Rosa Ghislaine de Féligonde - Climbing Rose

The 'Ghislaine de Féligonde' Rose, obtained in 1916, is still today one of the most sought after by lovers of old roses. Climbing or bushy, its vigour is rarely lacking, even in partial shade, and its charm is unique. The singularity of this excellent hybrid of the multiflora rose is particularly expressed in the unusual and changing colour of its small, full roses, resembling pompoms. Gathered in lightly scented bouquets, they are born in a shade of ochre to apricot yellow, blush more or less orange, then fade to ivory, creating a very soft, very warm, and tenderly multicolored harmony of shades. Moderately recurrent, this slightly thorny rose displays all its splendor as a free-standing bush, revealing its natural, somewhat bohemian habit.

This large deciduous rose is an old creation by the French rose breeder Turbat. This exceptional hybrid, belonging to the Rosa (x) multiflora and Rosa (x) wichuraiana family, is derived from the climbing rose 'Goldfinch'. It naturally has a broad and flexible habit, amiably disordered. It will reach a height of  2.50m (8ft 2in) to 3m with a spread of 1 to 2m (3ft 4in to 6ft 7in), depending on the growing conditions. Its long stems are flexible, sparsely thorny, and covered with small foliage that maintains its fresh and vibrant green colour throughout the season. Its disease resistance is very good, but it seems to be somewhat sensitive to marsonia if trained against a wall that is too sunny. The flowers of this climber form abundantly in June, and again during the summer and into autumn if the soil remains moist. In warm climates, this flowering starts a little earlier, pauses in July-August, then generously resumes in September, thanks to the return of rain. Gathered in bouquets of 10 to 20, they are born on short shoots from the second year, in small pointed buds of bright pink-orange. They open into small double rosettes, 4cm (1.6in) in diameter, formed by 20 to 39 small mature apricot-yellow petals, quickly turning to cream and then ivory in warm weather. In autumn, they are more tinged with pink. They are all different, creating a beautiful multicoloured effect on the plant. Their scent, quite light, is sweet and fruity. The small fruits that delight birds in the winter are actually fleshy false fruits called hips.

'Ghislaine de Féligonde' is a vigorous yet graceful rose, blooming and carefree, endowed with the strength of tenderness. Like other large roses, such as 'Alchymist' or 'Gloire de Dijon' with which it harmonizes so well, it is incomparable for giving a slightly abandoned look to overly strict flower beds. It is an ideal companion for an old fruit tree, a small pillar, and the cabins to which it gives a crazy charm. Trained on an arch, near the terrace, it will create a poetic and gently fragrant passage. It can be paired with a clematis with large blue or pure white flowers, their autumn blooms blending perfectly. As it is easy to maintain a bushy habit, which is absolutely superb, it can be planted as a standalone or in a mixed hedge, accompanied by viburnums, mock oranges, or lilacs. Finally, it adapts well to cultivation in a large pot.

This rose is named after the daughter of a French officer who died at the end of the 1914-1918 war.

Turbat 1916 creation