Growing ‘Désirée Parmentier’ a Hybrid Centifolia / Gallica Rose

Ok, how gorgeous is this rose? This is ‘Désirée Parmentier’ a hybrid centifolia/gallica (or is it? see more below) photographed in our former garden last spring. Although Désirée did not do well in our North Carolina garden, she loves it here in PA on our limestone clay soil and grew leaps and bounds in those few years we lived at our last house. If I had one complaint, it’s that she gets rather floppy. But honestly, that’s more of a me problem since I was the dingdong who planted her next to a narrow path. If you decide to grow this rose, perhaps offer some support like against a low fence so you can tie the canes in or try planting in a large obelisk.

According to HMF, the identity is questioned. Could it be a “found” rose? Identity crises sometimes happen with these old roses but if you’re not too concerned as to it’s origins and correct name then I’d say this is a rose worth growing. (Mine was purchased from High Country Roses.) Enjoy the photos!