Rosa Jacques Cartier - Portland Rose

The 'Jacques Cartier' Rose is often the first old rose that is planted in the garden because it never disappoints. It is undoubtedly the best hybrid Portland rose. It combines, according to the opinion of professionals and amateurs alike, a large number of qualities that make it an exceptional variety, rightly famous. Not very tall, it forms an almost stocky bush, covered with thorns and dark green leaves, among which very double roses bloom, in a fresh and bright pink, from which powerful floral scents emanate, especially in hot weather. A worry-free rose, with a strong personality, easy to slip into a small garden, within reach of all gardeners, even beginners!

The 'Jacques Cartier' rose is an old horticultural variety, obtained in 1868 by Moreau-Robert. It is derived, among others, from the 'Duchesse de Portland' rose, a spontaneous hybrid discovered in the South of Naples in 1800, also known as the Portland Rose. 'Jacques Cartier' forms a robust bush with a compact habit and very dense foliage, which will not exceed 1m (3ft 4in) in height by 75cm (29.5in) in width. Its deciduous foliage is carried by strong, very thorny stems. It has excellent disease resistance. It blooms abundantly around mid-June, and again during the summer and in September-October, with consistency and regularity if faded flowers are removed. It produces generous bouquets of very double roses, about 8 to 10cm (3.9in) wide, formed by more than 40 petals arranged in quarters. The buds, round and bright pink, open over time into pale pink flowers and end up edged in white. The fragrance of these roses is powerful, wonderful, and enchanting.

The 'Jacques Cartier' Rose, with its moderate growth and ease of cultivation, is easy to install in all gardens, even the smallest ones. If you have limited space and little experience in the matter, opt for this generous and truly undemanding rose. In flower beds, its roses go well with all kinds of perennials and bushes without fuss, such as catmints, cotton lavenders, Stachys lanata, white foxgloves, or paniculate baby's breath. It will also thrive when planted alone, placed along a pathway or not far from the terrace, to enjoy its fragrance late in the season if the autumn is mild.

If you have enough space, English, Old, or Shrub Roses are beautiful when planted in groups of three. They will grow together to form a lovely mass that will bloom even more generously.