Rosa Mrs John Laing

The Mrs John Laing Rose is often considered one of the best perennial hybrid roses of the 19th century. Born in England in 1887, its full and globular roses in shades of pink and silver are typical of Victorian-era bouquets, very 'shabby chic'. This long-lived bush is vigorous and upright, not very demanding and offers one of the most beautiful autumn re-blooms in the garden. It has a large, very healthy, light-coloured foliage and offers a generous, fragrant, and rain-resistant flowering. Its full and globular roses have a pleasant, persistent fragrance, particularly in bouquets. With so many qualities combined, this variety is an excellent bush for our modern gardens, even at high altitudes.

The Mrs John Laing Rose, named by its British creator Bennett in honour of the wife of a London gardener, is an old horticultural variety classified in the family of Perennial Hybrids. It is a seedling of the 'François Michelon' variety. 'Mrs John Laing' forms a dense semi-erect habit, reaching an average height of 1.30m (4ft) with a spread of 90cm (35in). Its deciduous foliage is carried on long, flexible and sparsely thorny branches. It is composed of large, light green-grey leaflets and has excellent disease resistance. It blooms abundantly in mid-June, sometimes re-blooming during the summer, and again in September-October, generously, consistently, and regularly if faded flowers are removed. It produces rounded buds that open into globe-shaped flowers, then fully bloom into very full roses, about 10cm (4in) in size, with over 40 wide and sturdy petals arranged in a whirl. Slightly darker pink at the centre, the pale pink mother-of-pearl petals are almost silver on the edges. The fragrance of these roses is powerful, persistent, and captivating. This variety was once one of the most cultivated for cut flowers.

The Mrs John Laing Rose combines charm, robustness, resistance, generosity, and fragrance, all qualities still actively sought after in the most beautiful modern varieties. Created 150 years ago, it has everything. With its bushy growth and ease of cultivation, it is easy to grow in all gardens, from the north to the south and up to medium altitudes. If you have little experience in roses, opt for this generous and truly undemanding rose. In flower beds, its blooms go well with all kinds of perennials and bushes, such as catmints, chamomiles, Stachys lanata, white foxgloves, or campanulas. It will also thrive as a standalone plant, planted along a path or not far from the terrace, to enjoy its fragrance until late in the season if autumn is mild. It also makes beautiful bouquets with its fluffy, pastel, and fragrant roses.

If you have enough space, English, Old, or Shrub Roses are magnificent when planted in groups of three. They will grow together to form 'one' opulent bush that will bloom even more generously.