When you are shoping for roses, the Hybrid Musk rose will not be shouting out "Pick me, pick me" like its more flamboyant cousins. This does not mean that these quietly understated roses should be overlooked. For me they add a solid background of beauty to the rose garden or shrubbery.   The flowers tend to be simple and small; some are single but most are double. They have attractive prominent stamens and a soft musky perfume. The flowers apear in sprays or clusters on long branches and there are plenty of them. The excellent repeating characteristics of Hybrid Musk roses ensure that the blooms will continue from spring through to autumn even without regular dead heading. Small hips provide ongoing interest into winter.  

The dark green foliage is usually glossy and healthy and there are relatively few thorns compared to many other varieties. Hybrid Musks are very hardy and will tolerate poorer soils without making too many demands for extra fuss and attention. Hybrid Musks are versatile and can be used as small climbers, background fillers or informal hedges. Look for some of our reliable favourites:- "Buff Beauty", "Ballerina", "Cornelia" and "Moonlight".   Hybrid Musks probably owe their personality to the man who was responsible for the development of this group of roses - Clergyman Joseph Pemberton from Essex, England. His parishioners were obviously very well behaved as Mr. Pemberton had the time to pursue his passion for rose breeding. He released his first rose on the market in 1913 and continued his breeding work until his death. What a fitting memorial that the modern gardener continues to admire and apreciate his efforts.    

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