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Perle d'Or,
a polyantha rose, was introduced into commerce in the latter half of
the 19th Century, together with the ever-popular Cecile´ Brunner
and Jenny Wren. They were introduced by Jean-Baptiste Guillot -
the same hybridizer who gave us the hybrid tea. (But that's a
story for another time and place.) It seems a chance cross by
Mother Nature of R. multiflora and the often-used China stud
rose, 'Old Blush' gave us the original polyantha ancestors. These
were then crossed and further developed into specific polyanthas which
became very popular in the 19th century. Perle d'Or was
hybridized in 1883. Polyantha roses produce large sprays of blooms that fade to white as they age. These tough plants are relatively small shrubs, though in the right conditions they can grow much larger than their European originals. Aside from their beauty, a major reason for their popularity is that they require little care. Even pruning is somewhat incidential - just enough to deadhead and keep the plant where you want it. Perle d'Or is often mis-named as "Yellow Cecile´ Brunner." It's parentage is different and it is a stronger plant, sweeter in aroma and more deeply colored. |
Come back often as we add more (or as the changing season changes our minds!)
Forest Ranch Purple Pom-Pom
 (Photo courtesy of Jeri Jennings)
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Forest Ranch Purple Pom-Pom is
a favorite of many visitors and
volunteers and was suggested for inclusion here by Jeri Jennings of the
Gold Coast chapter of the Heritage Roses Group.
This Damask-type found rose has large purple blooms with a mild-to-strong damask fragrance. The blooms are flat, full, quartered, very double in form. The plant has an arching, spreading, well-branched growth habit. Foliage is large, semi-glossy and dark green. |
| This rose was grown from cuttings taken by Sherri Berglund (B and B Nursery) from the site of a 19th century home in Forest Ranch (near Chico). A limited number are commercially available from B and B Nursery. | This rose is popular not only
because of its beauty, but it is both heat-tolerant and
diseast-resistant. Jeri Jennings says, "A beautiful plant, beautiful blooms ...fragrance...AND disease-resistant." Who could want more?...ed. |
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Mlle Blanche Lafitte
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Mlle Blanche
Lafitte is a favorite of Rose Garden Maintenance Manager, Anita
Clevenger who says, "Mlle Blanche
Lafitte for graceful growth, nonstop bloom,
sweet scent and clusters of powderpuff pink flowers. It's
just about
my current favorite."
"In the cemetery, Mlle Blanche Lafitte is about 7 ft tall, 6 ft wide. We don't prune hard, and have no reason to reduce its size. It might be kept a little smaller in a home garden. We deadheaded her regularly this summer, since the bloom just kept coming. We tend to park (our cars) near the plot that has MBL, Barbara's Pasture and Hoffman von Fallerseleben (a lovely, arching Hyb Musk) - it's one of our favorite plots in the cemetery, and we give it some extra attention." MBL
is the exception: a bourbon that simply thrives in our
climate. Most of them struggle. It was bred in
France (1851) by Henri &
Giraud Pradel (père & fils).
Both Rogers' Roses and Vintage Gardens list it as a shrub to 5' tall. Not available in many nurseries, this one is worth the search. |
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| Mlle Blanche
provides continuous sprays of blooms. (photo courtesy of Anita Clevenger) |
"...it's one
of our favorite plots in the cemetery, and we give it some extra
attention." (Anita Clevenger) |
