This striking old multiflora climbing rose was named after the seven heavenly sisters of ancient mythology – the Pleiades – who are also commemorated in the name of a star cluster in the constellation of Taurus.
The name is very apt: its scented flowers gradually change colour as they mature, so shades of carmine, purple, pink, mauve to almost silver appear on the plant, creating the effect of several roses, closely intertwined.
Photographed at Coton Manor, Northampton, England, where it grows around the traditional, mullioned windows.
Susan Rushton 