The Mister and I like to play a game where we describe, in great detail, our “someday” home. Of course, I have the Someday Garden designed down to the square foot. 
It’s a fun way to pass the time, and it never hurts to dream, right? The thing that keeps me lying awake at night, though, is what on earth we’ll do with our roses when the time comes to leave our little rental and our makeshift garden. In the past, I’ve vacillated between the idea of leaving them behind to the other extreme of renting a moving truck just for them but I’ve finally decided that unless we move out of the country (not out of the question) I hope to find a way to bring as many as possible with us. (Although our collection of roses is still very small, it’s truly an excellent bunch and most will be difficult, if not also terribly expensive, to replace.) Some days I feel a bit like a curator of a fine art collection. Do you ever feel that way about the plants in your garden?
But enough about me, let’s talk about ‘Madame Plantier’: a lovely Alba blend described by Vintage Gardens as “a favorite of Vita-Sackville West” is rapidly becoming one of my favorites, too. ‘Madame Plantier’, also referred to as The Bride’s Rose, was introduced by Plantier (France) in 1835 and, typical of Alba roses, can withstand less-than-ideal sunlight conditions so for us, it’s perfect for an area of our garden that gets morning sun and dappled afternoon shade. Ours is still young, only in it’s second year, but this season has produced lots of healthy new growth and last May (when these photos were taken) was covered with pretty white blossoms. I’ve read that ‘Madame Plantier’ can get very tall and wide with arching canes. I’m starting to see that kind of habit already (so, again, can’t wait to move her into a more permanent location.) ‘Madame Hardy’, another one of my favorites, was blooming at the same time and I was surprised to see how similar their flowers looked, although the habit/foliage/buds are different, so I photographed them side-by-side. (see below) ‘Madame Hardy’ has slightly larger blossoms and the petals are arranged more “quartered” but both have the green button eye which I love so much.
Do you grow ‘Madame Plantier’? Any tips you’d like to share?
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I got very sick a few years ago and had to sell my home, leaving behind my garden. Now that I am finally recovering, I dream of filling a new space with new plants I can cherish and tend to. Just last month, I put on my big girl panties and took a drive past the old place, and was stunned to see that not only has the young man who bought my old house taken very good care of the plants, he has added to it, and put far more effort into the property than I was able to muster. Finding that was an answered prayer.
I’ve never tried my hand at roses. Yours are gorgeous, and certainly inspire me to make an attempt.
Thank you for this wonderful comment, Mimi! It’s a such a beautiful reminder that although we may be sad about leaving a garden behind, it may very well be the light and joy for it’s new caretaker.
Wishing you the best of health and a happy space for you to tend your new garden. Definitely do try roses!
Very beautiful roses! I myself moved into a new home last year and have wanted to plant some roses. I have been looking around for the right roses to plant. Once I think I know what I want, I see something else like these that catch my eye. I think I may just have a big rose garden by the time I’m done!
Hi Anita! Be careful, once you’re bit by the rose bug, there is no known cure.