So Cute Rosa Mainzer Fastnacht Flower

Rosa 'Mainzer Fastnacht': The Lavender Queen of Roses
Rosa 'Mainzer Fastnacht', also famously known as ‘Blue Moon’, is one of the most enchanting and popular hybrid tea roses ever bred. Revered for its ethereal lavender-lilac blossoms and intoxicating fragrance, this rose has secured its place as a favorite among gardeners and rose lovers worldwide. The name ‘Mainzer Fastnacht’ pays homage to the famous carnival season in Mainz, Germany, hinting at its celebratory beauty and festive charm.
Origin and Breeding
Rosa 'Mainzer Fastnacht' was introduced in 1964 by Mathias Tantau Jr., a renowned German rose breeder. Bred in Germany by the house of Tantau Rosen, this variety was developed by crossing a lavender-flowered seedling with the rose Sterling Silver, one of the earliest attempts at creating a “blue” rose.
Despite the name ‘Blue Moon’—its English trade name—it is important to note that the blooms are not truly blue, as no naturally occurring blue pigment exists in roses. However, the rose exhibits one of the closest shades to blue achievable in hybrid tea roses, with delicate hues of silvery lavender or mauve, often shifting depending on light, temperature, and soil conditions.
Appearance and Bloom Characteristics
The most striking feature of Mainzer Fastnacht is its color—a soft and refined lavender to lilac shade that can take on bluish or silvery tones. Each bloom is large, high-centered, and elegant, typically measuring 10–12 cm across, with 30–40 petals arranged in a classic spiral pattern.
Fragrance: Highly fragrant, the scent is rich, sweet, and spicy—sometimes described as a mix of citrus, rose oil, and violet.
Blooming habit: Repeat-flowering throughout the growing season, especially from late spring through autumn, making it a favorite in rose gardens and bouquets alike.
Foliage: Glossy, dark green foliage provides a beautiful contrast to the pastel blooms, enhancing the visual appeal of the plant.