Jacques Cartier, bred by Moreau-Robert. France, 1868.

There is continuing confusion as to the actual identity of this rose, some saying that it may be identical to 'Marchesa Boccella'. It is also possible that the true 'Jacques Cartier' has been replaced by 'Marchesa Boccella' in commerce. Whatever the case may be, this is a fine pale pink Damask Perpetual. It tends to get quite tall, especially in milder climates where I have seen it reach a height of six feet! It is a shapely shrub that is well covered with extremely healthy, dark green foliage, and recent correspondence with other rosarians has indicated that this rose does well for most everyone no matter what their location!

Blooms are fully double, sometimes showing a button eye at the center, and the fragrance, to me, is quite strong and sweet. Some writers (Peter Beales) have suggested that to their noses, this is not a very fragrant rose. Highly recommended.

ARS merit rating: 8.9
Personal merit rating: 9.0
Hardiness: USDA zones 5 to 9, possibly zone 4 in a protected location.
Shrub size: 4 to 5 feet tall X 3 feet wide.
Fragrance: 3.5 Strong Damask fragrance.