Rose Alberic Barbier

‘Alberic Barbier’ is a popular old Rambling rose, renowned in warm climates for its lush flowering and vigorous growth. From small, rounded, lemon-yellow buds emerge blooms 6–7 cm in diameter. These flowers boast a charming pastel palette: creamy-white outer petals and lemon-yellow inner petals that fade gracefully to cream and then to white. Their shapes range from semi-double blooms with golden stamens at the center to fuller, quartered forms reminiscent of Tea roses. A moderate to strong, fresh fruity fragrance with notes of green apple and tea completes their charm.

Flowers typically appear singly or in small clusters of up to six, displaying a spherical form. The glossy, dark green, holly-like foliage is small and densely packed along the long shoots, which are adorned with crimson prickles. This evergreen characteristic, typical of Wichurana hybrids, creates a striking contrast with the light-colored flowers.

Young shoots are red and nearly thornless. If left unmanaged while still flexible, they spread across the ground in all directions. This vigorous plant grows 450 – 800 cm tall and 300 – 400 cm wide, with long, flexible, arching stems. It thrives in challenging conditions and is versatile in its garden uses. Its immense bush, covered in delicate light flowers, is best appreciated from a distance, making it ideal for adorning small trees, pergolas, arches, fences, or unattractive walls—even those facing north, thanks to its shade tolerance. Perfect for vertical gardening, it creates stunning cascades when its thin stems are tied and allowed to hang. While it can grow in full sun, it performs better in milder climates, as extreme heat can hinder blooming. In warmer regions, it is semi-evergreen, retaining its leaves for much of the year.

This once-flowering rose variety blooms profusely over an extended period. After the main flush, sporadic blooms may appear, adding charm to the plant's overall display.

Care and Maintenance

This vigorous, shade-tolerant rose is generally disease-resistant but may be susceptible to mildew under certain conditions. After flowering, pruning is recommended to remove unproductive wood every three years, encouraging fresh growth.

It thrives in slightly acidic soil enriched with compost and benefits from a thick layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture and coolness. Organic compost further supports its growth. While ‘Alberic Barbier’ can be grown in the ground or containers, container-grown plants will require winter protection. Additionally, spring frost protection is essential for young plants.

Frost Resistance

Frost tolerance is moderate, withstanding temperatures as low as -15°C (USDA Zone 7b). However, with proper winter covering, it can survive in colder climates down to -31.7°C (USDA Zone 4b). Younger plants and new growth are more susceptible to frost damage, but the plant becomes hardier with age. Winter covering is mandatory in northern regions.

A Romantic Favorite

‘Alberic Barbier’ is a stunning addition to any garden, immediately drawing attention with its abundant, elegant flowers. A member of the Ramblers subgroup in the Wichurana rose family, this variety was bred by Albert Barbier in France and introduced by Barbier Frères & Compagnie in 1900. It is the result of a cross between Rosa lucieae and ‘Shirley Hibberd.’ Despite being over a century old, Alberic Barbier remains highly popular among rose enthusiasts. This rose embodies romance and timeless charm, capable of transforming walls and homes into picturesque scenes. Its heady fragrance invites tranquility, offering an escape from daily worries. Vigorous and elegant, this rose quickly develops into a majestic bush, gracing the garden with exceptional beauty and charm. Its blooms, whether viewed from afar or enjoyed up close, are a delight to the senses. If you love the idea of open windows filling your home with the scent of roses, ‘Alberic Barbier’ is a perfect choice.

Named after the breeder - Albert Barbier (May 2, 1845 Orléans - March 1931 Orléans), breeder, politician, mayor Olivet (1896-1919) founded Barbier et Cie in 1894 with his brother Eugène Barbier and his sons .

Albert Barbier worked at the kennels Pépinières Transon Fréres and D. Dauvesse in Orléans, collaborated with Paul Transon and later in 1892 took over the management of the Transon kernel. Barbier et Cie dealt mainly with fruit trees, but also grew up to 800 varieties of roses. The nursery closed in 1972.

In 1993, this rose received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Meritt.

Rose variety ‘Alberic Barbier' originated by Albert Barbier by crossing R. wichurana with yellow tea rose 'Shirley Hibberd' (Levet père, 1874).

USDA 7 and warmer