CHRISTINA™ – red nostalgic shrub rose (Renaissance® collection)
With CHRISTINA™ you invite a quietly romantic cottage-garden atmosphere into an everyday family plot, where richly cupped, mid-red blooms bring a reassuring sense of continuity from late spring onwards. This own-root shrub forms a well-anchored, upright structure, ideal for gardens that see frequent breezes and need planting that copes calmly with unsettled coastal-style weather. Its double, cluster-flowering blooms appear in generous flushes, with a particularly abundant second flowering, while the strong, lasting fragrance lends itself perfectly to an afternoon-tea mood beneath an arbour. Dense, glossy foliage builds a rounded, medium-sized shrub that fits naturally beside hedging and a kitchen garden, gradually maturing from a settled first year into full, storybook charm over the next two. As an own-root plant it offers dependable regrowth and long service life, freeing you to enjoy the view rather than worry about tricky maintenance.
Usage options
| Target area |
Reasoning |
| Romantic focal point in a family flowerbed |
Use CHRISTINA™ as a single specimen in a mixed border where its upright, medium-height frame and double, cupped flowers provide a clear focal point without dominating the whole garden. Space it at about 1 m from other shrubs so the rounded outline and nostalgic blooms can be appreciated from the patio or kitchen window, giving a simple, traditional highlight for the homeowner. |
| Loose cottage-style hedge along a path or lawn |
Planted 55–65 cm apart in a line, CHRISTINA™ forms a soft, waist-high hedge, ideal for edging a front path or separating a lawn from a kitchen garden. The dense, dark-green foliage knits together nicely, while the vibrant red flowers punctuate the length of the hedge, providing a tidy outline that still feels informal for the cottage-gardener. |
| Long-season colour in traditional mixed borders |
Because this rose repeats well with an abundant second flush, it suits borders where you want reliable colour through summer without complicated schedules. Group two or three plants in a loose triangle at 65 cm spacing, weaving between perennials, so that each new wave of blooms renews the display and keeps the border looking planned yet relaxed for the busy-gardener. |
| Cut flowers for the house |
The large, cup-shaped blooms with strong, long-lasting scent make CHRISTINA™ an obvious choice for cutting. Grow one near the back door or by a path for easy access, and deadhead spent flowers on the plant while taking stems indoors. This approach keeps the shrub looking cared-for and ensures you have fragrant, nostalgic-style arrangements for the rose-lover. |
| Container feature on terrace, patio or balcony |
In smaller plots where border space is limited, CHRISTINA™ performs well in a large container of at least 40–50 litres, with a free-draining mix to protect roots from winter wet on heavy British soils. The compact, upright habit means the shrub stays in proportion to the pot, giving a long-lived, movable accent that can frame seating or a doorway for the urban-gardener. |
| Colour anchor in heavy or challenging soils |
Own-root plants like CHRISTINA™ establish a robust root system that helps them cope with typical UK conditions, including wetter, heavier ground where raised beds or improved drainage are used. The well-anchored shrub then offers stable shape and reliable flowering in spots where other plants may struggle, simplifying planting decisions for the practical-gardener. |
| “Afternoon tea” seating area or arbour surround |
Place one or two plants near a bench, pergola or small arbour so that the strong fragrance and rich red clusters can be enjoyed at close quarters during calm evenings. Over the first three seasons the rose settles its roots, then builds ever fuller flowering wood, maturing into a quietly luxurious backdrop for the romantic. |
| Coordinated cottage border with perennials |
CHRISTINA™ combines naturally with classics such as lady’s mantle, dwarf asters or other soft-textured perennials, its vivid red blooms providing depth against their lighter tones. This pairing keeps the border visually balanced and gently masks spent flowers between deadheading, suiting mixed-planting schemes for the cottage-stylist. |
Styling ideas
- Tea-corner – Plant CHRISTINA™ beside a small bistro set, underplanted with lady’s mantle and dwarf asters for soft edging – for those creating a quiet afternoon tea spot.
- Kitchen-edge – Run a loose hedge of CHRISTINA™ along a vegetable plot, tying the productive area to the ornamental garden – for families who like a traditional kitchen garden feel.
- Front-garden – Use a single shrub near the front door with low evergreens behind, letting the scented red flowers offer a welcoming accent – for homeowners wanting easy kerb appeal.
- Patio-pot – Grow CHRISTINA™ in a 50-litre terracotta container with trailing herbs around the rim for fragrance at knee height – for urban gardeners with limited planting beds.
- Cottage-ribbon – Weave groups of CHRISTINA™ through a mixed border with pinks and whites to create a storybook ribbon of red along the length – for cottage-style enthusiasts planning cohesive borders.
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Renaissance® shrub from the Romantica group, registered as POUlren044 and marketed as CHRISTINA™ Renaissance®; nostalgia-type romantic rose verified for authenticity for darinaROSE® ORIGINAL 2-litre production. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred in Denmark in 2021 by L. Pernille and Mogens N. Olesen of Poulsen Roser A/S; introduced and registered in 2024, representing a modern romantic shrub line with refined flower form. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Upright shrub 100–150 cm high and 80–120 cm wide, with dense, dark-green glossy foliage and moderate prickles; forms a well-filled, medium-sized bush suitable for borders, hedging and large containers. |
| Flower morphology |
Large, double, cup-shaped blooms with 26–39 petals, borne mainly in clusters; remontant with a strong second flush, giving extended seasonal interest when lightly deadheaded to remove spent flowers. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Closed buds dark velvety red, opening to vivid mid-red (RHS 53A–53B) that holds in sun, then deepens before gently shading towards a purplish hue; colour retention moderate with good ornamental effect across the flush. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Strong, long-lasting scent typical of romantic shrub roses; though precise notes are not specified, the fragrance is clearly perceptible around the plant and is suitable for cutting for indoor enjoyment. |
| Hip characteristics |
Due to the full double flower form, only occasional hips develop; where present they are small, 8–13 mm, ellipsoidal and red, adding modest late-season interest without significant self-seeding. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Hardy to approximately –21 to –18 °C (RHS H7, Swedish zone 3, USDA 6b); disease resistance rated medium for black spot, mildew and rust, so routine, moderate care is advisable in humid climates. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best at 55–65 cm spacing in hedges or 100 cm as a specimen; suitable for beds, decorative containers and cutting. Maintenance medium, with regular deadheading and occasional plant protection as conditions demand. |
CHRISTINA™ combines long, repeat flowering, strong scent and adaptable garden use with the resilience and longevity of an own-root shrub, making it a thoughtful choice for those planning a romantic, easy-care planting.
