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Albas |
Félicité Parmentier, breeder uncertain, c. 1834
The
plant itself is very upright in growth habit, which, to me, is it's
only real drawback....compared to the graceful arching growth of some
of the taller Albas like R. alba semi-plena. For many people with
small gardens, though, this is preferable, as 'Félicité
Parmentier' will stay within bounds with some pruning. Disease
resistance is pretty good, however, I have noticed that some of the
Albas will occasionally get rust. I have seen that happen on 'Félicité
Parmentier' sometimes in stressful weather, but only a few leaves
here and there, so I just carefully pick them off. (I rarely resort
to chemicals to control fungal diseases.) ARS
merit rating: 8.7
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'Félicité
Parmentier' is not typical of the Alba roses, in that it will usually
remain under 5 feet in height, and is more densely upright than most.
It is likely a hybrid with another class, possibly the Damasks.
The blooms
of 'Félicité Parmentier' are smaller than some
others (2.5") and borne in clusters of 3 to 7. In form they are immaculate,
quartered blooms, as double as you could want a rose to be. The bloom
shown here is fully opened, at which point it reflexes somewhat, forming
more of a pompon. The scent is as fine as any of the Albas....sweet
and pure and light....unlike any other class. As the Alba class is thought
to be descended from the Damasks, it seems likely that they have inherited
their fragrance from those roses in combination with R. canina genes.
This rose has one of the longest blooming periods of the once blooming
roses. I have the impression that last year, 'Félicité
Parmentier' was in flower for at least 6 weeks! There aren't many
of the old French roses that remain in flower for that long. (I have
the impression that R. alba maxima was in bloom for almost as long last
season)
