Rosa x Portland Madame Boll

Rosa 'Madame Boll' is considered the best Portland rose. Sometimes confused with the rose Comte de Chambord to which it bears a strong resemblance, 'Madame Boll' surpasses it in terms of vigour and abundant flowering. Its large, fully double roses bloom in clusters throughout summer, emitting a magnificent fragrance. The bush has an upright habit and is adorned with lush, light green foliage that is disease-free. Beautiful in borders, the flowers are also charming in bouquets. 

Rosa 'Madame Boll' is an old horticultural variety obtained by Boll in the USA and marketed in France by Boyau, a horticulturist in Angers, from 1859.  According to sources, it is the result of a cross between the varieties 'Baronne Prévost' or 'Bélie Favert' and 'Portlandica'. It is generally classified in the repeat-flowering Portland horticultural category. This compact rose forms a bush with an upright habit without being stiff. It will not exceed 90cm (35in) to 1.1m (4ft)  in height and 80 to 90cm (32 to 35in) in width. Its foliage is abundant and carried by thick, sturdy, very thorny stems. The leaves are large, carried on long petioles, divided into 3 to 5 ovate leaflets that are finely toothed at the edges. The foliage is light green with a hint of blonde. The leaves have a good natural resistance to rose diseases. The generous flowering begins around mid-June and continues regularly in successive waves until September-October. Its roses are either solitary or arranged in small clusters. They are fully double, about 8cm (3in) wide, consisting of over 40 silky petals that are somewhat curled and arranged in quarters. Their peduncle is short, thick, and hairy. Their colour combines pink and lilac. The scent is sumptuous, with sweet and fruity notes. The hardy bush is suited to cold climates.

Rosa 'Madame Boll' can be used in many ways, from romantic bouquets, to large pots on a patio or balcony, to small perennial borders that will not compete with its roots. Its roses pair well with the silver foliage of artemisias and santolinas, and pink, purple, or white foxgloves. It will also thrive as a standalone plant, placed along a pathway, to enjoy its 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 bloom even more generously.