A few years ago I became very interested in heirloom roses. I had been collecting rugosas for years and came upon a beautiful heirloom rose at my parents' farm near an old abandoned house. It had the most beautiful scent and seemed to be disease resistant and quite hardy (they are in zone 4). Thus began my love of heirloom roses. The first heirloom I purchased (online) was Reine des Violettes. I thought the color was such a lovely fuschia/purple shade and of course the name had some sway, since violets are my favorite flowers.
Reine des Violettes (Queen of Violets) is a hybrid perpetual rose from 1860 France hybridized by Mille- Mallet. It has very double four inch beautifully scented flowers that grow on thornless stems. It's growth habit is tall and wide; heavy spring pruning will keep it more compact. It grows well along walls or fences. Like most roses, it does well in rich soil. This year has been a particularly good year for roses, I think due to the generous amount of rain we have had here in the northeast.
Unfortunately, the blossoms do not last long after being picked. I can not help but pick a few to enjoy the scent indoors. It is truly magnificent.
I grow mine along a fence that I can tie it to.
An absolutely perfect blossom. I love the twirl of the petals that resembles ball gowns twirling gracefully on a dance floor.
I buy many of my roses from www.heirloomroses.com
