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'Orpheline de Juillet', exact origin unknown, but pre-1837. 

'Orpheline de Juillet' is a fairly new Gallica in my collection, and a very welcome addition to the group. It has apprently been mistaken for 'Cardinal de Richelieu' by some, and its not hard to see why when the two are in bloom side by side. The general appearance of the bloom is very similar, with the same deep grape purple colors mixed with a bit of redder crimson at the heart of the bloom. (sorry, but the photo I have here is not quite correct color, and I cant seem to correct it.....better pics to come this summer!) Like 'Cardinal de Richelieu', this rose displays a hint of streaky white at the center of the bloom, as you can see here. There is a scent, but it is not as powerful as some of the best of this class. It is pleasant though.

In growth, this is not exactly typical of a Gallica, in that it is larger, and more sprawling, like a Damask in a way. The thorns are very evident as well, much more than a typical rose from this group, which suggests hybridity with another class, perhaps the Damasks. (There are other Gallicas that are assumed to be hybrids with the Damasks, such as 'La Belle Sultane'.) Whatever its parentage, this is a lovely dark colored rose that will form a fairly large shrub in the landscape. I have yet to see mine attain its full size, but I suspect that it will get to at least five feet tall. Sadly, I find that 'Orpheline de Juillet' is fairly prone to mildew...more than the rest. However, I find that a daily syringing in the mid morning with water keeps the mildew to a minimum. (Water spraying daily disrupts the growth cycle of mildew, and it will cease to grow. This is the sole method of mildew control I practice in my greenhouse, and I suggest you try it before you reach for chemicals!)

ARS merit rating: none assigned.
Personal merit rating: 8.5
Hardiness: Likely USDA zones 3 to 8, zone 3 in a protected location.
Shrub size: 3 to 4 feet tall X 4 feet wide
Fragrance: 3.0, moderate scent.

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