Rose du Roi à Fleurs Pourpres brings deep colors and a powerful fragrance to the garden. Its full blooms have a loosely formed shape and range in color from purplish red to dark violet-purple. The dark green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for the flowers.

Its name means ‘king’s rose with purple flowers’. It is thought to have arisen as a spontaneous color mutation of ‘Rose du Roi’. Its exact origin remains a matter of debate, but David Austin and the Royal Horticultural Society list 1819 as its year of introduction. This historic garden rose therefore dates from well before the Belle Époque.

It represents the early nineteenth-century interest in old roses that could flower again. Rose du Roi à Fleurs Pourpres produces successive flushes after its first flowering, throughout summer and into autumn. Its strong, classic rose fragrance makes it an appealing choice for a spot beside a garden path or seating area.

The shrub stays relatively low and grows bushy and somewhat spreading. This also makes it suitable for a smaller border, an informal rose hedge, or a large pot on the terrace. Its dark flowers combine beautifully with soft pink and white roses.

Give it a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, well-drained soil. Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming. When growing it in a pot, ensure good drainage and provide enough water and nutrients.