Rose Duchesse d'Istrie

The rose variety ‘William Lobb’ was bred in France by Laffay in 1855 and is classified as a Moss Rose (Rosa centifolia muscosa), known for its unique characteristic: aromatic moss-like growth on its buds, peduncles, and sepals that protect the flower buds. This "moss" is covered with fragrant resinous glands.

This is one of the most famous Moss Roses. Some speculate that it has Chinese rose lineage, which could explain its unusually tall and elegant growth. ‘William Lobb’ develops into a large, open shrub with a somewhat loose habit, supported by flexible and slightly arching stems that bends under the weight of its foliage and flowers. It grows vigorously, easily exceeding 200 cm (6 feet) in height and width. Its green stems are covered with reddish prickles.

Flowering
The flowers are large, about 7-9 cm, full (about 50 petals), and display old-fashioned, quartered form flowers that appear in small clusters. The blooms bending on the peduncles, having an informal cupped shape just before fully opening to reveal a wider and flat shape before fading. The colour of the flowers transitions from crimson-purple to violet with darker shades, eventually turning lilac and, finally, grayish-violet. The reverse side of the petals is lighter, with a satin-like texture. When fully open, the petals unfurl to reveal a white center with yellow stamens. The light center of the flower emerges late, giving it a radiant glow. The flowers have an intense fragrance, especially in warm, still weather. The vivid purple-crimson flowers, which fade to soft lavender-gray and lilac hues, exude a rich Damask rose scent. The buds and sepals are densely covered with moss that ranges from green to gray-brown, adding a resinous, aromatic note.

Plant
William Lobb blooms once in early summer, producing an abundant and long-lasting display of flowers in large clusters, sometimes with up to 20 blooms. The shrub is vigorous, tall (up to 250 cm), arching, and up to 150 cm wide on average, with prickly, long stems covered in small spines. It can be trained on fences, trellises, or other supports. The stems are densely covered with prickles, and its matt foliage ranges in colour from bright to dark green. The leaves consist of 5-7 large leaflets with serrated edges.

This is a robust and energetic variety suitable for the back of flower beds. Pruning is done after flowering. Light pruning is recommended during the first two years to help the rose establish itself, after which it can be cut back by about one-third.

Highly winter-hardy, ‘William Lobb’ rarely suffers frost damage, even during the coldest winters. It thrives in climates similar to USDA zones 4 and warmer.

‘William Lobb’ is a captivating rose bush, strong yet graceful, that draws attention with the rich and vibrant colors of its fragrant blooms. It has sturdy stems but benefits from support. It works well in hedges, along fences, or near sturdy shrubs that can prevent it from arching too much under the weight of its flowers.

It can also be grown as a low climbing rose, ideal for low walls or arches, and can even be cultivated among other deciduous shrubs. Its character and vigor allow it to climb small trees if pruned and trained carefully.

It fits perfectly as a backdrop in perennial mixed borders, where it can hide its slightly bare base and sparse foliage. It is an excellent choice for the back of a border or mixed plantings. The flower colors harmonize beautifully with blue and purple perennials, creating complementary contrasts. It also pairs wonderfully with yellow and orange summer flowers. Finally, it is a hardy shrub that adapts easily to any deep, well-drained garden soil that is not too dry. It prefers full sun but is tolerant of partial shade. However, like all shrub roses, it thrives in soils with a pH of 5.5-7.5, which are slightly acidic to neutral.

Disease resistance
Disease Resistance: The variety is susceptible to mildew, with its moss sometimes affected by powdery mildew. In humid climates, it is prone to blackspot and botrytis. However, when grown in a well-ventilated, sunny location in a drier climate, it exhibits better resistance.

Additional information

The historic rose William Lobb (also known as “Duchesse d'Istrie” or Old Velvet Moss) is undoubtedly one of the most vigorous and distinctive Moss Roses. This large, airy shrub, reaching over two meters, is adorned in summer with satin-textured roses of old-world charm in a stunning palette ranging from purple-violet to grayish-violet. The fully double blooms are beautifully formed and exquisitely fragrant, and the shrub flowers abundantly. Its sweet Damask rose fragrance is complemented by the unique resinous note of the dense green moss covering the peduncles and sepals. The moss on William Lobb is particularly thick and lush.

This rose requires space to thrive. It reaches its full potential when trained on large supports, fences, or walls. It can also be grown as a climber or maintained as a large shrub with support. It makes an excellent addition to any northern garden. Its remarkable growth vigor is matched by exceptional winter hardiness. A couple of years after planting, ‘William Lobb’ becomes a spectacular centerpiece in any garden bed. When trained on supports, the rose looks even better, as its weak stems tend to arch under the weight of large clusters of flowers. It propagates easily from green cuttings.

While the passion for botanical roses is not widespread, it is entirely justified, particularly in poor soils or challenging climates. These roses are not only the ancestors of modern roses but are also more resilient and reliable.

The variety ‘William Lobb’ was bred in France by Jean Laffay in 1855 and was named in memory of William Lobb, a plant hunter who passed away in 1864.

William Lobb was a resident of Cornwall who, after working in various gardening roles, secured a position with "Veitch Nurseries" in Exeter. Under contract, he was sent to different parts of the world, tasked with discovering new plants for the company to sell to eager Victorians. Lobb introduced the Monkey Puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) and Wellingtonia, earning the nickname "Messenger of the Great Tree."

Years later, his relationship with "Veitch Nurseries" deteriorated, and after his three-year contract ended, he decided to remain in California. By then, he was gravely ill and died alone in 1864. It was only after his death that his contributions to horticulture were fully recognized.

Awarded by the RHS in the UK for his many qualities with the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

The parentage of this rose is unknown.

USDA 4 and warmer