Rose Marie Baumann

‘Marie Baumann’ is a Hybrid Perpetual rose cultivar introduced in 1863 by the Baumann brothers of Alsace, France. This classic repeat-blooming rose is celebrated for its large, richly colored blooms and strong fragrance, which secured its status as one of the finest exhibition roses of the 19th century. Today, it remains in cultivation for enthusiasts of historic “old roses,” valued for its romantic appearance and robust garden performance across temperate climates.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

FLOWERING

The blooms of ‘Marie Baumann’ are absolutely posh, they are large, very full, and richly colored. Individual flowers are typically about 10 - 12 cm in diameter (~4 - 5 inches), very full with a high petal count. They are usually borne in small clusters (bouquets) of 3 - 5 on strong lateral stems rather than one-per-stem, a trait inherited from its Hybrid Perpetual lineage. The flowers are deeply cupped to globular in shape when half-open, later flattening slightly. The inner petals are somewhat quartered or imbricated at the center when fully open, giving a classic Old rose look, while outer petals are round and reflex slightly.

The bud is ovoid and elegant, often with a pointed form. The color of the flowers can be described as rich carmine red to deep rose-pink. Contemporary color references describe it as brilliant carmine-crimson, soft carmine red or a vivid rosy red with slightly blue undertones. In full sun the blooms open to a glowing deep pink with highlights; in cooler weather or partial shade they appear a shade darker, approaching crimson. The blooms may pale slightly at petal edges as they age but generally hold color well.

As a Hybrid Perpetual, ‘Marie Baumann’ reblooms in flushes over the growing season. Its first and heaviest bloom occurs in late spring to early summer, typically June in temperate Northern Hemisphere climates. After deadheading or naturally shedding spent flowers, it can repeat bloom in late summer and into fall. The repeat is reliable but not continuous: usually one to two later flushes occur, with fewer blooms at a time than the spring crop. Some growers observe a slight lull during the hottest part of summer, with a resurgence of blooms as temperatures moderate. If not deadheaded, it may set some hips, but it is generally grown for its flowers and thus benefits from prompt removal of spent blooms to channel energy into new buds. Unlike modern everblooming roses, it will not have flowers constantly present, but its cyclic blooming was considered prolific for its era. In fact, one 19th-century evaluation praised it as floriferous and reliable.

Fragrance:

The scent of ‘Marie Baumann’ is generally strong and sweet, typical of the Hybrid Perpetual’s Damask rose ancestry. Horticultural literature consistently notes it as a very fragrant rose. For example, a 1916 nursery catalog entry: “Brilliant carmine-crimson; large, full, and of perfect form; very fragrant.”. The fragrance profile is often described as a classic “old rose” scent with damask and peony-like notes.

PLANT

Rose variety ‘Marie Baumann’ is classified as a Hybrid Perpetual (Hybride Remontant), an old garden rose class valued in the mid-19th century for repeat flowering. The introduction of ‘Marie Baumann’ came during the peak of Hybrid Perpetual development, when breeders sought to combine the rich colors and large blooms of hybrid roses with recurrent blooming habit. From its debut, ‘Marie Baumann’ gained a reputation for excellence. Notably, in 1881 it was elected by vote to the high place of the finest of all exhibition roses. Even decades after its introduction, it maintained a considerable European reputation for its beauty and performance.

‘Marie Baumann’ is a deciduous shrub rose with an upright, well-branched habit. It typically grows to about 120 - 150 cm (4’ - 5’) in height and can spread for about 90 - 120 cm (3’ - 4’) in width under cultivation. The plant of this variety bush is vigorous but moderately sized for a Hybrid Perpetual, classified by some authors as “moderate growth” in this class. The canes are stout and relatively smooth, bearing comparatively few thorns for an old rose. Contemporary and historical sources note the smoothness of its stems. In direct comparison, rosarian H.B. Ellwanger observed that to an inexperienced eye, ‘Marie Baumann’ could be mistaken for similar red Hybrid Perpetuals like ‘Alfred Colomb’ or ‘Marie Rady’, but one distinction is “that the wood [of ‘Alfred Colomb’] is much more smooth… and that late in the season the flowers have more substance and are of better quality than ‘Marie Baumann’”. This suggests ‘Marie Baumann’ has slightly rougher (though still moderately thorned) canes and that its bloom form may degrade in very late season flushes compared to some peers.

Plant ‘Marie Baumann’ in a location receiving full sun for best bloom and disease resistance. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight is recommended. In hotter regions (Zones 8–9), providing some light afternoon shade can help preserve bloom color and moisture (intense sun and heat can cause quicker fading or scorching of petals). However, too much shade will result in leggy growth and reduced flowering - in partial shade (e.g., 4 hours sun) it may survive but flower sparsely and be more prone to blackspot. An open site with good air circulation is ideal, as this helps leaves dry quickly after rain or dew, reducing mildew and fungal issues. Avoid crowding it among larger shrubs or in a stuffy corner; give it space to breathe (at least 80 - 100 cm (~ 2’6” - 3’2”) distance from neighboring plants).

Proper pruning is key to maintaining the health and form of ‘Marie Baumann’ and to stimulating its remontant bloom. Unlike once-blooming old roses, which one would prune after flowering, Hybrid Perpetuals are pruned in late winter or very early spring (similar to modern hybrid teas) because they bloom on the current season’s wood. The general rule is to prune hard in spring in cold climates, and somewhat less severely in mild climates. For an established bush prune just as buds are swelling but before new growth is long - typically late winter (February–March in moderate zones, or March–April in colder zones 5–6). If heavy frost is still expected, wait until it passes to avoid dieback of freshly cut stems. Open up the center a bit to a vase shape, promoting air flow. Remove crossing canes that might rub. The finished plant should have well-spaced canes, like spokes of a wheel. After the first big bloom flush, deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage rebloom. Cut the flowering stem down to the first or second five-leaflet leaf. This directs the plant to produce new flowering laterals. Additionally, a light trim can be done after the first flush – removing very twiggy growth and perhaps shortening overly long shoots by a third - to encourage a tidy shape and prepare for the next cycle.

‘Marie Baumann’ is typically grown as a free-standing shrub. It does not usually require staking, as its canes are sturdy, but if grown in a very windy spot or if the plant is very vigorous on rich soil (shoots exceeding 150 cm), you might support major canes to prevent them from flopping when laden with blooms.

Foliage:

The foliage is ample and considered very attractive: leaves are mid to dark green, with a glossy, smooth surface and a leathery texture (typical of Hybrid Perpetuals). Each leaf is compound, with 5 - 7 leaflets that are ovate with serrated margins. New growth may show a slight red or bronze tint, maturing to rich green. In favorable conditions the foliage is fairly disease-resistant, though in damp climates leaves may be subject to mildew.

Disease resistance:

‘Marie Baumann’ shows moderate resistance for an old rose. It was noted historically that it could be grown successfully without excessive coddling. Nevertheless, like many Hybrid Perpetuals, it has some susceptibility to powdery mildew under conducive conditions (cool nights and warm days, or poor air circulation). Black spot (Diplocarpon rosae) resistance is not frequently commented on in older literature, but field experience suggests it is average: black spot will occur on ‘Marie Baumann’ in humid climates especially late in the season, though not as severely defoliating as on some modern hybrid teas. In the absence of spraying, it may shed some lower leaves by season’s end in high-pressure disease climates. On the positive side, a scientific introduction trial in Kyiv found that many old roses including ‘Marie Baumann’ persisted well even if somewhat susceptible to common foliar diseases, implying it can survive without chemical protection.

Pest issues are generally minimal; typical rose pests (aphids, thrips) can affect buds and new growth, but no special vulnerability has been noted. Overall, ‘Marie Baumann’ can be characterized as a robust shrub with handsome foliage that, given reasonable care (good sun and air circulation), remains attractive through the season, only occasionally marred by mildew or black spot outbreaks. Regular preventive care (cleaning up fallen leaves, winter pruning) can mitigate disease carry-over, especially since it is deciduous and can be “reset” each spring.

One of the merits of ‘Marie Baumann’ is its good cold hardiness. It is generally rated hardy to USDA Zone 6b, meaning it tolerates winters down to about -20°C (-4°F) with minimal damage. In practice, it often survives even in Zone 5 (down to -23°C or -10°F) if given some protection or if snow cover is reliable. In the Kyiv Botanical Garden trial (approx USDA zone 5b/6a), it was among the cultivars noted as exceptionally frost-hardy, with no significant dieback in normal winters. That said, for zone 5 gardens, it’s prudent to offer some winter protection: in late fall, mound soil or mulch about 20 cm (8 inches) up around the base (the “rose collar”) to protect the graft and lower buds. Additionally, one can surround it with a wire mesh filled with dry leaves or straw for insulation. In very harsh zones (zone 4, -30°C), Hybrid Perpetuals often struggle unless heavily protected (e.g., bending canes down and burying, or covering with insulating materials). If attempted in zone 4, treat it like a tender shrub – perhaps grow it in a protected microclimate or accept significant winter dieback (it might resprout from base in spring). In zones 7–9, winter is not an issue; the plant may remain semi-evergreen in zone 9. There, the bigger concern is heat, not cold.

While hardy in cold climates, Hybrid Perpetuals as a class are known to prefer cool summers. ‘Marie Baumann’ is no exception - it performs best in climates with moderate summer temperatures (not exceeding mid-80s °F or ~30°C for long periods). In hot, humid regions, old European roses can be short-lived due to climate. Mississippi State University trials note that many old roses from cool climates can struggle in their conditions. However, they also point out that classes such as Hybrid Perpetuals, which have some China rose genes, were developed in warmer climate ranges (southern Europe) and some varieties can grow in the Southeast given proper care. In hot climates (dry summer, mild winter), ‘Marie Baumann’ does reasonably well as long as watered - the dry air actually reduces blackspot, but mildew can still occur if nights are cool. The bloom cycles in hot dry summers may be shorter (blooms can scorch or shatter quickly). Providing slightly filtered light during peak afternoon and keeping the plant well-watered will help the blooms last.

The cultivar name ‘Marie Baumann’ honors a member of the Baumann family closely associated with its breeder. According to rose historian references, it was dedicated to Joséphine Marie Élise Baumann (1812–1888), daughter of Augustin Baumann and cousin and wife of Auguste-Napoléon Baumann (1804–1884). This naming was a common practice in the 19th century, where prominent roses were often named for family members or patrons. The Baumann nursery, being a long-established family business (dating back to 1735 and renowned for many plant introductions, likely chose this name to commemorate their family legacy.

In French sources, the rose is sometimes listed with the possessive as “Mme Marie Baumann”, although the official name does not include a formal title. It is simply ‘Marie Baumann’ in registration. There are no known synonyms in commerce for this cultivar – unlike some old roses that carried multiple names in different countries, ‘Marie Baumann’ appears to have been consistently sold under that name worldwide.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

It was obtained in 1863 by the rose breeders and brothers Constantin and Joseph Baumann of Bollwiller, Alsace. The exact parentage of ‘Marie Baumann’ was not formally documented in the original announcement (common for that era – breeders often kept crosses secret or described them vaguely). However, strong clues and later accounts give a likely lineage. According to later rose literature summarized in French sources it originated by crossing the Hybrid Perpetual rose variety "Général Jacqueminot”(Roussel 1853) with the Hybrid Perpetual rose variety ’Victor Verdier’ (Lacharme 1859). In other words, it is believed to be a seedling of ‘Général Jacqueminot’ (the famous crimson Hybrid Perpetual) crossed with ‘Victor Verdier’ (a rose introduced just a few years prior to 1863). This parentage makes sense: ‘General Jacqueminot’ was a prolific pollen parent used by many breeders for its color and vigor, and ‘Victor Verdier’ (Lacharme 1859) was an influential Hybrid Perpetual known for its form and also used in breeding.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

After its origin in Alsace, ‘Marie Baumann’ was quickly distributed internationally. The nursery likely sent plants to clients and agents in Paris, London, and beyond. By 1865, it appears in British rose annuals, and by the late 1860s in American nursery catalogs. It was often recommended for exhibition and garden alike. For example, an English catalogue around 1870 described it as a top-quality Hybrid Perpetual. The rose’s performance in different climates soon became noted: it was hardy enough for continental winters and yet could bloom well in English summers. The geographic spread also meant it encountered different climatic challenges – it thrived in northern Europe and the U.S. Northeast. However, reports from very hot climates (e.g., the U.S. Deep South or India) were less enthusiastic, typical of many HPs which prefer temperate zones.

Beyond its showbench success, ‘Marie Baumann’ has had a lasting horticultural impact. It has been used in breeding – for example, it is a parent of the climber ‘Fragezeichen’ (Böttner, 1910) and it remains cultivated in specialty nurseries and heritage rose gardens worldwide. In modern evaluations of old roses, it continues to perform well. A Ukrainian introduction trial (Kyiv, zone ~6) found ‘Marie Baumann’ among a dozen old cultivars “perfectly suitable for landscaping” due to a combination of ornamental value and winter hardiness ^[1]. Such findings underscore the enduring significance of ‘Marie Baumann’: it is not only an important rose historically, but also a viable cultivar for present-day gardeners seeking the charm of antique roses with reliable garden performance.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTS

COMPARISON WITH THE CLOSEST COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE CULTIVAR

Among Hybrid Perpetuals and other old roses, ‘Marie Baumann’ stands out for its combination of vivid carmine-red color, large well-formed blooms, and strong fragrance. While many old roses are pink or purple, true crimson roses like ‘General Jacqueminot’ or ‘Alfred Colomb’ are its peers.

Compared to the famous ‘Général Jacqueminot’ (1853, the prototypical red HP), ‘Marie Baumann’ blooms are larger, fuller, and come in flushes beyond the spring, but ‘Jacqueminot’ is a richer scarlet and more vigorous climber.

Another similar rose ‘Alfred Colomb’ (Lacharme 1865), which some sources mistakenly linked as a parent, ‘Marie Baumann’ is slightly shorter (‘Alfred Colomb’ can reach 150 - 180 cm) and has a somewhat less refined plant habit; Also the steams of ‘Alfred Colomb’ are even smoother and its late blooms hold form better, but ‘Marie Baumann’ is earlier (introduced two years prior) and equally fragrant.

‘Marie Rady’ (Fontaine 1865) is another similar rose – a deep rose-red HP – with which ‘Marie Baumann’ is often compared. Ellwanger’s treatise indicates novices might confuse the three, underscoring how closely they resemble each other in flower color and size. However, subtle differences can be noted: ‘Marie Rady’ tends toward a more cupped form and perhaps a tad deeper hue; ‘Alfred Colomb’ has more recurving petals and a slightly lighter bright red tone.

‘Marie Baumann’ falls in between, with a saturated carmine rose color and a balanced bloom form (neither too flat nor too reflexed). Another distinguishing trait of ‘Marie Baumann’ is its relative thornlessness - many old red roses (e.g., ‘General Jacqueminot’) have very thorny canes, whereas observers of ‘Marie Baumann’ often mention its smooth stems. This makes it easier to handle in pruning and cutting. In foliage, it may have a bit more gloss compared to the duller, downy leaves of some others like ‘Baroness Rothschild’ (an HP of 1868). In terms of disease, evidence suggests ‘Marie Baumann’ might be slightly more mildew-prone than ‘Alfred Colomb’ but less so than certain susceptible HPs.

Overall, for gardeners and rosarians, ‘Marie Baumann’ is distinguished by being one of the best red repeat-blooming roses of its era, combining desirable traits in one cultivar. Its legacy in rose history and its enduring availability today speak to these exceptional qualities.

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