How to Grow Mutabilis Rose
Wikimedia Commons
Mutabilis Rose
Rosa chinensis mutabilis
shrubMutabilis is a spectacular Chinese climbing rose known for its remarkable color-changing flowers that shift from apricot-yellow to copper-red to deep crimson as they age. The delicate, single-petaled blooms are produced continuously throughout the growing season on a vigorous, semi-climbing shrub. It is prized by rose enthusiasts for its unique color transformation, graceful form, and extended blooming period.
When should you plant Mutabilis Rose in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Mutabilis Rose timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Mutabilis Rose
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Mutabilis Rose
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Mutabilis Rose dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-10; marginally hardy in zone 7b with winter protection
Sign up free to see if Mutabilis Rose grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Mutabilis Rose timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plant with initial cane growth and leaf development; sparse branching
Water regularly to establish deep roots. Apply mulch around base. Avoid fertilizing heavily first month. Stake if needed for support.
Vegetative Growth
2-4 monthsVigorous cane elongation with increasingly robust foliage; plant develops characteristic arching form
Continue regular watering and mulching. Begin light feeding with balanced rose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Remove any diseased foliage promptly.
Blooming
Spring through fall (6+ months in warm climates)Abundant single flowers appearing in clusters at branch tips; characteristic color transformation from apricot to copper to crimson visible
Maintain consistent moisture and feed every 4-6 weeks with rose fertilizer. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Monitor for pests and disease.
Peak Flowering
3-4 months (summer to early fall)Maximum flower production with continuous color-changing blooms throughout canopy; plant appears luminous with multicolored flowers at different aging stages
Increase watering during peak heat. Fertilize every 3-4 weeks. Maintain vigilant pest monitoring. Light pruning of wayward shoots acceptable.
Winter Dormancy
2-4 months (December-February)Reduced blooming or cessation; foliage may yellow and drop in cold climates; canes harden
Reduce watering significantly. Apply winter mulch in zone 7b-8a. No fertilizing during dormancy. Prune back in late winter before spring growth resumes.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
-
Increase humidity; spray undersides of leaves with water; apply miticide or neem oil if severe; ensure good air circulation
-
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide; remove infected leaves
-
Hand-pick larvae; spray with insecticidal soap; apply spinosad for severe infestations
-
Hand-pick in early morning; use beetle traps away from plant; apply neem oil or pyrethrin; avoid pheromone traps near prized plants
-
Remove infected leaves immediately; improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply fungicide; mulch to prevent splash
Uses
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftThe unique color-changing blooms make exceptional fresh cut flowers and dried flowers for arrangements, with each bloom displaying multiple colors simultaneously. The continuous production ensures year-round material for floral design in warm climates. [source]
Garden ornament and focal point
HouseholdMutabilis serves as a striking garden specimen or trained as a low climber on trellises and arbors. The multicolored blooming canopy creates a dynamic, colorful display unmatched by single-color roses. [source]
Rose hips and traditional medicine
MedicinalAfter flowering, Mutabilis produces vitamin C-rich hips that can be dried for herbal tea. Traditional Chinese medicine uses rose species for blood circulation and emotional balance. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe open single-petal form provides excellent nectar and pollen access for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the extended blooming season. Attracts beneficial insects to the garden. [source]
Rose water and edible petals
CulinaryPetals can be used to make rose water, crystallized for cake decoration, or steeped in tea. Ensure no pesticides have been applied if using for consumption. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Mutabilis is ornamental and not harvested for food. Cut blooms for arrangements when flowers are in desired color stage (apricot when newly opened, copper at mid-age, crimson when fully aged). Cut stems at 45-degree angle early morning or evening. Place immediately in water. Flowers last 5-7 days in vase.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mutabilis is also called the 'Butterfly Rose' because its color-changing blooms resemble butterflies in flight, with the apricot-to-crimson transformation mimicking the iridescent wings of different butterfly species.
- 🌱 This Chinese rose was nearly lost to cultivation and was rescued and propagated by rose historians and collectors in the 20th century; it remains relatively rare outside specialty rose nurseries.
- 🌱 A single bloom can display three different colors simultaneously at different ages on the same plant—petals opening apricot-yellow, aging to copper-red, and finally deepening to crimson, creating a stunning multicolored display.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Mutabilis Rose planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Mutabilis Rose seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Mutabilis Rose timeline →