Rose Madame Plantier

Nearly two centuries this once-blooming white rose remains celebrated for its abundant spring display and exceptional hardiness. Creamy-white, very full blooms with signature button-eye, almost thornless, arching canes adorned with grey-green foliage combined in this Alba-Noisette hybrid. Its robust disease resistance, especially to black spot and mildew, is highlighted by gardeners all over the world. ‘Madame Plantier’ emerges as a quintessential hardy heritage rose ideally suited for gardeners seeking historic beauty with relatively low maintenance.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

FLOWERING

The rose variety ‘Madame Plantier’ is a once flowering rose that blooms abundantly in late spring or early summer and will be literally all covered with blooms.

The flowers of ‘Madame Plantier’ are a standout feature they are very full, each bloom contains a very high petal count, often having as many as 100 - 150 petals arranged in a rosette form with a button eye in the centre with often a small central green nub of unopened petals present. The flowers are medium-sized, the average diameter of the opened flowers is about 6 - 7 cm (2.3 - 2.5 in). The flowers when fully opened have shallowly cupped and quartered shape, giving an old-fashioned pompon or “flat rosette” appearance to the flowers, which is formally classified as a flat quartered bloom. The flower buds of this rose are tinted with pink or cream-blush. As they open, they quickly fad from pale cream to pure white when fully open. Oftentimes a hint of primrose or blush may remain when flowers fully open. Fully open blooms reveal outstanding button-eye, occasionally green-tinged, at the center, reminiscent of Damask roses like ‘Mme Hardy’.

The blooms are borne in small to medium sized clusters of 5 - 20 flowers together on lateral branchlets. This clustering habit contributes to a spectacular mass flowering effect: at peak bloom the entire shrub can appear literally covered in clusters of creamy white blossoms.

Rose variety ‘Madame Plantier’ makes excellent cut flowers for Victorian-style arrangements: when cut in bud stage they live well in cool water, though those magnificent full old-fashioned flowers may shatter quickly in vase. Historically the flowers of this rose were used for rose oil extraction experiments due to their rich in aromatic compounds. This “living antique” rose may attract pollinators and is suitable for wildlife friendly gardens.

Fragrance:

The fragrance of rose ‘Madame Plantier’ is strong, sweet and of an Old rose character, it has an intense damask-rose perfume with musky and fruity undertones. In fact, chemical analyses of ‘Madame Plantier’ flower oil show it is dominated by classic rose scent compounds (e.g. 2-phenylethanol ~31%, geraniol ~9%, nerol ~6%, benzyl alcohol ~28%), which impart a richly sweet and slightly honeyed aroma. Garden literature often praises its scent; for example, the RHS describes the fragrance as “strong” and rosarians often rank ‘Madame Plantier’ among the most refined rose fragrances.

PLANT

The taxonomic classification of ‘Madame Plantier’ has been somewhat debated due to its hybrid origin. It is broadly considered an Old Garden Rose, historically placed in the Noisette or Alba groups. The Royal Horticultural Society currently tags it as “(A × N)”, i.e. an Alba × Noisette hybrid. Early authorities like Marianne Haudebourg list it under rosiers de Damas – blancs (white Damask roses) but note it is “peut-être issu de Rosa alba × Rosa moschata”. This reflects that R. ×alba (itself a hybrid of ancient Damask and wild rose) and R. moschata (the Musk rose, parent of Noisettes) are likely in its pedigree. Graham Stuart Thomas observed ‘Madame Plantier’ could be called a non-recurrent hybrid of Noisette derivation, acknowledging the Musk/Noisette influence but noting its once-blooming habit (most Noisettes are remontant). The American Rose Society classifies it in the Alba class (likely due to its growth and bloom traits), and Peter Beales’ encyclopedia lists it under Alba roses, describing it as “probably an Alba/Moschata cross”. Interestingly, in some references it has even been grouped with Hybrid Chinas or Damasks, showing the ambiguity in pinning it to a single old rose class. For practical purposes, gardeners can think of ‘Madame Plantier’ as an Alba-type shrub rose (for its cold-hardiness, grey foliage, and once-blooming nature) with a Noisette influence (for its clustered blooms, musk parentage, and near-thornless climbing habit).

Rose ‘Madame Plantier’ is a vigorous, deciduous shrub rose with a sprawling, arching growth habit. In maturity it forms a fountain-like bush typically 150 - 250 cm (5’ - 8’ 2”) tall and wide as a free-standing shrub. If given support, it can be trained as a climber or pillar rose, reaching 300 - 400 cm (9’ 8” - 13’) in height with long, pliant canes. The canes are almost prickless, bearing few or no prickles - a diagnostic trait that distinguishes it from many other old rose. The canes are green, slender, and gracefully arching; when grown unsupported, they tend to drape under the weight of blooms, creating a cascading effect.

Do not prune this rose hard in winter or in early spring, as buds form on previous year’s wood. In late June (after the blooming is finished), remove spent flowering clusters and thin out old canes: cut 1 - of the oldest canes to the base to encourage new shoots, and lightly shorten remaining canes by up to 1/3 for shape. Remove any dead or diseased wood whenever noticed. Minor shaping can be done in late winter if needed, but preserve most canes. Aim for an open-centered shrub when pruned. Because of vigorous cane growth, consider supporting or tying canes rather than cutting them back drastically. For climber training, tie main canes horizontally on support to maximize laterals. Essentially, use the “Old Garden Rose” approach: just a light touch of sharp pruning shears is all that is needed, avoid severe cuts. Deadhead after bloom flush for tidiness but generally there is no need for deadheading for rebloom as none will occur.

Foliage:

The foliage of this rose is light grey-green to pale green, with small compound leaves. Each leaf has 5 to 7 oval leaflets, including the terminal leaflet, that are matte or slightly glossy, with a delicate texture typical of Alba roses. The light grey-green color hints at its genetic heritage from Rosa alba, which often imparts a glaucous hue. The leaflets are of about 2.5 - 5 cm (1 - 2 in) long, oval with serrated margins, the type of serration is single and medium sized. Young shoots and flower clusters may exhibit a few glandular hairs and pubescence, but otherwise the plant is largely glabrous (smooth) except for sparse prickles on older wood. The near-absence of prickles makes it easier to handle and train compared to most heritage roses.

Disease resistance:

All gardeners report that ‘Madame Plantier’ is rarely troubled by black spots or mildew in most regions. It is often regarded as the rose that practically does not get affected by diseases. Rust occasionally reported on lower leaves in very damp springs. Botrytis blight (petal balling) can affect blooms in very wet weather. But mostly minimal spraying with fungicides are needed and simple cultural prevention is usually sufficient to maintain this rose healthy.

Also this rose generally has low pest pressure. Few thorns means less harbor for pests. Aphids may colonize new buds in spring (treatable by water jet or ladybugs). Sawfly larvae (roseslugs) can chew foliage (pick off or use insecticidal soap). Spider mites in hot dry weather may cause the troubles. It is affected by Japanese beetles in some regions where they feed on flowers and new foliage in the mid-summer. As a nearly prickless rose it can be damaged by deer and rabbits - they may nibble shoots so young plants require protection.

Rose ‘Madame Plantier’ is also very hardy with minimal protection needed in zones USDA 5. In USDA zones 3-4, mulch heavily over root area and consider bending canes down to snow cover or wrapping to protect from desiccation. When grown on own roots, plant can die to ground and resprout in spring. In mild climates, simply winter prune lightly to remove any dieback. Ensure good snow cover or mulch to protect the crown in extreme cold (−30°C).

‘Madame Plantier’ inherits notable tolerances from its old rose lineage. It is exceptionally cold-hardy (USDA Zone 3b, tolerating −30°C or below). In continental climates it can survive severe winters; in fact, under deep snow cover it can die back to snow-line yet vigorously regrow in spring. The only observed weakness is its low tolerance to rainy weather on blooms: the very full flowers can “ball” (fail to open) in prolonged rain or damp, a common issue for tightly petaled old roses. Petals may brown or mold in wet conditions, so a drier spring yields better bloom.

In terms of heat, ‘Madame Plantier’ prefers cooler sites; it can grow in warm climates (thriving even in Mediterranean areas if given some afternoon shade), but extreme heat may shorten the bloom life or scorch the petals (which are pure white and delicate). Notably, it is one of the few old roses that tolerates partial shade - it will bloom reasonably well in half-day sun or dappled light. This makes it valuable for north-facing gardens or woodland edges where modern hybrid teas would falter. Its shade tolerance, coupled with strong vigor, means it can even be grown into small trees (scrambling among limbs) for a naturalized effect. This adaptability to various conditions (sun or semi-shade, poor soils, neglect) is a hallmark of many Alba hybrids and contributes to Madame Plantier’s reputation as a “survivor” rose suitable for low-maintenance scenarios.

The name ‘Madame Plantier’ carries a personal homage. It was named in honor of the breeder’s wife, Madame Plantier, presumably Charlotte Plantier (née Mary Frances Perrat) who married Jacques-Émile Plantier in 1834. In the early 19th century it was common to name roses after spouses or female relatives as a sign of respect or affection, and Plantier followed this tradition. Thus, Madame Plantier is an eponym reflecting a real person – lending a human story to its botanical legacy. Notably, Plantier’s wife’s given name is listed as Charlotte in some records, though HelpMeFind notes Mary Frances Perrat became Plantier’s third wife in 1834. It is possible that “Charlotte” was a francisé name or another family member honored; however, most sources simply use the title “Madame Plantier”, so the exact honoree’s identity is not fully documented in rose registries. Regardless, the name personalizes the rose and situates it in the breeder’s life and era.

In English-speaking countries, ‘Madame Plantier’ gained the sobriquet “The Bride’s Rose” during the Victorian period. This informal name likely arose from its pure white blossoms symbolizing purity and its use in bridal bouquets or weddings. An 1848 English text by William Paul already lists ‘Madame Plantier’ among desirable white roses for gardens, and later gardening literature referred to it affectionately as “the Bride’s Rose” for its association with weddings and perhaps because it blooms in June (traditional wedding month).

Other synonyms and historical market names have been recorded in various countries. For example, in some 19th-century sources, ‘Madame Plantier’ was referenced as ‘Albion’. Albion (Latin for “white” or an old name for England) might have been a trade name emphasizing its white color, although documentation is scarce.

The cultivar is also simply known as Mme. Plantier, using the French honorific abbreviation. These synonyms are widely recognized in literature and nursery trade, underscoring the rose’s romantic reputation and broad cultivation.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

‘Madame Plantier’ is a historic shrub rose cultivar introduced in 1835 by French rosarian Jacques-Émile Plantier. It belongs to the Old Garden Roses, a group revered for cold-hardiness and rich fragrance. The exact parentage of ‘Madame Plantier’ is not definitively documented, but rose historians generally agree it is a hybrid involving the Musk rose (Rosa moschata) and an old European rose (likely an Alba or Damask type). Plantier himself did not leave clear records, and around the time of its introduction (1835) breeders often kept cross details private or uncertain. Two prevailing hypotheses have persisted in literature:

 One hypothesis is that Madame Plantier is the result of crossing an Alba rose (Rosa × alba) with the Musk Rose (Rosa moschata). This view is supported by French sources such as Haudebourg (2009), who lists the parentage as “Rosa alba × Rosa moschata”. The R. × alba in this context would have been a garden form (Alba roses are themselves hybrids of ancient origin, typically R. gallica × R. damascena). Thus, essentially this hypothesis posits a cross between a Damask/Alba lineage rose and a Musk rose.

 An alternative hypothesis (found in English sources) is Damask rose (Rosa × damascena) crossed with R. moschata. Stirling Macoboy’s Ultimate Rose Book (1993) cites the parentage as “Rosa × damascena Mill. × Rosa moschata Herrm.”, aligning with this view. In practical terms this is very similar to the Alba hypothesis, since Alba and Damask roses are closely related (Albas probably arose from a Damask hybrid). The difference may be semantic or based on which exact seed parent Plantier used.

In either case, the consistent element is Rosa moschata (the Musk rose) as one parent. R. moschata is a species known for its clusters of white, fragrant blooms and for being a key ancestor of the Noisette class. If Plantier did use R. moschata, it explains Madame Plantier’s Musk-like qualities (clustered blooming, a hint of musky fragrance, and repeat-bloom potential that unfortunately did not manifest in this seedling). Indeed, rosarian Peter Beales notes that Madame Plantier is “probably an Alba/Moschata cross” and Graham S. Thomas regarded it as essentially a once-blooming offshoot of the Noisette line. Modern genetic analysis has not (to public knowledge) specifically addressed Madame Plantier, but we can surmise that it carries a triploid chromosome set (as many interspecific hybrids do). A 1954 cytological study found ‘Madame Plantier’ to be triploid (2n=3x=21), which suggests one parent was tetraploid (e.g. Damask) and the other diploid (Musk), consistent with a Damask × Musk cross.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

‘Madame Plantier’ belongs to the Old Garden Roses, a group revered for cold-hardiness and rich fragrance. This rose achieved immediate and enduring popularity; its success has not waned for almost two centuries, thanks to the very abundant flowering of its creamy-white pompons. ‘Madame Plantier’ holds a special place in rose history and garden design. It is an Alba-Noisette hybrid rose that exemplifies the virtues of Old Garden Roses: once-blooming but prolific and richly scented display, extreme winter hardiness, and longevity in the landscape. Despite modern competition, it remains a fixture in heritage rose gardens worldwide. Notably, British gardener Vita Sackville-West famously grew ‘Madame Plantier’ in the White Garden at Sissinghurst for its ability to cover a pillar or even climb into a tree, contributing to a spectacular early-summer display of white blossoms.

‘Madame Plantier’ was widely disseminated in Europe and beyond during the 19th century: François Lacharme introduced it commercially in France in 1840, and by 1861 it was sold in Australia. The cultivar became a common graveyard rose and pass-along plant, valued for surviving neglect. For example, a 2003 survey of historic Rookwood Cemetery in Sydney identified ‘Madame Plantier’ thriving among the heritage plantings. Garden authorities consistently praise its performance: the American Rose Society (ARS) classifies ‘Madame Plantier’ as an Alba shrub and rates it an excellent 8.9 out of 10 for garden performance (ARS Handbook 2015). Some experts rank it among the very best old roses: e.g. rose breeder Mike Lowe listed Madame Plantier as one of “the ten best once-flowering roses” for cold climates, noting it “does extremely well on its own roots” and makes a large scrambling shrub.

COMPARISON WITH THE CLOSEST COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE CULTIVAR

Key traits that identify ‘Madame Plantier’ are its pure white, button-eyed double blooms in large clusters, arching virtually thornless canes, and small grey-green leaves. A common source of confusion is with the Damask rose ‘Madame Hardy’ (1832), another once-blooming white rose of the era. Both have very full white blooms and strong fragrance. However, they can be told apart by growth habit and details: blooms of ‘Mme Hardy’ and ‘Mme Plantier’ are very similar. ‘Mme Hardy’ has upright, thorny canes, while ‘Mme Plantier’ has arching, thin canes which are practically without prickles. Furthermore, ‘Madame Hardy’ usually shows a more pronounced green button-eye and has stiffer, darker foliage; it stays a smaller shrub of about 120 - 150 cm (4’ - 5’) and is heavily armed with thorns. ‘Madame Plantier’, in contrast, forms a larger, more lax shrub up to 300 cm (9’ 8”) with drooping, smooth stems.

Another old white rose, the Alba ‘Madame Legras de St. Germain’ (1846), is also thornless and once-blooming, but its blooms are more cream-colored and it lacks the pink bud tinge of ‘Madame Plantier’; moreover Legras has very mossy sepals and a different growth (tall and narrow vs. broad arching).

In summary, the nearly thornless canes and profuse early summer flowering set ‘Madame Plantier’ apart from most peers. Gardeners should note its one-time bloom cycle (non-remontant) – all flowers come in one magnificent flush in late spring or in early summer, with no repeat later in the season. While this limits continuous color, the sheer abundance and fragrance of that bloom more than compensate for devotees of heritage roses.

USDA 5