In my garden today, and making me happy: Rosa 'Zéphirine Drouhin' in glorious bloom.
'Zéphirine Drouhin' is a grand old dame of the rose world. She is a Bourbon rose and was bred in France, way back in 1868 by Bizot.
That 'Zéphirine Drouhin' is still grown in gardens almost 150 years later is testament to some very desirable characteristics.
Its blooms are abundant, and a cheerful lipstick pink. It is perfect as a small climber, especially planted near pathways because its canes are virtually thornless. It has a heavenly 'old rose' perfume.
My 'Zephirine Drouhin' receives very little water, and yet it puts on an impressive display. It repeat flowers, unlike many old roses. While mine is planted on a north-facing fence, it is well known for tolerating shady conditions.
I first saw 'Zéphirine Drouhin' at an Open Garden in Mudgee, and it took me several years to find one. But I'm very pleased I did - she's gorgeous!
we must have seen it in the same garden...........I want one.............
ReplyDeleteIt was years ago Chooky. I remember the garden was quite new and exposed, and they must have had 1000 roses. It was quite something.
Deletethe nice thing about reading blogs from Australia is that while it's freezing here (rain on the edge of being snow), you are showing beautiful roses in bloom!
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness, that second photo - I just wish they'd invented smellivision because I bet the perfume is amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous blooms, Ros. My favourite rose in my garden is Gertrude Jekyll - pink, with a fabulous perfume and squillions of little prickles.
ReplyDeleteWe too have a Zepherine Drouhin. A workmate told me about it years ago, so we grabbed one when we found it. It is on the back fence of our little orchard, beside the driveway. It gets next to no attention and flowers for months. The colour is so vibrant. When we move I will have to find another one. Mick even likes it, as it has no thorns.
ReplyDeleteWOW Your roses are beautiful and the foliage looks so healthy!
ReplyDeletesplendide.
ReplyDeleteYour roses are so beautiful! I especially like that you say that it has the old rose scent. So many of the roses today don't have any scent. I love discovering old roses planted on homesteads because they still have that wonderful scent that roses should have.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fabulous colour Ros.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder you can't decide whether to stitch or garden; just look at those roses. So beautiful, so jealous. With all the TX drought, flowers were a gone subject. Just maybe with the return of rain?? Maybe, just maybe, gardening can be a hobby again. Thanks for the inspiration. Stephani in N. TX (Tomazec@aol.com)
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