Rosa x Bourbon 'Zéphirine Drouhin' - Climbing Rose

Zephirine Drouhin is an ancient climbing rose descended from Rosa borboniana and is also the hardiest of the Bourbon Roses. This ample bush, pleasantly devoid of thorns, is often grown as a climber. Its medium-sized, semi-double cup-shaped flowers are a very bright red-pink colour that some observers call cyclamen rose, while others see it as a light crimson red or a light cherry red. This hue, visible from afar, is accompanied by an extraordinary fragrance that carries almost as far as the colour of the flower. Large clusters bloom from summer to autumn, with varying degrees of generosity depending on the region. This rose can be planted on a trellis or fence, in a flowering hedge, in the shade and even in mountainous regions where it performs particularly well.

The Rosa x Bourbon 'Zephirine Drouhin' is an ancient climbing variety, of unknown parentage, introduced to the market by the Lyon breeder Bizot in 1868. It is, among others, descended from the 'Bourbon' rose, a hybrid discovered on the same name island, now called Reunion Island. Its beautiful stature, formed of flexible stems, forms a bushy plant with a broad habit without being stiff, which can reach a height of 3m (10ft) and a spread of almost 2m (7ft). Its deciduous and abundant foliage is carried by flexible stems, devoid of prickles or very sparsely thorny. Unfortunately, it has a very average resistance to diseases. It blooms almost continuously, even in shaded conditions from June to September to October. However, it seems more floriferous in warm, continental mountainous climates. It produces semi-double roses, with fairly round but open cups, about 7 cm (3in) wide, formed by 16 to 25 petals, grouped in 3 or 4. The fragrance of these roses is powerful, with fruity notes that may recall the scent of raspberries or blackcurrants.

Vigorous and thornless, 'Zephirine Drouhin' grows well in a north-facing position. It can also be used as a large bush and is ideal for narrow arches. This rose thrives in all soils, even poor ones, but dislikes overly dry soils that hinder its floribundity. It will also thrive in tall borders, accompanied by variegated dogwoods, serviceberries, snowball viburnums or iteas, enhancing its flowering. For its wonderful fragrance, it also deserves to be planted in scented gardens.

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 flower even more generously.

Obtained by Bizot in 1868.