About Mutabilis – The Butterfly Rose

Rosa chinensis ‘Mutabilis’

Rosa chinensis ‘Mutabilis’, affectionately known as the “Butterfly Rose,” is a captivating old garden China rose first recorded in 1894. Its single, silky blooms open a soft honey-yellow, shift to warm pink, and deepen to crimson as they age—creating the illusion of a kaleidoscope of butterflies resting on the bush. This continual color change, combined with its graceful arching habit and glossy foliage, makes Mutabilis a garden showpiece. Loved for its exceptional disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nearly year-round bloom in warm climates, this rose thrives with minimal care while providing a living watercolor of shifting hues.

💐 Plant & Flower Traits
🌹 Rose Type: China Rose
🧬 Breeder: Unknown, first recorded in Italy, 1894
🏢 Introduced By: Various international nurseries
🎨 Color: Opens yellow, ages to pink, then crimson
🌸 Petal Count: 5 (single)
💠 Bloom Form: Single, cupped blooms in abundance
📏 Bloom Size: ~2–3″ (5–7.5 cm) across
🔁 Flowering: Continuous in warm climates
🏺 Vase Life: Short—best enjoyed fresh from the garden
🧴 Fragrance: Light, subtle

🏡 Growth & Garden Habits
🌿 Growth Type: Large, bushy shrub with arching canes
☀️ Light Requirements: Full sun
❄️ Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6–10
📐 Spacing: ~6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m)
↕️ Height: 5–8 ft (1.5–2.4 m)
↔️ Width: 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m)

🛡️ Health & Suitability
💪 Disease Resistance: Excellent—resistant to black spot and mildew
🌎 Regional Recommendations: Performs beautifully in the South, Southwest, West Coast, and other warm, sunny regions