The ‘Madame Hardy’ on the right was started as a band and was in it’s 3rd growing season when this photo was taken. I don’t often share views of our roses in situ as, quite frankly, many aspects of our garden could use some serious attention but this is a good example of how quickly this rose reaches a nice size when grown from a cutting.
I can’t think of a better adjective to describe Madame Hardy than indomitable. In spite of my better efforts to murder one of them (not really, but seriously what’s my deal) she keeps coming back every season and blooms beautifully. Haven’t I already said everything that needs to be said about this Damask–my gateway drug to Old Garden Roses? Well, maybe not. Here are a few more pointers:
♦ From what I’ve learned after observing on of our Mme Hardy roses: this rose can take shade in the afternoon, but make sure it gets at least 4 hours of morning sun. (i.e. Don’t expect it to do well with full sun in the afternoon but shade in the morning. All roses must greet the sunrise in order to be their happiest.)
♦ Those paper-like leaves are so easily torn that if you place this rose in a windy area (as I have done with one of ours–see last photo) the leaves will literally tear themselves to shreds on the rose’s own thorns and anything else nearby. Something to keep in mind.
♦ This rose may bloom “only” once but has one of the longest bloom cycles of any rose in our garden.
Yet another added to my list of “must haves” for the garden this year. It’s a good thing Valentines day is around the corner; plenty of ideas for fiance. 🙂
I hope you get one! If you need a link to where you can purchase, I saw that High Country Roses currently has them in stock.
Thank you! Do you have any expeirence with Ballerina? If so how does she do in the garden?
No I don’t have any personal experience growing ‘Ballerina’. Her “susceptibility to blackspot” noted on HMF makes me hesitant to add her to our garden. Have you considered ‘Francis E. Lester‘? It’s another lovely hybrid musk and one tough cookie. Also there’s the hybrid musk ‘Darlow’s Enigma’, which we planted in our garden last summer (3 of them!) and I just love. But if you do decide to grow ‘Ballerina’ please report back on how she does for you! 🙂
Swoon! She was on my list and now, perhaps she’s made it to the top!
You’ll love it!
Ditto on the swoon!