Rose Captain Christy

This romantic Old Rose, bred in France in 1873, is distinguished by its very large, pearly pink, intensely fragrant flowers, which droop gracefully from a medium-sized, upright bush with a classic, old-fashioned crown. Elegant and refined, it is equally suitable for large gardens and more intimate spaces, where it becomes a charming focal point. The rose is beautifully complemented by aromatic companion plants such as lavender, sage, catmint, and other herbs, which enhance both its visual presence and fragrance.

The flowers are globular, very large, averaging to about 11 cm (approximately 4.3 inches) in diameter, and full to very full, with more than 40 petals per flower. The flowers are borne mostly singly and range in form from deeply cup-shaped to flatter as they mature. The coloration is delicate and luminous, varying from light pink to pale pinkish-white, with a more intense pink center. The fragrance is abundant and refined, characterized by a soft yet strong, classic Tea scent. Flowering is extremely generous and profuse. The main bloom occurs in summer, followed by reliable repeat flowering at intervals until autumn.

Rose variety ‘Captain Christy’ forms medium-sized plants, reaching of about 120 - 150 cm (approximately 3.9 - 4.9 ft) in height and of about 90 - 100 cm (approximately 3.0 - 3.3 ft) in width. It forms a dense, upright, bushy plant with a vertical habit, sometimes producing longer, slightly spreading shoots. The stems carry few or no prickles. The foliage consists of large, medium-green, semi-matte leaves. The plant shapes well and often looks best when lightly supported or tied.

Pruning should be carried out in spring, removing old shoots as well as dead, diseased, or crossing wood. In warmer climates, remaining shoots can be shortened by approximately one third; in colder regions, pruning should be somewhat heavier, back to healthy green wood. Frost resistance is good, suitable for USDA zones 4b - 9b; however, in more northern areas, winter protection is recommended.

Disease resistance is moderate, but with regular prophylactic treatments the plant remains largely healthy. The delicate flowers are sensitive to excessive moisture and intense, scorching sun. This rose responds very well to attentive care, including shaping, pruning, preventative treatments, feeding, and consistent watering.

Unfortunately we do not have information about the origin of the name of this rose.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety ‘Captain Christy’ was bred by François Lacharme in France in 1873 and is result of crossing the Hybrid Perpetual rose ’Victor Verdier’ by Lacharme (before 1859) with the Tea rose ’Safrano’ by Beauregard (before 1837).

USDA 6