Intoxicating Fragranced Roses - La France

La France is a rose bred by Jean-Baptiste Guillot le fils (1867). Seedling of Madame Falcot rose.

It is generally accepted to be the first Hybrid Tea rose, and for this reason, its introduction is considered to be the birth of the Modern Rose era. In fact, according to Mr Paul Barden, there were other two roses that preceeded La France and are considered to be Hybrid Teas: Cheshunt Hybrid and Madame Lacharme, both dated 1872.

The flowers are large, full, 60 petals, light pink and somehow pearled... Simply beautiful.

The fragrance is very interesting. Strong, yet elusive, it reminds me a very fine and subtle Parisian perfume. And I find there also some thalassic hints.

It blooms continuously throughout the season, even in late autumn. In my garden there were a few blooms surprised by the freeze in December.

Height of 3' 60 5' (90 to 150 cm). Width of 3' (90 cm).

Zone 7, it requires freeze protection.

There is also a climbing sport of this rose, discovered by Peter Henderson (USA, 1893), height of up to 12' (365 cm), zone 6.

Intoxicating Fragranced Roses - Jude The Obscure

"Jude The Obscure" is bred by Davis Austin (UK, 1989). The breeder says about this rose:

"Its flowers are very large and of incurved chalice shape. Their color is a pleasing medium yellow on the inside of the petals and a paler yellow on the outside.

It has excellent, strong and almost completely disease-free growth. This rose is particularly fine in a dry climate, although it may ball in the rain.

A very strong, unusual and delicious fragrance with a fruity note reminiscent of guava and sweet white wine.

Named after the character in Thomas Hardy’s novel.

4 ft. x 4 ft. or 8 ft. as a climber ".

We simply can't argue with Mr. Austin. This rose is indeed magnificent.

So:

- shrub English Rose Collection

- medium yellow, apricot, cream shading colour, lighter reverse.

- 55 to 70 petals.

- full, borne mostly solitary or in small clusters, globular bloom form.

- blooms in flushes throughout the season.

- height of up to 4' (up to 120 cm)

- width of up tp 4' (up to 120 cm).

- as a climber - 8' or 250 cm.

- very disease resistant indeed.

- Zone 5 to 10.

Use minimal pruning, otherwise the growth will be diminished.