenance and occasional protection. |
CARMINIA offers compact, bushy growth, repeat lilac-pink flowering and strong fragrance on a long-lived own-root plant that adapts well over time, making it a dependable choice if You would like a graceful, easy rose to enjoy.
