Tuscany Superb

(Gallica) Large, semi-double, scented blooms are of deepest crimson purple. The petals have a velvet like texture and surround a coronet of prominent golden yellow stamens.

Scharlachglut

(Gallica) 'Scarlet Fire'. An outstanding handsome, hardy shrub bearing an abundance of large, rich, scarlet-crimson single flowers with pronounced golden stamens. Large, bright red, urn-shaped hips carried throughout most of the winter.

Rosa Sancta

(Species) ‘Rosa richardii’ ‘St.John's Rose’ ‘Holy Rose’. Closely allied to the Damasks. Large, single pink flowers with good foliage. A good prostrate rose.

Rosa Virginiana

(Species) A dense shrub with light green foliage and small, single, dark pink flowers, that have a long summer flowering season. The plump red hips last well into the winter. Also splendid autumn colours. Good in sandy soil and enjoys a woodland setting. Would also make a good hedge.

Rosa Nitida

(Species) The single, dark pink flowers are small, but plentiful. Lovely fern-like foliage which turns rich crimson in the autumn with hips. Tolerant of shade. Suitable to be planted in a container. A useful, shorter species with abundant, short canes which, makes a good, dense bush for ground-cover and group planting. Dated to early 19th century.

Rosa Glauca

(Species) This dainty rose features small, single and pink flowers with unique plum-grey foliage on arching stems.

Rosa Gallica Officinalis

(Gallica) The flowers are scented, semi-double, light crimson in colour, borne all over the bush in June.

Rosa Californica 'Plena'

(Species) 'Plena'. Rich lilac-pink, semi double flowers borne liberally on a gracefully arching bush in high summer. Small rounded orange-red hips in the autumn. Amply foliated with grey-green leaves. A very useful rose, ideal for hedging or in a woodland setting. Tolerant of poor soil and shade. Dated to 1894.

Konigin Von Danemark

(Alba) Highly scented, quartered, bright pink blooms borne on a tall, elegant bush with pale greyish-green leaves.

Gipsy Boy

(Bourbon) 'Zigeunerknabe' Medium double flowers of deep crimson, sometimes paler with primrose yellow anthers. Highly scented. Vigorous with lots of foliage.

Felicite Parmentier

(Alba) A beautiful, compact shrub with flat, reflexing flowers of soft pink. Highly scented with healthy, grey foliage.

Fantin-Latour

(Centifolia) Full petalled, quartered, flattish, blush pink, highly fragrant flowers are abundantly produced on a handsome bush.

Empress Josephine

(Gallica) Large, loosely formed, semi-double, heavily veined, pink flowers. Scented, with ample foliage, a very good healthy rose.

Duchesse De Montebello

(Gallica) This is a lovely member of the Gallica group. The fragrant, fully double flowers are a soft, powdery pink, produced on a tidy, upright plant with good foliage.

Daphne

(Gallica) Fully double medium sized rosette flowers of rich lilacy-pink. Very fragrant. Foliage mid-green plentiful.

Common Moss

(Moss) 'Old Pink Moss' 'Communis'. A well loved rose of clear pink with an outstandingly strong perfume.

Chapeau De Napoleon

(Moss) 'Crested Moss'. 'Cristata'. Fully double, cabbage-like, deep silvery-pink flowers enhanced by the fascinating formation of moss on each bud, resembling the shape of a cocked hat, hence its name. Scented.

Celestial

(Alba) 'Celeste'. Beautiful, soft pink, semi-double booms in contrast to the leaden foliage. An old variety of unknown origin. Deserves to be in every garden.

Alba Maxima

(Alba) Very fragrant, muddled double, white blooms with a creamy tinted centre. Leaden-blue green leaves. Good autumn fruit.

Amelia

(Damask) Large, semi-double pink flowers with pronounced golden anthers. Very fragrant. Grey-green foliage. Known in France as 'Amélie'.

Rosa Centifolia

Rosa x centifolia (Cabbage Rose) Description Rosa x centifolia, affectionately known as the "Cabbage Rose" or "Rose of May," is a timeless and highly aromatic shrub rose celebrated for its stunning, fully double blooms. This illustrious rose belongs to the Centifolia group, with roots tracing back to the late 17th century, offering both beauty and a rich history to garden enthusiasts. Key Characteristics Flowers: The blossoms of Rosa x centifolia are large and a delightful bright pink, exhibiting a captivating globular shape reminiscent of tender cabbage heads. Expect to enjoy their beauty in full swing during late June and July. Fragrance: Renowned for their strong, fresh scent, these roses hold a cherished place in the realms of perfumery and cosmetics, ensuring aromatic delight in your garden. Growth Habit: Reaching heights of approximately 5-6 feet, this shrub showcases lax stems adorned with an array of prickles. Its leaves, with five or seven dull green leaflets, gracefully droop, offering a soft, downy texture beneath. Soil Preference: While Rosa x centifolia flourishes in various soil types, it particularly thrives in calcareous soils, although it does appreciate some careful maintenance for optimal growth. Bloom Period: As a once-flowering variety, these splendid blooms grace the garden during the summer months, creating a seasonal spectacle of colour and fragrance. Cultivation Tips Planting: When planting, ensure a spacing of at least 2 feet between each shrub. Bury the lower inch of the branches below soil level and select a hole spacious enough for the root ball, avoiding root damage by not teasing them out. Care: A preference for well-drained soil and full sun sets this rose up for success. While they're generally low maintenance, regular watering and occasional pruning will help to maintain their shape and promote robust growth. Historical Significance Rosa x centifolia boasts a captivating history, first documented in the late 16th century by Clusius in his seminal work, Rariorum Plantarum Historia (1601). This rose has inspired countless Dutch and Flemish flower painters, standing as a symbol of elegance and a rich past. This charming rose is an exceptional choice for passionate rose connoisseurs and novice gardeners alike, eager to introduce a touch of historical elegance and enchanting fragrance into their outdoor spaces.