Stanwell Perpetual, bred by Lee, 1838, U.K.

Since I don't have a Scotch Briar section to place this rose in, I have resorted to including it with the Damask roses, to which it is somewhat related.

'Stanwell Perpetual' is one of the Scots roses, also known as Scotch Briars, which are descended from the species, R. pimpinellifolia, a rather dwarf, prickly species which is summer blooming only. The other parent of Stanwell is thought to be the Autumn Damask, R. damascena bifera. This is supposedly where Stanwell got its repeat flowering ability from. (this is purely speculative information, of course)

'Stanwell Perpetual' is the nicest of the Scots roses, in part because it blooms almost continuously. It forms a wide lax shrub of about 3 or 4 feet tall, and at least 5 feet wide. There is a very large first flush in the early summer, and a smattering of blooms for the rest of the season. Blooms are about 3" across, open flat, fully double, and have a very sweet, powerful fragrance. This is as close to a care-free rose as you can get: it is disease free, and will thrive in poor soils with a minimum of attention.

ARS merit rating: 8.5
Personal merit rating: 8.5
Hardiness: Likely USDA zones 4 to 9.
Shrub size: 2 to 4 feet tall, depending on climate.
Fragrance: 4.5 very strong fragrance.