Rose Veilchenblau A midsummer-flowering rambler rose with an unusual colour, Rosa Veilchenblau (‘Violet blue’) is a large, vigorous, deciduous rambling rose with rather stiff, almost thornless stems and glossy, light to mid-green foliage. In midsummer the rose is smothered in clusters of small, purplish-violet flowers with white centres and a few white streaks, and a boss of bright yellow stamens; the blooms fade beautifully to greyish-lilac, looking almost blue in some lights. The scent is light, and redolent of orange. This rose does not repeat-flower, but would be perfect for a cottage garden planting. Rambler rose Veilchenblau holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Site: ShelteredSoil: Any moisture-retentive, humus-rich, well-drained soil; tolerates poorer soilsPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of interest: MidsummerHardiness: Very hardyHeight: 15’ (4.5m), sometimes more Spread: 10’ (3m) after 5-10 years