Rosa William Lobb - Moss Rose

The Old Rose 'William Lobb' (also known as Duchesse d'Istrie or Old Velvet Moss) is undoubtedly the most vigorous and original among moss roses. This large bush with a spacious and airy habit, capable of reaching over two meters, is covered in summer with satiny roses of old-fashioned charm, in a magnificent palette of colours ranging from magenta purple to greyish purple. The gardener will appreciate the sweet scent of Damask rose, to which the thick green moss that covers the peduncles and calyxes adds an original resinous note. This large rose needs space to flourish. It will fully express its potential in a large bed, against a fence, but can also be trained as a small climber.

The Rose 'William Lobb' was bred in France by Laffay in 1855. It is classified in the horticultural category of moss roses, in Latin Rosa centifolia Muscosa, which have the common characteristic of having a kind of fragrant moss on the flower stalks, and the green calyx that protects the flower buds. This 'moss' is equipped with fragrant resin glands. William Lobb was awarded by the RHS in England for its numerous qualities.

This rose develops into a large, open bush with a slightly loose habit, supported by flexible stems that bend under the weight of the vegetation and flowers. It grows rapidly and can easily exceed 1.8 metres (6 feet) in all directions. Its stems are green and covered in reddish prickles. Flowering takes place in June-July depending on the climate. The flowers are semi-double, with a diameter of 7cm (3in), gathered in clusters. The flowers curve to form an informal cup shape, opening wider before fading. Their colour evolves from magenta red to purple with darker shades, then turns lilac, and finally to greyish purple. The reverse of the petals is lighter and has a satin texture. At full bloom, the petals open to reveal a white throat with yellow stamens. The fragrance of the flowers is pronounced, especially in hot and calm weather. The foliage, of a fairly bright green, is composed of leaves divided into 5 to 7 large leaflets with toothed edges. It proves to be quite susceptible to black-spot and botrytis in humid climates. A plant that benefits from a well-ventilated and sunny position, in a drier climate, will be more resistant. The "moss" is sometimes affected by powdery mildew.

While the passion for botanical roses is not widespread, it is fully justified, especially in poor soils or difficult climates: these roses are not only the ancestors of our modern roses, but they are also generally more robust and very reliable. The rose 'William Lobb' is a rather fascinating bush, both vigorous and carefree, which attracts attention in the garden with the rich and bright colours of its well-scented roses. It will find its place in a hedge or defensive bocage, against a fence or sturdy bushes that will prevent it from leaning too much under the weight of its roses. It has character and its vigour allows it to conquer a small tree if carefully pruned and trained. It ideally fits in the background of perennial beds that will hide its slightly bare base and somewhat sparse foliage. Finally, it is a very hardy bush that easily adapts to any deep, well-drained garden soil that is not too dry.