Bourbon Roses
Though most of the ancient roses known in Europe
blossomed just once in a season, this changed with the importation of the
China Rose in the mid 18th century. They brought perpetual-flowering genes
into the breeding population of roses that are ancestors of those we grow
today. Already hybridized in China, probably with Tea Roses,
the China Roses contributed other characteristics as well. Though much
more tender to frost than the Old Roses, they also have lovely, smooth
leaves that may be reddish-brown; silky petals whose color often intensifies
with age; different growing habits; and some have dark crimson or yellow
coloration, unknown in the Old Roses.
Hybrids of China Roses and various Old Roses became very popular, and,
in fact, contribute their genes to good rose introductions today. The first
group was the Bourbons, named for their place of
origin, the Île de Bourbon, in the early 19th century. These roses
have lush blossoms, a wide range of colors, good or even great fragrance,
and repeat-blooming characteristics. Foliage is attractive, often bright
green with red edges. They are relatively compact in size, and have fewer,
but larger, flowers in autumn. The downside is that Bourbons are not as
hardy as many other antique varieties and hence need some winter protection
in zone 4 and colder. See also Growing your Roses.
These roses flower on both new and old wood, so
pruning must take that into account. In summer, short twiggy growth can
be removed after it has finished flowering. Winter pruning can remove the
last 1/3 of strong growth with smaller shoots being cut back to three eyes.
Boule de Neige
Almost a true 'snowball', this rose opens to
a cupped shape, packed with ivory petals that are occasionally edged in
red. It reflexes almost to a ball. A reliable white, even in adverse weather,
its fragrant blossoms light up a vase of pink and red flowers. The bush
is slender and erect. 4'. (1867)
Kathleen Harrop
Pink with a darker reverse, these blooms, like
those of its parent, Zephirine Drouhin, have fewer petals and are more
loosely packed than many in the family. It blooms almost continuously,
will tolerate some shade, can be a short climber and has few thorns--in
other words, a very adaptable rose. 6' (1919)
Louise Odier
Lovely, cupped, warm pink blossoms with lilac
shades appear in abundance against fresh green leaves on one of the hardiest
members of the family. No wonder this is a popular rose. The very fragrant
flowers are good for cutting, and the bush is full and can be used as a
hedge. 6' (1851)
Mme. Isaac Periere
Reputedly the rose with the most fragrance,
these large, quartered blooms open to a saucer shape and have a fabulous
color described as 'madder-crimson'. While early blooms can be misshapen,
later ones are lovely, and September blooms are often the most beautiful.
'Madame Isaac' is long and lanky and can be used as a short climber. For
best results in the north, give this plant full sun and ensure that the
long canes have snow or other winter cover. And beware of late spring freezing
weather--I've lost canes to 25oF after they survived -30oF
under snow! (1880)
Mme. Pierre Oger
This very fragrant rose is a sport of 'Reine
Victoria' and classic in form. It has most beautiful, dainty petals of
blush pink in a cupped form. In sunny weather they will change to clear
rose, and hot sun will intensify their color. With smooth, light green
foliage, the 4'-5' bush produces flower buds throughout the summer. Canes
will respond to pegging down with more flowers, or it can be trained up
a short pillar. (1878)
Reine Victoria
A legendary rose, winner of many awards, its
rosy pink, fully rounded blooms have deeper rose outer petals and intense
fragrance. Produced all summer, they last well, either on the bush or as
cut flowers. Slender, upright growth to 6'. (1872)
Souvenir de la Malmaison
A remembrance of the rose garden established
by Empress Josephine and her contributions to rosedom, it has lovely, full
buds that open slowly to an opulent, creamy rose, often blushed pink. It
is at its best and repeats very well in hot weather and also does well
in the fall. Its beauty comes at a price, in that damp, rainy weather may
cause the buds to 'blast' or not open properly. But as it is in almost
continuous bloom it revives quickly. This 2', delicately fragrant
plant is suited for a small garden or container culture. (1843)
Zéphirine Drouhin
Color:clear, cerise-pink; perfume:strong; growth:vigorous;
thorns:missing; bloom:almost continuous--no wonder this is a popular rose.
It is color-coordinated with red wood and young leaves tinted coppery-purple.
It can climb to 8' or much more in warm climates. It will blossom in part
shade, and it forms a lovely duo with its lighter pink sport, Kathleen
Harrop. (1868)
Copyright © 2000 Orion Farm
