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Mécène, bred by Vibert, France 1845.

'Mécène' is a very lovely, loosely double striped variety with a unique cupped bloom form, with about 60 petals of which the centermost ones are often folded down the mid-rib. Each bloom is about 3 inches across and they are born in generous clusters of 5 or more. Stamens are exposed clearly when fully open, as you can see, and there is sometimes a green pointel at the center instead of stigmas. As you can see, the bloom color is a deep pink stripe on top of a pale pink ground. There is a pleaseant, but not particularly strong fragrance.

The shrub is of moderate size, remaining under 4 feet in height and similar width. I have found it to be highly disease resistant, occasionally getting some mildew on the shoot tips in late Summer. This is a very sweet little rose that has a similar effect in the garden as 'Rosa Mundi', but with more petals. Well worth inclusion in any Gallica collection.

ARS merit rating: None
Personal merit rating: 8.0, but under assessment.
Hardiness: Likely USDA zones 4 to 8, zone 4 in a protected location.
Shrub size: 3 to 4 feet tall X 4 feet wide.
Fragrance: 3.0, moderate Gallica scent, spicy rather than sweet.

Original photographs and site content © Paul Barden 2006, All Rights Reserved.