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Eugène
de Beauharnais, Alexandre
Hardy, 1838
'Eugène de Beauharnais' is, in my opinion, a fine representative
of the China class. It is most unlike the other chinas that I grow,
for example, R. chinensis viridiflora.
To look at this rose, it is not very apparent that it is a China descendent.
It doesn't have any of the twiggy sparse growth habit that the early
Chinas do, in fact it is somewhat stout and upright, with thick, fairly
heavily thorned canes. Most authorities now believe this to be a Bourbon
Hybrid.
 I
feel that I can safely say that this little rose has few, if any real
faults. It has been completely resistant to fungal diseases in my garden
where some of the Austin roses were
struggling with blackspot last summer. It remains a small plant of about
two feet tall, branching often, and sending up new canes from the base
on a regular basis. The blooms are quite variable in color, but most
of them appear in hues as you see here. It is a mix of rich purple,
crimson, and red, often showing a flash of white at the center. The
scent of these blooms is intoxicating! I cannot compare it to any other
rose.....it is simply exquisite, and very powerful. It must be experienced
to comprehend its quality.
I
do not have much experience with the China roses, but this one is one
of my favorite of all my roses. I am fond of the purples and crimsons,
and I would think that this rose will appeal to those who like roses
like Charles de Mills.
It reblooms constantly throughout the season, and unlike Austin's The
Prince, it doesn't get blackspot!
ARS merit
rating: none given
Personal merit rating: 9.0
Hardiness: Likely USDA zones
5 to 10, zone 4 in a protected location.
Shrub size: 2.5 to 3.5 feet tall X 2 feet wide
Fragrance: 5.0 strong Old Rose and candy. (well,
sort of!!!)
You can buy Eugène
de Beauharnais from an online nursery, The
Uncommon Rose.
Click on the names
below to view other varieties:
Original
photographs and site content © Paul Barden
1996-2003
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