Rosa x moschata Francis E Lester - Musk Rose

The 'Francis E Lester' Rose, born in 1946 on the field of ruins left by the Second World War, is a reasonable and charming climbing rose, remarkably reliable, healthy, and undemanding in terms of soil and exposure. While its flowering is unique in early summer, it is well scented, abundant, and prolonged. It takes the form of large clusters of white wild roses tinged with pink on the edges, revealing a beautiful heart of yellow stamens. Once the flowering is over, it is adorned with clusters of orange fruits, which are very decorative and persist for a long time on its branches. This superb descendant of the musk rose, with its fabulous qualities, will tempt all gardeners. And they will be right, because it is perfect for adorning an old tree, animating a flowering hedge, or beautifying a large bare wall!

The climbing rose 'Francis E Lester', created by Lester Rose Garden (United States), is the result of a crossbreeding with the rose 'Kathleen', a hybrid of Rosa moschata obtained by Pemberton in 1922. The musk rose is probably native to Asia Minor or the Middle East and is remarkable for the scent of its small single flowers. The 'Francis E Lester' cultivar produces thorny stems that can reach a height of 3 to 5 metres (10 to 16 feet) and branch out rapidly. They bear dark green foliage with a slight copper hue that is resistant to diseases and takes on beautiful shades in autumn before falling. In June-July, its flowering appears and lasts for several weeks in cool climates. Grouped in large corymbs, countless white flowers tinged and speckled with pale pink on the edges bloom, punctuated by a bouquet of golden yellow stamens. Very simple in shape, composed of 5 petals, they measure about 4 cm (2in) in diameter and are highly scented. Each wild rose forms a small orange fruit, so that this rose is adorned at the end of the season with beautiful clusters that accompany its leaves turning coppery orange, and then its bare branches in winter. These hips contain a large quantity of achenes with a single seed. It is worth noting that the 'Francis E Lester' rose, while vigorous, is easy to contain in its growth.

'Francis E Lester' is an enchanting and easy rose that will certainly delight many gardeners, both beginners and experienced. It will thrive in the north as well as the south of our region, tolerate shade in hot climates, but prefer sunny situations and show more vigour in fertile soil. Like other climbers (Paul's Himalayan Musk, Sander's White Rambler), it is incomparable for adorning large spaces and giving a touch of wildness and freedom when planting above overly strict flower beds. It can also be used as ground cover, thanks to its exemplary foliage and floribundance. In this usage, it will provide an exceptional summer decoration. It is an ideal companion for reviving trees, uncertain fences, and ugly buildings or sheds to which it adds a charming touch. Trained on a large arch, near the terrace, it will create a romantic and fragrant passage. Since its flowering is not recurrent, it can be paired with a vigorous Clematis montana 'Mayleen', which blooms again at the end of summer, or with a recurrent old rose like 'François Juranville', with double flowers, very pink and pleasantly tousled.