Rose Duchesse de Montebello

Old French rose ‘Duchesse de Montebello’ is an exquisite and refined historic variety, celebrated for its once-per-season yet exceptionally abundant flowering. Its lush, beautifully quartered blooms in delicate pearl-pink tones are set against attractive bluish foliage, creating an effect of rare elegance and softness. Though it flowers only once, it does so earlier than most other roses, producing a prolonged and unforgettable display. In addition to its garden charm, the variety is highly valued in floristry for romantic arrangements, as its blooms perfectly embody the character of old roses and are excellent for cutting.

The flowers of ‘Duchesse de Montebello’ are not large, averaging to about 6 cm (2.4 in) in diameter, but are very full, with 26 - 40 petals, elegantly quartered and gently ruffled. Their coloration ranges from powdery pearl-pink to coral-pink or pale pink, depending on weather and maturity, typically deeper at the center and lighter toward the petal edges. The fragrance is strong, fruity, and richly saturated, reminiscent of Bourbon roses - a true classic rose perfume.

The shrub is vigorous yet neat, forming a spreading semi-erect plant with good branching. It reaches about 100 - 150 cm (3.3 - 4.9 ft) in height and up to 90 cm (3 ft) in width. The arching branches are almost without prickles and may bend gracefully under the weight of the blooms. Foliage ranges from light to dark green in colour with a grayish tint, and on some soils develops a particularly attractive blue-gray tone.

Rose ‘Duchesse de Montebello’ is hardy, drought-resistant, and tolerates a wide range of soils, demonstrating good disease resistance when provided with proper late-winter treatment. It is suitable for growing in climates similar to USDA Zones 4b - 8b, remaining vigorous even in regions with cold winters. Given sufficient space and time, it develops into a graceful and highly ornamental shrub.

Though primarily classified among Gallica roses, its rich fruity fragrance is often compared to that of Bourbon roses. The perfectly rounded, full blooms, borne on an erect yet slightly loose shrub, are especially admired for old-fashioned bouquets.

The rose was named in honor of Louise Antoinette Scholastique Guéhéneuc (1782–1856), Duchess of Montebello and second wife of Marshal Jean Lannes. She served as lady-in-waiting to Empress Marie Louise of France. Jean Lannes played a decisive role in the victory at the Battle of Montebello (Lombardy) on June 9, 1800, and was later appointed Marshal of the Empire in 1805 and 1st Duke of Montebello in 1808.

Dowager Rose Queen (ARS) - Humboldt Rose Society Show, 2001

This historic rose is considered an ancestor of many modern roses.

USDA 6